Botkier: From Soho to Miami – All in the Name of Shades!

Since arriving on the handbag scene in 2003, Botkier has become an internationally known accessories brand on the high-fashion scene. We interviewed owner and CEO Monica Botkier on her new sunglass line, which came out last month.

“Accessories are my true love”, Botkier said. Among her famous handbags, designer Botkier has also gone on to shoes, belts and now . . . sunglasses! 

A look at the designing process.

After winning the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue Eyewear contest (along with Rebecca Minkoff and Yeohlee Teng), Botkier has created their sunglass line based on Miami style.

"Miami is a an electric city, hot and vibrant with fashion, art and Cuban influence," Botkier said.
Being that Botkier has always been a New York-based brand, it was “an exciting experience to go on-location to feel the vibe of the city”. 

The reason for debuting a sunglass collection in the fall season?

"Technically October is the start of the Holiday Resort season, in anticipation of going on a much needed vacation, you need great shades!” said Botkier.  “Botkier is an accessories brand and sunglasses are a natural extension from handbags.”

As a native New Yorker, Botkier began her career as a fashion photographer, living and working downtown when she had the idea for the now-classic Trigger bag in 2003. Botkier got the idea to create a bag for herself because "designer bags out there were not functional enough and too expensive", so she took the leathers she intended for her portfolio and brought them to a manufacturer. Her friends started asking her to create bags for them too, which has now turned into a cult following of sorts.

“The whole idea behind designing and creating a brand is expressing a point of view. I never design anything I wouldn't wear myself. Part of the fun is being creative and allowing yourself to explore,” Botkier said.

Roxy Baldovin