FashionIndie » botkier

Body Balancing Backpacks

Jessica Lapidos — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:12:26 +0000

Everyone can use a little balance from time to time. And what Spa Week and Czeching out foreign spas have made me realize is that our backs are a precious, precious place. Even out the load you carry by taking on a backpack, and save the hunch for editorial. Right now, you can win the sleek Botkier Misha backpack on FashionIndie. But in case you’re not the lucky winner, here are 10 more that we love.

Wang makes a rucksack with mucho storage. The straps also zip together for when you'd rather carry it off one shoulder.

The Rizzler's sassy tassels will carry all your stuff on the fringe.

With an essence of the Givenchy Pandora bag, this one closes square and hangs evenly.

Neutrally crescent, it's an ideal purse replacement.

Stripe it clean on canvas then flap it.

This small satchel acts like lumbar support as it rests low on the back.

A chill out pack to take downtown or out of town.

Sunflower with a hint of mustard, this brightens up the back.

Let someone else break in your pack for you. This vintage style sack looks like it's been yours forever.

MK and A draw the string on fine leathers.

Botkier Misha Backpack

Amanda Gabriele — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:34:44 +0000

You can WIN this stunning Botkier Misha Backpack, valued at $635. Click to find out more.

How can you WIN the fabulously utilitarian Misha Backpack from Botkier? Comment below and email amanda@fashionindie.com and let us know what fall essentials you would keep in your new bag. Good luck and may the best comment win.

If you have questions about Botkier, ask me on Twitter @CrystlMeatballs.

WIN: A. Toy Unisex Carryall Bag

Jessica Lapidos — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:51:15 +0000

There are only 99 of this bag in the world. ONE of them could be yours. Win this $495 A. Toy duffle! Find out how here. Alex Toy made a toy of the coolest type for a kid of our kind: a chic bag that can fit the world. A. Toy creates bags that make sense and are made well with the softest leather and strongest canvas. We caught up with him about the Andy Duffle which we are giving away here NOW. Alex tells us what makes his bags unique and unisex, and what it is about some other bags in the world that really grinds his gears.

TO WIN: In the comments below, tell us your biggest bag pet peeve. Are the handles too short? Is it a cell phone black hole? Too lazy to buckle the buckle? The most fed up wins a the A. Toy Andy Duffle pictured here.

Like or Follow A.Toy to qualify. Get kvetching.

FashionIndie: What was the moment when you decided to make the leap from working for other designers [Botkier, Olivia Harris by Joy Gryson...] to going indie?

Alex Toy: A. Toy started out with a desire to create something unique, special and, selfishly, for myself. I was always on the lookout for a cool everyday bag for myself. I hate it when you’re out and 3 other people are wearing that same thing. For A. Toy it’s not about having this huge global brand, it’s about designing a coveted product that people appreciate.

FI: Your philosophy on no-pretension bags is spot on. What is your biggest pet peeve about certain other bags in the world?

A. Toy: My biggest pet peeve about other bags is loading them up with too many [non-functioning] details. Bags are meant to be functional and, to me, that is the most important feature.

On the interior of all my bags there is a removable pouch that snaps in place. This pouch also snaps into other A. Toy bags which is perfect for cell phone chargers or any other necessary things when switching from one bag to another. Also I designed my dust bag so that it can also be used as a large tote bag. It’s all in the details!

FI: The unisex aspect is also on point – what are some elements you included/omitted to make it work for both guys and ladies?

A. Toy: In terms of design, I always focus more on the masculine side first. Men will rarely carry a feminine bag but a woman carrying amasculine bag is super sexy.

FI: Who have you been most excited to see wear A. Toy?

A. Toy: Everyday people in the city – those are the people I design for. It’s the best feeling to see people rocking A. Toy. It makes me feel like I am doing something right.

FI: What thoughts and sights are sparking the ideas for your next collection of bags?

A. Toy: As the collection evolves I am making the product even more special and unique. Un-expected combinations of trim leathers that make the bags stand out in a good way. You will see!

