Botkier for Target

October 6th, 2008 by crystal

Yet another designer has a line at Target. This is kind of old news, but worth discussing since we’re now shopping for Fall bags.
Monica Botkier released her first handbag line in 2003. She’s made quite a name for herself in just 5 years, a favorite among celebs like Angelina Jolie. To celebrate 5 years of designing, she released a footwear line this Spring.
Her design style is reflective of her New York roots. Edgy, urban and downtown, her bags are perfect for trendy ladies who want to show off their cutting-edge fashion style.
The Botkier designer line is priced just below high-end designer labels, making the bags a more affordable option than, say, Chanel.

This Summer, the Botkier for Target line started showing up in stores. All of the purses are priced below $30, represent Fall 2008 handbag trends, and are nice affordable versions of her designer line.

I always wonder what will happen to the actual label when designers create these affordable lines. Does it make the designer bag more or less desirable?
I, for one, love when designers do this because I’m one of those who ends up buying more than one bag for the season. That’s much more doable when the bags are $20 instead of $600!

Read on to see Botkier bags from her designer line compared to the much more affordable Target version! On the left, I’ll show the Designer bag. On the right, the Target bag.

Satchel

On the left is the ‘Bianca Medium Satchel’ sold for $595. Made from goat skin and lined with suede, this bag is very high-quality.
On the right is the ‘Gray Python Satchel’ sold for $19.99. The exterior of this bag is made with PVC plastic. The interior is cotton.

Hobo

On the left is the ‘Gemma Small Hobo’ sold for $675. Made of fine Italian leather, lined with logo lining including a logo plate, this bag is the definition of luxe.
On the right is the ‘Silver Hobo Bag’ sold for $24.99. This bag is also made with PVC plastic and is lined in cotton fabric.

Clutch

On the left is the ‘Gladiator Clutch’ sold for $395. Made with fine Italian leather, turn lock closure and logo lining.
On the right is the ‘Gray Python Clutch’ sold for $9.99. Exterior is PVC plastic, Interior is made of cotton lining.

Shoulder Bag

On the left is the ‘Chrystie Small Shoulder Bag’ sold for $495. Made with leather, a high-quality metal chain and logo lining.
On the right is the ‘Black Python Shoulder Bag’ sold for $14.99. Made with PVC plastic, lined in cotton and a chain strap.

Wristlet

On the left is the ‘Ziggy Wristlet’ sold for $295. Made of leather with logo lining.
On the right is the ‘Rose Wristlet’ sold for $9.99. Made of PVC plastic with a cotton lining.

Overall…

The styles are pretty similar. The designer versions are more classic, which is nice if you’re going to spend that much money on a bag. You’d like to be able to use it for more than just one season.
The materials are the biggest difference. The differences between fine Italian leather and PVC plastic might be the deciding factor for many.

What’s Your Take?

Would you be more likely to buy the designer bag or the Target version? Do you think designer lines for stores like Target jeopardize the designer label?

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4 Responses

Designer Handbags Fan Says:
October 7th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
You are right.. I also love the fact that designers are also making affordable stylish handbags. That way instead of buying designer inspired or replica bags, consumers can buy more original bags…More money and popularity for the brand:)
crystal Says:
October 7th, 2008 at 6:53 pm

Great point! With a less expensive, yet still designed-by-a-designer bag, you do get something more original than a replica.
Top 10 Ways to Be a Recessionista | SSaSy Chic Says:
October 27th, 2008 at 11:29 am
[...] still very fashion forward and, most importantly, are much more affordable. Read this post about Botkier bags for Target to see how the designer handbags are similar to the discount versions being sold at Target. Other [...]
Discount Designer Handbags for Target | SSaSy Chic Says:
February 12th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
[...] this practice, but it is the store that has done it the most often. Last Fall, Target released the Botkier for Target handbag line. The bags were so popular, they hardly stayed on the shelves and sold out long before [...]