Seen on the arm of A-listers from ScarJo to J.Lo, and fashion influencers from Lauren Santo Domingo to Anna Dello Russo, Fiona Kotur’s eponymous clutches have become synonymous with red carpet style. We chatted with the NY-born and HK-based mistress of the minaudiere on a decade in the biz, and her favourite Hong Kong spots.
What are you wearing?
My usual uniform is a pair of well-cut Celine pants and a silk shirt, but I always get more creative on the accessories front with jewellery, bags and shoes.
What’s your first memory of fashion/design?
My first memory of design was when I was 6 years old, standing behind my mother’s desk at home, watching her work as a fashion illustrator. At that time, her work for Saks and Bendel ads was in every magazine and newspaper, as illustration was popular then – so my fashion vocabulary started at an early age.
Three words to describe your approach to design?
Expressive, timeless, distinctive.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
Nobody said it better than Diana Vreeland – ‘Give ‘em what they never knew they wanted’.
Where do you find most of your inspiration?
Travel is a constant source of inspiration for KOTUR – from material, sounds, smell, colours to ideas. For Spring 2016, we took a tour around the Mediterranean, stopping off at fabulous island destinations such as Capri, Mykonos and Ibiza on our way. Inspired by the laidback, yet extremely polished glamour of the party side of island life, we have gone back to nature to deliver minaudieres that have an earthy romance to them.
Five places on your travel wish list?
Rome – I have almost been there so many times, but hoping to get there this summer. Morocco, St. Petersburg, Victoria Falls, The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
What’s always in your carry-on?
The newest Netflix series on my iPad, moisturiser, vitamin C
24 hours in Hong Kong – what are the must-dos?
A walk around Lugard Road, dim sum at Duddells, a few galleries or exhibits, navigating a local wet market or exploring the local streets behind Sheung Wan or Sai Ying Pun. Then drinks at Sevva, and a round-trip on the Star Ferry (upper deck)….
Where do you always take guests?
For a hike across the Dragon’s Back – always an unexpected surprise for visitors who don’t expect such lush nature, and so close to the city centre.
Best city in the world to shop?
In terms of shopping, you can find anything in New York, but you can make anything in Hong Kong!
Most treasured possession?
My mother’s original 1920s flapper dress!
Style icon?
Iris Apfel
___ is the best therapy?
Great art is the best therapy – as is anything that stimulates the imagination!
Shop KOTUR online at koturltd.com, or in-store at Harvey Nichol’s and Lane Crawford