FI: Where did YOTA come from and why is he so freaking cute??

A. Toy: YOTA came out of the need to create something fun and special. I love Kidrobot toys and the surprise of not knowing which toy you would get was the best part. Not all A. Toy bags come with a YOTA so when you do get one it just makes it that much more special.

Yota is created from scrap leather - nothing is wasted.

Kopyfight: The Botkier vs. Kardashian Kollection Shakedown

Amanda Gabriele — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 13:32:56 +0000

It seems the Kardashian sisters can’t keep their eyes on their own test. Luxury handbag brand Botkier is in an uproar after seeing the resemblance between the “Trigger Clyde” bag from their Fall 2009 collection and a bag from the Kardashian Kollection for Sears. What do you think – coincidence or copyright infringement?

Botkier knows better than to let this slide. The brand wrote on its blog: “We just discovered how our Botkier ‘Clyde’ was simply copied by Kardashian Kollection for Sears. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery but we don’t think so…”

They are also seeking help from the CFDA, who recently launched the You Can’t Fake Fashion campaign. It’s true, the only real difference between these bags is the Botkier (left) is chic and the Kardashian Kollection knockoff (right) is ugly as shi*t. Do you think imitation is the highest form of flattery or is this similarity just plain wrong?

LINK LOVE: Fashionista

12 Best Makeup Bags to Hold All Your Essentials

Amanda Gabriele — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:42:32 +0000

If you’re like us, you have multiple, unorganized bags, drawers and trunks full of cosmetics you may not be sure what to do with. We collect so much makeup, it’s easy to forget about everything not considered an everyday essential. How to solve this problem of sloppy cosmetic cataloging? The answer is cosmetic cases, many of them, each filled with something different. All of our lipstick in one bag with nothing else – AMEN. Here are our 12 favorite makeup bags so you can get to organizing your beauty routine stat.

Gucci New Balthus Cosmetic Case $180 – Classic Italian luxury. Need we say more?

YOU CAN’T FAKE FASHION Sells Out Before You Can Say “Chanel”

Amanda Gabriele — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:07:09 +0000

It’s no secret counterfeiting is a huge problem in the fashion industry. People with no shame whatsoever tote fake Chanel, Prada, Burberry and Louis bags all over town, acting like hot sh*t when really they’re not fooling anyone. As a stylish way to raise awareness against counterfeit goods and celebrate original design within the fashion industry, the CFDA collaborated with eBay to produce a collection of original canvas tote bags bearing the tagline YOU CAN’T FAKE FASHION, which sold out before we could blink an eye. But not to worry! You can still get your hands on one of these fab styles.

One-of-a-kind totes customized by CFDA designers including Diane Von Furstenberg, Badgley Mischka, Jason Wu, Marchesa, and Botkier may have sold out, but you can still snag the standard tote for a mere $35. Check out the YOU CAN’T FAKE FASHION page in eBay’s Fashion Vault to purchase the bag above and see what you missed.

The 20 Best Stand-Out Prom Accessories

Amanda Gabriele — Mon, 09 May 2011 18:13:20 +0000

Prom is right around the corner, and everyone is running around in a tizzy looking for the perfect dress. And what’s more, after finding the ultimate gown, you need the perfect pieces to accessorize with. Check out our guide to the 20 best prom accessories so you can choose the bag, shoes, jewelry and hair piece right for you. Forget cheap rhinestones, dye-able shoes and tiaras – these are the pieces you want for prom 2011.

Jewelry – These accessories sparkle and shine without tacky rhinestones or matching set disasters. If you’re looking to stand out with bold statement pieces, look no further than our top five.

Clockwise from top left:
Trina Turk Nugget Earrings $70, maxandchloe.com

Robindira Unsworth Juicy Bangles $450, robindira.com

Kenneth Jay Lane Turquoise Beaded Octopus Ring $165, macys.com

Lagos Caviar™ Ring $375, nordstrom.com

DANNIJO Florence Necklace $545, dannijo.com

Shoes - Get your head out of the prom salon and into something that will make a statement. If you chose a dress based on elegance, minimalism and fit, an architecturally divine shoe will be a perfect pairing for your frock.

