Rebecca Minkoff is expanding her handbag and ready-to-wear portfolio with the introduction of a 25-style shoe collection.
The footwear will be offered in stores for spring and will make their debut at Minkoff’s rtw presentation next month during fashion week in New York. The line will retail for $160 to $395.
“I’ve always been obsessed with shoes,” said Minkoff, who launched her namesake handbag brand five years ago and branched out into rtw in 2008. “I’ve been wanting to do this for three years, but I wanted to wait until it felt right.”
Uri Minkoff, chief executive officer of his sister’s business, said he viewed the shoe collection as a chance “to expand brand awareness.…This new initiative is a key ingredient toward making large gains for next year and beyond.”
The styles will include a distressed, split-sole penny loafer (with a signature Rebecca Minkoff penny), a stacked tan-and-black mesh pump, cork wedges with cutouts and relaxed leather flats with a hidden miniwedge speckled with gold grommets. Most of the styles display signature leather detailing, called the “MAB flap.” (MAB is short for Morning After Bag, Minkoff’s first handbag, on which the feature appeared.) The Doll ankle bootie, in leather, suede and calf hair, will be offered with every new line.
The collection will be available globally and on the company’s e-commerce site, which includes a section where customers can design their own bags for order.
Minkoff recently introduced a line of men’s bags for holiday. “Last year was all about being cautious and practical…[but now] we’re driving the business forward full steam, debuting new lines and enhanced e-commerce,” the designer said.