Haute Kotur
Accessories designer, vintage jewellery collector and mother-of-four Fiona Kotur gives us a glimpse into her wondrous world of style
Accessories designer, vintage jewellery collector and mother of four Fiona Kotur gives us a glimpse into her world of style
My background has always been in design and merchandising. I worked at Ralph Lauren for many years overseeing men’s and women’s accessories, and eventually moved over to Gap.
In 2002, my family and I moved to Hong Kong from New York; I set up Kotur a few years later. I’ve always dreamed of having my own label, and I love the process of design and product development. Being so close to the manufacturing source is a great advantage.
My penchant for bags is that they should be fun, and have a sense of creativity and individuality behind them. Our bags are named after muses and friends of the brand—kotur represents confidence and personal style.
I’m a big vintage shopper and collector. of vintage handbags, everything from WhitingI have& Davis’a collectionsterling mesh everything pouchesis like to a quirky piece paintedof art. bags from Enid Collins—
A vintage doctor’s bag I bought at a Paris flea market when I was 18 years old later became the prototype for one of the first bags I designed for my label. Vintage jewellery is another weakness of mine, especially silver and turquoise Native American pieces—specifically from the Navaho and Zuni tribes—as well as jewellery from Jaipur’s Gem Palace. I always frequent the flea markets in New York and Paris when I’m in town, and I also check 1stdibs online.
My style icon is Diana Vreeland. She had this completely unique and unapologetic approach to every aspect of her life. She had a sense of mischief and irreverence that was so bold and admirable.
I love women who aren’t afraid to make their own style statements. When it comes to design, nobody said it better than Vreeland: “Give ’em what they never knew they wanted!”
Another woman I admire greatly is my mother. She always serves as a muse for creativity, and has a long history in art and design. She grew up in London, worked as a designer with Christian Dior in Paris and later worked as a fashion illustrator in New York. She continues to illustrate for Kotur.
When it comes to my own wardrobe, I tend to go for modern classics and dress them up with accessories. Ready-to-wear from Céline and Chloé, heels from Alexander Wang and a couple of Verdura cuffs—that’s my fail-safe look.
Travel is a constant source of inspiration when it comes to my designs. The spring 2016 collection draws references from the Mediterranean islands; the laid-back yet polished glamour of Capri, Mykonos and Ibiza inspired the graphics and cool colourways.
I’m always a little star-struck when I see actresses or celebrities with Kotur bags and heels on the red carpet. Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez and Scarlett Johansson have carried our bags recently, and Jessica Alba has bought our shoes and worn them on numerous occasions.