Clockwise from top left:
Chinese Laundry Hot Island in Red Suede $200, chineselaundry.com

House of Harlow 1960 Pearl Pumps $169, bloomingdales.com

United Nude Frame Shoe $545, solestruck.com

Bebe Gold Brice Pump $144, heels.com

Rock & Republic Loretta Chain Platform $295, zappos.com

Bags - Why settle for a plain, boring bag when you can turn up the volume and the bling? These bags won’t be tossed to the side after prom night is over because they’re too cool not to carry again.

Clockwise from top left:
Whiting & Davis Art Nouveau Wristlet $145, endless.com

Chloé Elsie Crystal-Embellished Leather Clutch $1,835, mytheresa.com

SANG A Plush Clutch $1,740, kirnazabete.com

Paco Rabanne “Le 69″ Bag $1,152, colette.fr

Botkier Night-Out Crossbody Clutch $137, couture.zappos.com

Hair – You don’t need to be queen to flaunt a regal hairdo at prom. Feathers, crystals and flowers add a fun touch to a sleek hairdo. Ditch the curls and braids for one of our five favorites above.

Clockwise from top left:
Jacques Vert Dusty Blue Royal Affair Fascinator $129, houseoffraser.co.uk

Eugenia Kim Claudia Feather-Embellished Headband $125, net-a-porter

Topshop Large Lime Orchid Clip $25, us.topshop.com

1928 Winging It Filigree Vintage Hair Barrette $14, 1928.com

Colette Malouf Crystal And Pearl Flower Wire Comb $96, boutique1.com

How do you plan on accessorizing for prom 2011?

Lake Bell Partners With Botkier for a Great Cause

Amanda Gabriele — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:00:04 +0000

One of our favorite handbag brands has just announced a celebrity-designed bag that is perfect for spring and helps support an amazing charity. Actress Lake Bell of HBO’s How to Make it in America partnered with super chic handbag brand Botkier to create The Lake Satchel, a classic bag from which 50 percent of proceeds go to Oxfam International.

Perfect for the girl on the go, The Lake Satchel isn’t too big and can be worn cross-body or carried in the hand. It has a classic seventies inspired silhouette, but the color-blocking keeps this vintage-looking bag modern and fresh. The Botkier Lake Satchel is being sold exclusively at Shopbop. Hurry and get yours before they’re gone! You’ll be helping Oxfam end poverty and injustice in the process.

Elegance, Edge & Utility for Botkier’s Fall 2011 Handbag Collection

Amanda Gabriele — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 21:04:02 +0000

When fashion photographer Monica Botkier launched her handbag line in 2003, she took inspiration from the fast-paced lives of New Yorkers to design a collection that was both luxurious and utilitarian. Eight years later, the Botkier Fall 2011 collection still embodies her philosophy, combining the finest Italian leathers and custom-made hardware with smart design meant to carry your life and last for years. Supple leathers of all colors including purple, leopard and pumpkin are adorned with straps, heavy-duty zippers and hardware resembling bullets and rivets. There is a bag for every occasion and city lifestyle, from the tote with enough room for a laptop, a change of clothes and a makeup case to the cross-body bag that seamlessly goes from a daytime shopping session to a long night of partying. With each piece carrying a personality of its own, you’re going to want every bag from this Botkier collection.

This is For Charity: The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary

FashionIndie — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:59:49 +0000

Ok, glamettes listen up because this is for charity. We all know that only thing more glamorous than an amazing pair of heels is if the proceeds of those heels go to people in need. Yes, I have an inner Audrey Hepburn. This particular event is very exciting though, it involves the 70th anniversary of The Wizard Of Oz, the world’s best shoe designers and The Elizabeth Glazer Pediatrics AIDS Foundation.

