Monica Lewinsky (Yes, That Monica Lewinsky) Debuts Line of Handbags in Dallas

Giftware Business ^ | JUNE 25, 2002 | Rachael Kelley

[kcvl]

JUNE 25, 2002, DALLAS -- Traditionally, the day the temporary booths open at gift shows is a slow day for the exhibitors in showrooms. This past Saturday, which was opening day for the temps at the Dallas Market Center, the showrooms saw even less traffic. Why? The one and only Monica Lewinsky was on the 15th floor, selling her handbags for her company, The Real Monica, from its temporary booth.

This is The Real Monica's first appearance at a gift show. Lewinsky' label launched as an online business in September 1999, but was quickly picked up by Henri Bendel in New York and Fred Segal in Los Angeles.

"Now we've sort of at the point where we said, 'Let's do something different. Let's see how it's going to be to do the show,'" Lewinsky said, during a break from working the booth. Monica herself was taking orders in the booth, and buyers were waiting patiently to speak to her over her other sales reps. Despite her fame (and the crowds hanging around her booth to catch a glimpse), she was all business, showing retail customers every element to the bags, suggesting which ones might suit their stores best, and politely but firmly denying requests for pictures.

The Real Monica seemed to be extremely well-received by buyers, but Lewinsky said that she was going to see how the company did at this show before committing to the other gift shows on the circuit. She decided to start with the Dallas show for sentimental reasons: All the textiles used in the bags are bought in Dallas.

"Within one minute in Dallas, people were so ready to take me seriously," she explained. "How could you not love a city that accepts you with open arms?"

The bags "made especially for you by Monica" are perfectly suited for the gift industry. Designed by Lewinsky, they're handmade by Louisiana artisans, and constructed of upholstery and interior design fabrics and trimmings mixed-and-matched to create whimsical color and pattern combinations. The bags wholesale from $33 to $90, and many of the styles are reversible.

To see the collection, visit www.therealmonicainc.com. For wholesale inquiries, e-mail wholesale@therealmonicainc.com.

[kcvl]

I was there but I guess I missed the "star". Thank goodness!

[DallasMike]

"How could you not love a city that accepts you with open arms?"

She kind of has a knack for saying the wrong things.

[Brett66]

Do they come in "BJ Blue" or "Sinkmaster Purple"?

[rmlew]

Send her to Jenin.

[TightSqueeze]

The bags "made especially for you by Monica" are perfectly suited for the gift industry. Designed by Lewinsky, they're handmade by Louisiana artisans, and constructed of upholstery and interior design fabrics and trimmings mixed-and-matched to create whimsical color and pattern combinations. The bags wholesale from $33 to $90, and many of the styles are reversible. Simply add $5.99 to the base price of any bag and we will include in a secret cigar pocket for those special occasions.

[SamAdams76]

From handjobs to handbags...

[ValerieUSA]

I'm picturing little Ruth Buzzi with her hairnet sitting on a park bench and the dirty old man sits down and snickers and asks if she has a "Monica" handbag, just before she clobbers him over the head with it.

[Senator Pardek]

Stain resistant material?

[DarthFuzball]

And by opening the special hidden flap they convert into convenient handy-dandy knee-pads. </sarcasm>

[Prince Caspian]

Lovely.

[nunya bidness]

First you're on the Mac thread now you're on the handbag thread.

Maybe a family reunion is a bad idea.

[passionfruit]

OK, I decided to stay fat rather than join Jenny Craig when she was spokesslut. Why would I want one of her handbags?

[Orblivion]

Do these come with a built in humidor? Are they stain resistant?

[kcvl]

Where were you Mr. Dallas? Why didn't you "welcome her with open arms"?

I was on the 15th. floor at market on Saturday and I DIDN'T see Monica or the crowd that this article is talking about. The ONLY crowd that I saw was at the Ty beanie baby booth(and it wasn't as big as usual). So, I have a hard time believing that Monica was attracting anything but "reporters". Besides, her purses are UGLY and certainly NOT worth what she expects for them.

The $20 "designer knock-offs" from Kate Spade, Fiore, Gucci, Fendi, JP Tod, Prada, etc. were flying out the door. lol! That should tell you what buyers thought about "The Real Monica".

[Senator Pardek]

If I have an inkling as to what you mean by "family reunion", then we are in concert.

[Tourist Guy]

>>> Monica herself was taking orders in the booth<<<

\ Correction: Under the booth...

[sayfer bullets]

"made especially for you by Monica" are perfectly suited for the gift industry.

From the "doing him a favor" expert...

[Jhoffa_]

"Now we've sort of at the point where we said, 'Let's do something different. Like, like.. I dunno.. Sit up in the car seat.. "

[PJ-Comix]

Wouldn't gloves be a more appropriate item for her to market?

[kcvl]

New Slingpaks - $109 Puffy Pouch - $27 Tissue Tote - $24 Coin Catcher - $28

*You have to admit that she does have a way with words.*