Rebecca Minkoff is one of the most popular contemporary American brands of the moment. Her minimalistic designs have won her a loyal following amongst women across different age demographics as an entry-level bag.
The American fashion designer represents the idea of ‘affordable luxury’ with bags that became an instant hint amongst Millennials.
We’re looking in-depth at the brand and what makes it so popular with women looking for a high-quality bag without breaking the bank.
How Can I Tell if a Rebecca Minkoff Bag Is Real?
Just like any recognizable brand, there are thousands of counterfeit Rebecca Minkoff bags in circulation.
However, it can be more challenging to spot a fake Rebecca Minkoff bag than a fake bag from a luxury brand because Rebecca Minkoff’s bags do not have the same type of monograms or distinctive features.
To further complicate the situation, genuine Rebecca Minkoff bags are also made in China, where most counterfeit bags originate.
The best way to buy an authentic Rebecca Minkoff bag is to purchase directly from the brand or a licensed stockist like Nordstrom or Zappos.
The best way to ensure you’re purchasing an authentic Rebecca Minkoff handbag is to buy directly from an authorized Rebecca Minkoff store or retailer (Credit: Lentamart / Shutterstock)
You can often find these bags on sale, and the official website always runs promotional codes to help you save money.
If you’re trying to authenticate a Rebecca Minkoff bag, there are a few things you should be looking out for. Like any bag, you want to make sure the name’s font matches the branding and that there are no typos.
While the bags are not made by hand, quality control is in place, so there shouldn’t be noticeable wear and tear on a new bag.
Genuine Rebecca Minkoff bags are made using real leather. When you pick the bag up, it should smell like leather and feel like butter in your hands.
Genuine Rebecca Minkoff bags are made with high-quality leather that should feel soft and supple
If the material is rough and feels made of plastic, it should be an instant red flag. A counterfeit bag will often have an unpleasant chemical smell to it.
While Rebecca Minkoff bags don’t retain value as much as luxury bags, you want to be careful of listings that appear too good to be true. Few people are going to sell a $400 purse for $40.
It’s also worth keeping an eye out for websites that are masquerading as the official Rebecca Minkoff site.
If you have doubts about a website’s authenticity, it’s always a good idea to double-check before handing over your personal details.
Where Are Rebecca Minkoff Bags Made?
One thing that holds Rebecca Minkoff from being a luxury brand is the origin of her bags. While other brands choose to produce their bags in Europe or the US, Rebecca Minkoff manufactures their bags in China. Some of the brand’s bags are also made in Vietnam and Indonesia.
Some handbag lovers prefer not to buy ‘made in China’ bags as the phrase is often associated with low-quality and mass-produced products.
Others argue that producing goods in countries where labor laws are not as strict as in the United States is unethical. Additionally, some people believe that the environmental impact of manufacturing in China is too high.
If it weren’t for the “made in China” tag, you probably wouldn’t know where Rebecca Minkoff bags are made. The bags are made using high-quality materials and are arguably as well-made as those made in Europe or the US.
Rebecca Minkoff and her husband Gavin Bell attend the 12th Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic at Liberty State Park on June 1, 2019, in Jersey City, New Jersey (Credit: Derrick Salters / WENN)
Rebecca Minkoff bags were made in the US until the mid to late 2000s before production was gradually transitioned to China around 2008. You may still find older bags on the second-hand market that feature a “made in the US” label.
“We’re not looking to raise prices. I think we’re willing to take a hit because it’s not fair to pass off this punishment to our customers,” Rebecca Minkoff said on CNBC’s Closing Bell in September 2018 after President Donald Trump raised tariffs on imported products from China.
Does Rebecca Minkoff Use Real Leather?
Rebecca Minkoff bags are made using genuine leather, making them soft to the touch. These bags get better with age as the material becomes softer over time.
The leather material justifies the price point of the Rebecca Minkoff bags and actually proves their value for money.
Rebecca Minkoff is your brand if you’re looking for a high-quality and versatile bag at an attainable price point. It’s more minimalistic than competitors like Kate Spade and has more of an edge than preppy brands like Tory Burch.
Is Rebecca Minkoff a Luxury Brand?
Rebecca Minkoff falls into what we consider to be the ‘contemporary designer’ category.
While the bags might seem expensive, they don’t qualify as being a luxury brand in the same way as heritage brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Chanel.
Rebecca Minkoff is an excellent option if you are looking for a stylish and well-made bag that won’t break the bank. The brand offers a wide variety of bags, so you will surely find one that suits your style and budget. It’s at a similar price point to brands like Tory Burch, Kate Spade, and the former Marc by Marc Jacobs range.
Rebecca Minkoff backpack, clutch, shoulder bag, and tote
While Rebecca Minkoff is more expensive than bags in a high-street store, they often go on sale and change almost seasonally.
We would class Rebecca Minkoff as being at the “attainable luxury” price point but well out of the league of ‘true’ luxury brands with a significantly higher price point and richer heritage.
Sara Escudero shows off her authentic Rebecca Minkoff handbag during New York Women’s Fashion Week (Credit: The Styleograph / WENN)
Do Rebecca Minkoff bags have a lifetime guarantee?
No, Rebecca Minkoff does not offer a lifetime warranty on its bags. However, the company does offer a one-year warranty on products purchased from its authorized retailers.
This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. If your bag is defective within one year of purchase, Rebecca Minkoff will repair or replace it free of charge.
Do Rebecca Minkoff bags have serial numbers?
No, Rebecca Minkoff bags do not have serial numbers. The company does not include serial numbers on its bags to combat counterfeiting.
Instead, Rebecca Minkoff bags are authenticated by a combination of factors, including the quality of the materials, the stitching, and the hardware.
If you’re starting your journey of collecting handbags or don’t want to commit to spending a four-figure sum, Rebecca Minkoff is a great brand to experiment with. You’re not spending thousands of dollars, and it’s easier to justify purchasing a ‘trendy’ bag.