first looks

Rebecca Minkoff Returns to Womenswear for Spring 2009

The inspiration for Minkoff’s line.Photo: Courtesy of Rebecca Minkoff


She’s best known for her handbag line, but Rebecca Minkoff’s roots are in womenswear. And to these she will finally return, with a spring 2009 clothing line. Minkoff produced clothes from 2001 to 2005, but strong demand for her bags forced her to concentrate solely on those. Minkoff co-designed the revived line, called Rebecca Minkoff, with stylist Ilaria Urbinati (who is also a former buyer for chic L.A. boutique Milk and Danny Masterson’s partner in opening high-end L.A. boutique Confederacy). Minkoff describes the new collection as a “mix of modern and vintage,” and said it incorporates florals and graphic prints with leather detailing.

But don’t expect a big flashy, runway debut. “We’re not going to do the usual — we don’t want to do a runway show at Bryant Park with everyone else,” Minkoff said. “We want to do something a little bit more refreshing. We’re still in the planning stage of how that’s going to be.” However she decides to unveil the line, she said it will occur during Fashion Week.

The 27-year-old designer is also busy wedding planning. She became engaged to actor Gavin Bellour on Memorial Day, and will probably design special outfits for the entire wedding party. Might that include her own dress? “I’m definitely leaning in that direction,” she said.
—Fiona Byrne

Rebecca Minkoff Returns to Womenswear for Spring 2009