For the 10th Anniversary of Catherine Malandino, Assouline publishing is launching the book in October 2008.
The French designer conquered America imposing her unique style by charming the cosmopolitan city of New York as a start and little by little convincing all women from the international scene.
Celebrities such as Halle Berry, Angelina Jolie, Eva Mendes, Sarah Jessica Parker and Dita von Teese count themselves as her most devoted fans.
In only ten years, Catherine Malandrino quickly established her worldwide reputation and the book is a retrospective of her fast paced evolution and success.
You’ll find attached the press release about the launch of the book and the 10th anniversary here: Catherine Malandino 10 Years of Fashion Book
Native New Yorker, now Hong Kong based designer Fiona Kotur Marin founded Kotur, the retro-glamour luxury accessory brand, in 2004, after discovering a vast treasure trove of decorative vintage fabric woven by European Couture Houses during the 60’s and 70’s.
Her background experience comes from designing accessories for Polo Ralph Lauren, Gap, and collaborating with long time friend, Tory Burch when launching her line.
She may have started out in the beginning by creating truely one-of-a-kind limited edition vintage brocade clutches, but since then she has added incredible exotics, metals, shells, lucite and rattan and has expanded her collection to include gorgeous minaudieres, everyday bags, work totes and evening clutches.
I was lucky enough to conducted a Q+A with this star designer and also take a sneak peak at some of her new pieces.
See below for the interview:
J@BB: When did you first decide that you wanted to become a handbag designer?
FKM: I started making handbags when I was 3. My first was a purple envelope clutch made from construction paper.J@BB: Before starting your own line, you worked at Ralph Lauren, Gap and helped Tory Burch launch her company. Did your experience at those brands influence your aesthetic today?
FKM: I was fortunate to learn from the best- from Ralph I learned technical design from his uncompromising design standards, Mickey Drexler from Gap taught me the business and commercial sides of retail, and with Tory Burch, I focused on sourcing and production, and learned the power of image and marketing. From an aesthetic point of view, I have always had my own sense of what I like, and decided to stay focused in my point of view.J@BB: What’s your design philosophy behind the Kotur brand?
FKM: Quality, style, individualtyJ@BB: Where do you get your inspiration? Who/what inspires you when designing a bag?
FKM: My friends are my muses…smart, interesting, incredible women.J@BB: Tell us a little bit about your Fall Winter 2008 collection. Which is your favorite bag?
FKM: I love the feather Joret bag, and the J.B.Renna Cracked Mirror Miniaudiere, they are my favorites. As for the collection, I love the workmanship of the bags and the slightly bohemian, but refined attitude each bag has.J@BB: What’s your favorite purse trend for fall?
FKM: I always love a bit of exotic texture and detail.J@BB: Do you ever read fashion blog reviews and comments?
FKM: Not my own, but I always like to keep up with what people have on their minds and new ideas.J@BB: What bag are you carrying today?
FKM: A python Mortimer tote- I have it in 8 colors….J@BB: What items are in your bag at this moment?
FKM: The usual blend of high tech and low tech: iphone, blackberry and Hong Kong cell phone. I also have my Hermes date book, a sketch pad, my wallet, a fountain pen and automatic pencil and my La Mer lip balm and red hots.J@BB: Who are your style icons?
FKM: Camilla Bell and Olya Thompson – I am so inspired by their natural style sensibilities.J@BB: As a handbag designer you must constantly be busy. What do you do to relax and clear your thoughts?
FKM: I retire to my library of art books and read.J@BB: Where’s your favorite place to shop?
FKM: Maxwell in LA, 10 Corso Como in Milan and Loveless in Tokyo.J@BB: If you weren’t a handbag designer and had to choose any other job, what would it be?
FKM: I would love to attempt a life as a sculptor.J@BB: What other designers out there do you admire?
FKM: Alber Elbaz, Nathan JendenJ@BB: In the beginning you started out making limited edition brocade clutches, since then you’ve added gorgeous minaudieres, evening clutches and handbags, but what’s next for the Kotur brand?
FKM: Who knows- each idea has grown organically…perhaps jewelry…
Today you can find her beautiful creations at Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel and Scoop in New York, Harvey Nichols in Hong Kong, London and Dubai, and Browns in London.
Online shoppers, checkout Singer22, PinkMascara, Vivre, and of course Koturltd.com
Continue the chat + see more images here
When Manhattanite, Rachel Roy was asked in a recent interview with wwd, what’s on her fall must-have list?
R.R. responded, “Givenchy, I’m into his handbags. I love the chicness and the slouchiness.”
Who doesn’t love a Givenchy? The Nightingale is a fabulous day bag, and right now deal seekers you’re in luck. YOOX just got a bunch of purses in stock. The bag pictured above is available for $1,245 in off-white or black.
Current chat: Rachel Roy’s fall pick: Givenchy Purse
Italian clothing designer Roberto Cavalli recently shared his view on models in an interview with Observer Food Monthly. The 68-year-old designer criticizes Kate Moss, saying he doesn’t think she “has what it takes to be a true star.” He goes on to say, “For me, models are just pieces of wood that I carve to make clothes look beautiful,” he says. “There are thousands of models like all other models. Naomi Campbell is the same way.”
[ The Bag Forum: Roberto Cavalli interview with the Observer Food Monthl ]
Who doesn’t right? Super chic shopping without breaking the piggy bank!Lohan was recently quoted in Britain’s Glamour magazine saying, “Like everyone else I absolutely love Topshop! I was lucky enough to be able to go shopping at the Oxford Street branch in London when the store was closed and it was just amazing. I had to buy three new suitcases just to get everything I had bought home!”
[ The Bag Forum: Lindsay Lohan loves shopping at TopShop ]
– Jennifer
Just ran across this interview with fabulous bag designer Sang A on Vivre.
Here are a couple blog postings from designer purse blog, Bag Bliss.
posted by Jennifer
Simple Beauty Jessica Simpson with her Sang A Clutch
Jessica Simpson’s best look is when she is not all glammed-up but rather when she keeps it effortless, dressed in a simple tank and jeans with an eye-catching purse and some matching shoes.
There’s the simple beauty pictured above leaving club Les Deux in Hollywood with the gorgeous electric blue python Sang A clutch I told you guys about last January. Yeah it was hot then, and its still hot now.
Go casual (like Jess) or dress up, this stunning clutch will instantly add just the right touch of glam. The Victorian pleated style clutch is dressed in shiny jade blue python and topped off with a vintage gold clasp. Oh la love it!
Discover the Sang A Python Clutch
Price: $1,790
River Square Tote by Sang A
While I was browsing over at Vivre.com, I stumble across this interesting bag by the actress/singer turned bag designer, Sang A. It’s called the River Square Tote and is made from richly-colored python. But not only is this bag yellow (Vivre.com describes it as matte bone), but its square! This unique little number certainly would receive some second looks as it strolled down the street! What makes this bag even more intriguing is the repetition of the square shape. The hardware located at the base of the handles, as well as the zipper pull, are all squares. For added convenience, the bag also features an optional shoulder strap and a front pocket for your keys. A good sized tote, it measures 13″ x 16″ x 3½”. Although this bag, with its $2,450 price tag, would probably not be found in my own collection, I can definitely say that I would admire anyone I saw carrying it. Who knows, perhaps it will be you!
Check it out here at: Vivre.com
Price: $2,450
– Jennifer
The Work Bag:
The Beach Tote:
The Weekend Bag:
The Evening Clutch:
