Fiona Kotur's story embodies what I love about women! It makes me proud, and I am in constant awe of the versatility, adaptability, and will of our gender. Fiona moved to Hong Kong in 2002, with her husband, whose finance position took him there. Can't feel sorry for her -- Hong Kong is one of the greatest cities in the world! And obviously Fiona would agree with me as she fully immersed herself in the diverse and exciting cultural clashes of the city.
She comes from a design background, having worked for Ralph Lauren and Gap, so when long-time friend, Tory Burch, needed help launching her line, Fiona sourced materials for her in Hong Kong and China. That was the beginning of Kotur as Fiona found and bought a warehouse full of vintage 60s brocade that ended up being the materials for her first collection. She not only made the best of her situation, but she took advantage of what life had to offer and created her own ideal world.
Unlike many designers who manufacture in China, she is proud of that fact. She has an extreme advantage of being close to her factories to keep a close eye, but she feels that China still has traditional craftsman and artisans, who are well suited for her collections. Her manufacturers are in Dongguan, which is known for producing some of the world's most high-end luxury lines.
You can easily see from her line that inspiration comes from someone who is truly international. She is well traveled and has artistic genes, (her mother was a painter and couture designer in Paris) all of which show in her bags with influences ranging from the art deco era, to rich textiles and exotic ornamentations. Her celebrity clientele includes Sienna Miller, Mischa Barton, Tilda Swinton, Drew Barrymore, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jacquetta Wheeler.
Her current spring line has such a wide range, including her famous brocade clutches, minaudieres (in Swarovski crystal, snakeskin,and python) as well as handbags like her recently popular Wallace handbag, which comes in textured leather and a natural python. She does not limit her imagination with the materials, which run the spectrum from fabulous exotics like shagreen, python, haircalf and snakeskin to metals, shells, lucite, and rattan. Wow! How does she keep it all straight?
Sibal Ayers Snakeskin Bag $798; Grand Pereire Vintage Brocade $258
Comments (7)
I like this Sibal Ayers snakeskin bag and wow it´s really cheap. I hope it´s well made. It would be a nice bargain. But I guess you can´t get it in Europe????
Posted by mette | April 9, 2008 7:49:32 AM
Posted on April 9, 2008 07:49
I adore Kotur as well as Burch,their designs have that ultimate American glamour&sophistication about them. Somehow they manage to create things that are simple yet stunning, in bold colors that don't look flash,rich but not vulgar. Geniuses of fashion.
xoxo
Posted by Lina | April 9, 2008 9:44:01 AM
Posted on April 9, 2008 09:44
AWESOME piece Kelly. She is so great. I love her lines and designs. Also, the material of the bags look so discerned and elegant. LOVE IT!
Posted by PJH | April 9, 2008 1:47:29 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 13:47
I love the sage green minudieres, so cute. Where can I find it? My favorite right now is a yellow lizard I borrowed to own from my mom. But, I think I have found a new bag.
Posted by savvy gal | April 9, 2008 5:26:49 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 17:26
What a nice profile, thank you for introducing us to Fiona! I am still sad I did not win the Kotur clutch you gave away in Feb. Love her bags!
Posted by M | April 9, 2008 7:54:02 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 19:54
I would love to get one (or two) of those delicious little clutches! So cute! I wonder if there is any chance of finding them in Europe...?
Posted by Merit | April 10, 2008 4:07:51 PM
Posted on April 10, 2008 16:07
I totally thought that was an ottoman.
Posted by Peter Belisi | April 11, 2008 2:48:02 PM
Posted on April 11, 2008 14:48