Star Mom Fave Accessory Designer Monica Botkier Is a Mom Herself!

Courtesy Botkier

For mom-of-three Monica Botkier, accessory designing was, well, an accident.

“I was a fashion photographer and shooting tons of amazing accessories so I became obsessed,” she tells PEOPLE Moms & Babies.

After purchasing a few designer handbags, but feeling unhappy about the functionality and the price, Botkier began designing her own purses. “I made my personal bag (the Trigger) in April 2003 and by August 2003 we were in Barneys,” she says.

Now, the native New Yorker’s bags and shoes are worn by some of Hollywood’s most famous mamas, including Angelina Jolie (below left carrying the Sasha medium duffle), Halle Berry (below right wearing the Marnie boots), Jessica Alba, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Heidi Klum.

And the popularity probably has a lot to do with the fact that Botkier doesn’t sacrifice fashion for function in her designs. “There’s no reason to compromise either one,” she says.

Botkier, who says she’s inspired by “busy, modern and fashion-forward” New York women, also gets ideas from her 6-year-old daughter.

“She loves shoes and bags. Every time she comes to my office she draws a new bag and waits to see the prototype,” Botkier says.

Courtesy Botkier

That creativity has given her another idea: the possibility of a children’s line. “I’d love to,” she shares. “I have so many ideas about how to build a practical and fashionable wardrobe for kids that I’d relish the opportunity. One day.”

For now, she’s busy enough balancing her burgeoning line with motherhood. “It isn’t easy, but having a great team both at the office and at home helps a lot,” she admits.

“There are definitely long days, but it’s a love for family and a love for Botkier. There’s no reason a woman can’t have it all — the career and family.”

Ambler/St. Clair /Splash News Online; Fame

— Kate Hogan

Comments

Beatiful bags, but rediculously expensive. Not sure how she was “unhappy with the price” of designer bags, because hers are crazy expensive too!

Not many moms can spend $500 on a handbag or pair of shoes – not when it would buy clothes for all my kids for a couple years. Give me a beautiful bag for $75 and I would be more tempted to splurge on myself.

- miche on December 6th, 2010

I’m afraid to see what her idea of “practical” for kids would be. Probably $300 for one shirt.
It’d be great to have a nice bag, but not when the cost of the bag exceeds the cost of groceries for a month. The economy hasn’t bounced back THAT much.

- Angel on December 6th, 2010

It’s funny that she’s apparently all into fashion and then is wearing a hideous, cheap-looking sweater. Sorry to be catty, but she should walk the talk, not just talk it.

- Shannon on December 6th, 2010

I own two of her bags and they are beyond amazing. They fit more inside than you would expect, and for a mother that is important. The quality and design are what keeps me wanting to add more.

- Rima on December 6th, 2010

Miche- Botkier bags actually are a lot less expensive than high-end designer bags, which go for around $2000. Compared to that, $500 is a steal. Obviously that is still a lot of money for the typical mom, but a whole lot less than say, a Chanel bag!

- Astrid on December 7th, 2010

1. For all those who may not know, a handbag that is worth $500 is actually a middle class luxury! High end designer handbags go for $1000 and more!

2. Botkier pays extreme attention to details and therefore the bags that they put forth are of amazing quality and can last you for many years to come!

3. Shannon, why are you criticizing her sweater when you can’t even see it? That makes no sense!

- Vera on December 8th, 2010