I usually make it a rule to write all of my own posts word for word. However, I will make an exception this one time, as I want to make sure I convey all of the information correctly.

So, from the official website: http://www.rubyslipperauction.com/ here is the information, feel free to peruse the website and bid on your own pair of ruby slippers. xoxo

From Beverly Hills to Berlin; from big screens to home screens, Warner Bros. Entertainment has for the past year been celebrating the 70th anniversary of an iconic American classic The Wizard of Oz with spectacular festivities spanning the globe. As part of this celebration, Warner Bros. Consumer Products in partnership with CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements invited the world’s top shoe designers to reinterpret Dorothy’s iconic Ruby Slippers for modern times.

“If Dorothy were living in the 21st century, what would she wear?” was the question answered by The Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Collection, a creative re-interpretation of one of film’s most iconic and revered symbols which has captured the hearts and imaginations of people the world over. Designers, including A. Testoni, Abaete, Alberta Ferretti, Betsey Johnson, Botkier, Christian Louboutin, Diane von Furstenberg, Giuseppe Zanotti, Jimmy Choo, L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani, Lisa Pliner, Manolo Blahnik, Moschino, Oscar de la Renta, Roger Vivier, Sergio Rossi, Stuart Weitzman, Tibi, and Tuleh, were granted creative license and access to unlimited CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements to re-imagine Dorothy’s design with their own modern vision of the sparkling Ruby Slipper.

Since its debut one year ago in New York City to kick off Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, the Collection has toured more than 20 prestigious destinations around the world, including Los Angeles, Miami, Paris, Tokyo, Dubai and Melbourne. The Ruby Slipper Collection and original design sketches will now be auctioned online by Charity Folks beginning 10:00 AM EST on September 10 to benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. The public has one final chance to view The Ruby Slipper Collection in entirety at the Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ flagship store at 499 Broadway in New York City from September 10th — 23rd; the exhibit will be run simultaneously to the online auction.

Also featured in the auction are select pieces from The Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection which premiered during the highly anticipated and revered Art Basel Miami Beach 2008. An acclaimed array of artists were among the chosen few selected to re-interpret The Wizard of Oz through their own unique visions and artistic mediums. Included in the auction are one-of-a-kind interpretive works of art including painting, drawing and sculpture from esteemed artisans Angelo Aversa, Romero Britto, Nelson De La Nuez, Todd White and Yakovetic.

The auction will culminate at 10:00 PM on Thursday, September 24, with the Warner Bros. Entertainment Emerald Gala, a glorious event at Manhattan’s historic Tavern on the Green hosted by its owner and CEO Jennifer Oz LeRoy, granddaughter of The Wizard of Oz producer Mervyn LeRoy; introducing Warner Home Video’s new benchmark The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition Blu-Ray release on September 29th.

Please, at least go to the website and have a look. It’s for a really good cause!!!

More pics and info here.

Sample Sale: Botkier, 50% Off

Lilith Valsoe — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:58:17 +0000

Like I need another excuse to spend money on pretty, pretty things (we’ll ignore whether or not I can actually afford it)—Botkier is having a heavy-duty sample sale and unloading their merch at 50-70% off. Images of this season’s tasty treats are below—an indicator of how lovely the merch will be that you can expect to find at the sample sale. To snag something for yourself, visit 172 Mercer (btwn Prince & Mercer) from 6/19-6/22. Call 646-747-4149 for hours.

Sneak Peak: Botkier For Target

Rebecca Alexander — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 20:21:02 +0000

On July 20 Botkier’s handbag line for Target hits stores and we have your sneak peak at the new collection, which, may I say, I am very impressed with. The collection is very similar to Botkier’s original line and at Target prices, I may just pick up a bag or two.

Designer Monica Botkier describes it as “a mix of luxury and utility with a downtown edge. It is for the chic, modern woman — it features rich textures and luxe metallics, combining my signature use of hardware as the jewelry of a handbag while still keeping a focus on functionality.”