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 taking an in-depth look 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.
As Rebecca Minkoff bags don’t have the same type of monograms or distinctive features as luxury bags, it can be harder to spot a fake. Genuine Rebecca Minkoff bags are also made in China, where most counterfeit bags originate from.
The best way to guarantee that you’re getting an authentic Rebecca Minkoff bag is to purchase directly from the brand or a licensed stockist like Nordstrom or Saks Fifth Avenue.
You can often find these bags on sale and the official website is always running promotional codes to help you save money off.
Sara Escudero shows off her authentic Rebecca Minkoff handbag during New York Women Fashion Week (Credit: The Styleograph / WENN)
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 font of the name matching the branding and that there are no typos.
While the bags are not made by hand, there is quality control in place, so there shouldn’t be obvious 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.
Rebecca Minkoff’s Italian-leather MAC shoulder bag featuring an optional chain strap
If the material is rough and feels like it is 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 their value as much as a luxury bag, you want to be careful of listings that appear to be too good to be true. Few people are going to sell a $400 bag for $40.
It’s also worth keeping an eye out for websites that are masquerading as the official Rebecca Minkoff site.
If you have any doubts about the authenticity of a website, 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 handbag lovers prefer not to buy ‘made in China’ bags as the phrase is often associated with low-quality and mass-produced products.
If it wasn’t for the ‘made in China’ tag, you probably wouldn’t be able to tell where Rebecca Minkoff bags are made. Although the bags are made in China, they are produced using real leather – just like they would be 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 had previously been made in the US during 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 products imported 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.
If you’re looking for a bag that is at an attainable price point, high-quality, and versatile, Rebecca Minkoff is the brand for you. It’s more minimalistic than other 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. These brands are in two very different categories.
What this American brand provides is an entry-level way to buy well-constructed and unique bags. 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 you’ll find 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 that have a significantly higher price point and richer heritage.
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.