Monica Botkier has always had an eye for detail. She began her career in fashion as a photographer, working on shoots for leading fashion magazines. A born and raised New Yorker, Monica was living and working downtown when she created the Trigger bag in 2003. Inspired by her busy downtown lifestyle, the Trigger became known as ‘the bag that launched an industry’ and resulted in immediate cult status. Botkier has created a niche in the market where there was a void, an approachable designer brand. Botkier was the first independent designer accessories brand and Monica continues to run the business with the same innovation and passion as she did from its inception. Botkier accessories embody luxury through custom detailing, innovation and quality while focusing on functionality. In July of 2007, Monica was recognized for her contributions to the world of accessory design and became a member of the esteemed Council of Fashion Designers of America. For Spring 2008, in celebration of Botkier’s five-year anniversary, Monica brought the Botkier brand philosophy to footwear. Gracing the pages of Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, Marie Claire, Glamour and Lucky; Botkier has established itself as a major contender. Botkier opened a flagship store in New York’s NoLIta in January 2010. Located on Mott at Prince Street and designed by Monica, the space exudes the unique and edgy downtown sophistication that is Botkier.