If you’re a handbag lover like me, then you’ve definitely heard of Rebecca Minkoff. Minkoff is a contemporary designer based out of NY and known for her edgy handbags. Since then, she has ventured into clothing, shoes, and other accessories, but my love has always been for her handbags. In my opinion, she’s better than most of the high-end designers out there. Why? Style and Functionality. The Rebecca Minkoff M.A.B. bag is one of those bags that epitomizes style and functionality.
There were two styles that I regretted not getting my hands on when they first launched at department stores: The Cupid Satchel and The M.A.B. (Morning After Bag). I eventually purchased them from Poshmark, preowned.
Rebecca Minkoff relaunched her MAB bag as the MAB 2.0. I own the larger version of this bag in two different types of leather and I love them. The MAB bag came in a few sizes: Large, Medium, and Mini. The jargon used might have been different but I have owned a total of 3 of these beautiful bags: 2 in Large and 1 in Medium.
Essentially a duffle bag, the Rebecca Minkoff MAB bag was the “it” bag. It’s large enough to carry your shoes, but not big enough for a laptop. I love it as a travel bag. I have used my MAB bag as a carry-on. With use, the leather on these bags softens and become floppy. Because of the heavy and substantial hardware on the bags, they tend to slouch into themselves. I use a bag insert, or an organizer and have worked around that issue. For the larger bag, I’ve used an organizer that would fit a Speedy 35.
The Mini Size took YouTube by storm and was the most popular size of Minkoff’s MAB bag.
The M.A.B. Bag 2.0
The 2.0 version still holds the main silhouette of the bag but there are a few updates to the design. There are only two sizes available currently: Regular and the “Bittie”– or the small.
The regular size is comparable to the original Medium sized MAB: 13″ W X 9″ H X 6″ D. With the older version of the bag, the largest size was almost 15 inches wide and 9 inches deep! The 2.0 version offers more zip pockets and an edgier look.
If you’re an OG Minkoff fan, then you’ll remember how the leathers on her bags changed. The earlier bags were made of waxy leather which was so soft to the touch. That was my favorite. The leather on the MAB 2.0 is pebbled and still soft to the touch.
The interior of the bag is lined with a solid-colored material. Earlier bags had funky printed lining which changed every year or every season. The interior has a slip pocket and zip pocket in the back. The earlier edition of the bag had 2-3 slip pockets and a zip pocket on the back wall, depending on what size you purchase.
The exterior of the bag has two zip pockets which the original design lacked. On the site currently, Minkoff offers the bag in Nubuck leather, pebbled leather, and palladium studded leather.
The MAB “Bittie” Bag
The “Bittie” is offered in a few colors and only in pebbled leather. The dimensions are: 8″ W X 6.5″ H X 4.25″ D. This would be a great addition to an outfit for a girls’ night out! This bag can also be worn cross-body like the regular size.
I’d like to make note that the original edition of the MAB, in the largest size, never offered a strap. There were D-rings on the front and the back of the bag, which gave the idea that a strap could be purchased separately. Years after the original MAB bags were released, Minkoff offered guitar straps which were on trend at the time and compatible with almost all of her bag styles. Unfortunately, they’ve since been discontinued.
MAB Bag: Buy or Skip?
Although the style has changed a bit, I believe it’s a beautiful upgrade. Minkoff has brought out in this bag, what she is known for: Edgy Style. The new Rebecca Minkoff MAB bag gives off a Manhattan biker feel and all the chunky hardware along with the thick zipper pull adds to that flare.
If you’re looking for a new Fall bag to wear with those riding boots and a moto jacket, this is your bag. Whether it’s for an errand run or a day out in the city, the MAB 2.0 has everything you need. Both the “Bittie” and the MAB bag will hold all your necessities and more! The best part? You’re not compromising on style for organization. Rebecca Minkoff is the one contemporary designer that balances both organization and style.
The MAB 2.0 has only two sizes available. I hope Minkoff might consider relaunching the largest size from years ago. I’m looking for a new travel bag and the only way I’ll part with my older MAB‘s is if she launches a new one. But for now, this bag is definitely on my wish list.
