August 20, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Jennifer
Interview: Fiona Kotur Marin
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 + a couple images:

Continue Reading

December 2, 2005

Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney was born in London in 1971 to Beatle Paul McCartney and photographer wife, Linda. She graduated from St Martin’s in 1995 and her final year collection had the rare accolade of being bought by influential stores such as Browns, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. She launched her own line immediately on leaving college.

Her style of combining sharp tailoring with humour and sexy femininity was immediately apparent in her first collection. In 1997, after only two collections, she became the creative director of the house of Chloe in Paris. Chloe’s commercial success was stratospheric since her arrival and her collections and advertising campaigns for the house of Chloe were universally praised by both buyers and press.

Stella McCartney was awarded the VH1 / Vogue Fashion and Music 2000 Designer of the Year award.

In April of 2001 Stella McCartney resigned from Chloe and launched her own fashion house under her name in partnership with Gucci Group.

In October 2001 Stella McCartney showed her Spring/Summer 2002 Collection in Paris. Following the collection, Stella McCartney announced the launch of a perfume in 2003.

January 2002 Stella McCartney and Gary hume presented a collaboration of handmade t shirts and dresses at the Thaddeus Ropac Gallery in Paris. A silent auction was held on the night and the proceeds donated to RAWA.
source: www.infomat.com

December 2, 2005

Dooney & Bourke
Dooney & Bourke has over a quarter century of experience combining superior materials and fine craftsmanship with traditional designs to create enduring, functional fine leather goods.

Founded in 1975 by H. Peter Dooney and Frederick Bourke, Dooney & Bourke took off with the development of All-Weather Leather-fine calfskin naturally processed to make it virtually indestructible. With hand stitching and solid brass hardware, handbags from this revolutionary leather look good and wear well. This early fusion of durability, functionality, and classic style has become the Dooney & Bourke hallmark.

In the past years Dooney & Bourke has introduced a whole host of collections inspired by new, innovative materials: from the water-proof rubber bottom of the Parasole line, specialty dyed French and Italian leathers, to the ecologically sound Bayou collection of alligator and ostrich print calfskin. Dooney & Bourke’s wide range of handbag designs includes everything from backpacks and stylish totes to lady-like small flap bags.

Each Dooney & Bourke product, from the pod backpack to the classic hobo, is united by a commitment to high function, good looks, and durability. Dooney & Bourke leather goods improve with time and wear to become a distinctive expression of their owner’s unique style.
source: www.dooney.com

November 23, 2005

Luella Bartley
Since launching in 1999, London-based Luella Bartley has been delivering effortless street-chic season after season. Her eternal muse is the rebel Brit “It” girl who can’t help but be adorable in her pink button-down shirts tucked into skintight jeans or layered under Bartley’s favorite striped sweaters. Bartley mixes themes with ?lan: punk motorcycle jackets with gingham skirts; little black dresses with pearls for polka dots; preppy navy, red, and white. Add to this Bartley’s always in-demand accessories lineup of cool leather bags and shoes.

The Central Saint Martins grad and onetime British Vogue editor still lives in London – with fashion-photographer boyfriend David Sims and their two children – even though she’s been showing in New York since 2001. In a flip-flop setup, Bartley’s first few shows featured friends like Sadie Frost walking the runway while model pal Kate Moss watched from the front row. In January 2006, Bartley was selected to launch Target’s Go International line.
source: www.nymag.com