Monica Botkier

By Heather Summerville
July 30, 2010

Back in 2003, when Monica Botkier’s now infamous Trigger bag hit stores, you couldn’t walk a single block in certain New York City neighborhoods without passing a few dozen of these cool carryalls. And to think, it all started when the native New Yorker (a former photographer) decided to create a bag with edge, function and a not-too-scary price tag—seems like someone could have thought of that sooner! These days, the high ratio of Botkier bags on the the streets hasn’t changed, only you’re likely to see a medley of her cult-status designs: the crossbody Aiden, the Maddie satchel or our new favorite, the chain strap Ava hobo. We caught up with the busy accessories designer and chatted about her new Nolita boutique, the vintage jewelry collection she started when she was a kid and how as a notorious straight shooter, she managed to channel her inner bad girl when designing the Fall 2010 collection.

The Inside Source: We're a little late on this, but congratulations on your new boutique! It opened in January, right? How did you choose the space?

Monica Botkier: Yes, thank you! We’re very proud of our little jewel box in the heart of Nolita. I looked for the perfect space for a long time and felt like Nolita had the just-right mix of hipsters, fashionistas and edgy, NYC attitude.

TIS: Any plans to open more?

MB: Yes, definitely. We don't have a specific time frame, but eventually we’ll do more NYC locations—and I would love to do a store in L.A.

TIS: We’re getting a sneak peek of your Fall 2010 collection, what was the inspiration?

MB: Our design statement is: “Fearlessly embrace your inner Bad Girl.” It’s an ode to iconic bad girls that have that effortless-cool factor going on.

TIS: And how does that play out in the collection?

MB: I incorporated masculine and edgy design details—chains, studding, tassels—and exotic materials, like embossed metal snakeskin, metallic mermaid and metal python. It all speaks to the iconic bad girl.

TIS: Last year, you did that great collaboration with Joy Bryant, Minnie Driver and Michelle Trachtenberg to raise money for OXFAM. Any chance you’ll be doing that again? And if so, any tips on getting our hands on one of the bags before they sell out this time?

MB: I'm definitely going to continue this, adding a new celebrity for the winter. But I can't tell you who or how to get one just yet. Stay tuned!

TIS: Your personal bag collection is obviously very well stocked. What bag are you carrying
these days?

MB: The Ava hobo in metal snake—I'm obsessed. It effortlessly transitions from day to night.

TIS: And if we emptied it out, what would we find?

MB: My BlackBerry, sketchbook, measuring tape, flip camera, keys, sunglasses and of course, Rosebud lip salve!

TIS: We love to hear about people’s collections. Is there anything you obsessively seek out?

MB: I love antique jewelry. I’ve been collecting it since I was a little girl, when my dad first introduced me to it. I have well over 100 pieces. But my favorite will always be the ornate gold and enamel ring my dad gave me in grade school—I wear it to this day.

TIS: Has eBay helped out that collection any?

MB: I found this amazing vintage Art Deco ring that I am still in awe of. And a good friend of mine introduced me to Linda’s Stuff on eBay. Everything I buy there comes on time, packaged nicely, and is always in the condition she says. Yep, I love eBay.