Designer Rebecca Minkoff on Instagram, Essie, and NYC
Designer and mother of two Rebecca Minkoff talks NYC, Essie, and social media. (Photo: Instagram)
Rebecca Minkoff has an unwavering appreciation for Manhattan. The designer, whose self-titled brand took off with an “I Love New York” t-shirt, says the city is still her main muse. “The streets of New York have always been one of my favorite places to draw inspiration from. The city is filled with design motivation – from the people, to the graffiti on the walls,” says Minkoff. “Everyone has a unique dressing sensibility, and it always inspires me to try something new with my designs.” Both NYC style and French actress and pop singer Françoise Hardy’s nonchalant attitude toward fashion influenced Minkoff’s just-debuted Resort 2016 collection.
Besides bustling cabs and shiny skyscrapers in the Big Apple, being a mom of two children under the age of three has impacted everything from Minkoff’s designs to her beauty regimen (which completes in a New York minute give or take a few extra seconds). As a mom, Minkoff now often skips doing her hair so she can spend more morning time with her little ones.
Still, hair, makeup and nails are important to her. Minkoff is, after all, Essie’s Global Color Designer, and she’s even considered creating her own line within the beauty space. Over a manicure, Minkoff talked all about her addictive Instagram account, filters, family, and finding overnight success.
What is your beauty style?
Simplistic. I have always favored a more natural look when it comes to hair and makeup. Fuss-free style is a mantra of mine. Right now, my look is all about loose waves, sleek eyeliner and subtle, sun-kissed skin.
Essie named you its Global Color Designer. What does this partnership entail?
My relationship with Essie has been ongoing for many seasons now and the relationship evolved so organically. My role entails picking color and inspiration for each season, and I hope to bring a fresh take to color and innovation in nails.
We want to know your Instagram secrets. What are your favorite filters, editing apps?
Instagram is my favorite social platform. Whether I’m traveling, at an event, or at home with my kids, I am constantly snapping photos on my iPhone for Instagram. I use a mix of editing apps like Afterlight, with the in-app Instagram tools and filters. Right now, I really like to add in a light layer of the Nashville filter.
You are amazing with social media. What are your secrets to taking off in the social media space?
I use social media as a two-way conversation. Since the beginning of my company, I have listened to the RM [Rebecca Minkoff] girl on forums, blogs and through social media channels, utilizing her feedback as an important step in production. To this day, I am constantly engaging with my girl on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook through likes and comments. I have also hosted Twitter chats, Google hangouts, and Periscope live-streams that open up a dialogue between myself and my social fans and followers. I even crowd-sourced a new handbag design on Instagram, based on fans and followers’ inspiration photos.
Minkoff with her two children. (Photo: Instagram)
What’s it like working with family and your brother Uri?
Working with my brother has been an incredible experience. He is truly the driving force behind our connected stores. It was his vision brought to life, amongst many other tech and business endeavors. He is so skilled at identifying ways to stay ahead of the curve and continue pushing ahead in terms of business development. He challenges me. We do have moments of disagreement from time to time, but ultimately we both maintain the focus of what it best for our customer and for the brand overall.
How has being a mom has changed your beauty routine?
Being a mom has certainly taught me to prioritize my time to the max. If I have a jam-packed day ahead of me – which is most days – I make sacrifices in order to capitalize on the most important moments, like eating breakfast as a family. If I leave the house without a blowout some days, so be it.
What are your five must-have products for being beautiful on-the-go?
I have my go-to products that I keep on hand for a quick on the go touch up. I always keep a small bottle of Joanna Vargas Daily Serum on hand. I apply it every morning under my makeup. I keep it on hand for the days that I have a session with my trainer or for reapplication before touch ups for an event. I also love Kevyn Aucoin liquid liner for that perfect, precise eye. I never leave the house without a bottle of Essie nail polish on hand for quick touch-ups in a pinch. Dry shampoo is always my saving grace. I loveTRESemme’s Fresh Start because it gives great volume. Lip Gloss is another must. I love a light color gloss.
What was it like having overnight success after The Tonight Show?
The success that followed Jenna Elfman wearing the “I Love NY” T-shirt on The Tonight Show was incredible. It was overwhelming for a moment, but was the exact type of momentum I was looking to achieve. At the time, it was literally just me making the T-shirts on the floor of my East Village walk-up apartment [in New York City]. I spent an entire summer fulfilling orders.
You expanded your empire and reputation from being more than a bag lady. It’s now a global brand. What advice do you have for girls and women looking to follow in your footsteps?
Stay true to yourself and follow your passion. Even if your dream seems unattainable, you can achieve it if you stay focused, driven and diligent.
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