Billy Baldwin – Decorate

One of the first books that got me into decorating, I came across Billy Baldwin on my mother’s bookshelf. What struck me initially was that he had this tiny apartment (as did I, at the time,) and yet he still managed to create a fantastic space in which all of the elements worked together to make something so visually appealing. His book wasn’t just about decorating, although he did have this wonderful, snappy style, it was more about living. Yes, he had his iconic pieces such as his slipper chair, but it all seemed to be more about how people interacted, about pulling up a pouf and having a conversation, than perfectly placed pieces. It struck me as a very good place to start.

Dorothy Draper – Decorating is Fun and In The Pink

Dorothy Draper inspired a whole era of design in Hollywood Regency. One of the first professional women to decorate, her iconic spaces created at the Carlyle, the Fairmont and the Metropolitan Museum’s original restaurant around their fountain (where I spent many childhood afternoons,) still inspire countless imitations. At KOTUR we often refer to her bold use of color and geometric patterns (she was famous for her chequerboard floors,) in our collections.

 Tony Duquette – More is More

Duquette was a set designer, jewelry designer, costume designer and decorator, and his maximalist approach is something I’ve always admired. Specifically, his contribution to America’s adoption of Chinoiserie, and the lavish sort of lacquer filled, glossy and sumptuous interiors of the 1960’s he produced have inspired me both at home and at Kotur, where we often look to Duquette for a little dusting of magic.

David Hicks – On Decoration

A full set of Hicks’ original, out-of-print books bought at abe.com is one of my most treasured possessions. The debonair British King of Print who reigned supreme in the 60’s and 70’s was known for his unabashed use of color and geometric design, no matter how grand the project he was dealing with. His prints still seem just as of the moment today as they did when they were first produced in his heyday – I have his wallpaper in my son’s bedroom and his printed linen forms the canopy of my bed. Eclectic and unfussy, yet always attention grabbing in the best sort of way, Hicks is a designer I have looked to for inspiration time and time again.

 Photo courtesy of amazon.com

 When taking the traditional route, however, ensuring the quality of the flowers one sends is all in the caliber of florist you choose. On this front, we decided to do the research for you, asking some of our most stylish friends to open their little black books and divulge their favorite florists from all around the world. Well travelled, entrepreneurial, creative and chic no matter which city they may find themselves in, these mothers know good flowers when they see them. From Paris to Hong Kong, New York to London, here are their recommendations.

New York

Jackie Astier
Mother of two girls. Stylist, Editor, Interior Designer, Creative Director of fashion brand ASTIER

Favorite Florist:  Zezé, 9338 First Avenue, New York

Los Angeles

Jennifer Creel
Mother of 2 boys and a girl. Jeweller Designer, Actress

Favorite Florist: Eric Buterbaugh. He’s the best, love his flowers.

Paris

Pamela Boulet
Mother of two sons. Philanthropist and Democratic fundraiser, Pamela organizes trunk shows for Andrew Gn, donating proceeds to favorite charities

Favorite florist: La Chaume on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, because it’s been in existence since 1845 and is still so chic.

Debbie Oppenheimer
Mother of two girls. Interior Designer and business owner, Furniture and Accessories Designer

Favorite Florist: Eric Chauvin, in Paris.

London

India Hicks
Mother of four boys and a tomboy. Model, designer, author and founder of Indiahicks.com

Favorite Florist: Rob Van Helden for flowers that are imaginative, original and super chic.

Hong Kong

Gemma Soames
Mother of one boy. Style writer and journalist

Favorite Florist: Ellermanns in Hong Kong is a wonderful place to head for flowers that are lovely, natural and little bit undone whilst still remaining extremely chic. Their shop in Sheung Wan also sells great homewares and accessories, too. .

Saint Tropez

Emily Fisher
Mother of two girls Interior Designer

Favorite Florist: Really, I love buying flowers in the Tuesday and Saturday markets. But Martinaud in Saint Tropez is brilliant for wonderful fresh blooms that last for days. I head there for huge hydrangeas and peonies in divine colours.

Photo Courtesy of Ellermann, Eric Chauvin, Rob Van Helden

Shop Style: Taylor Star

Shop Style: Merrick American Flag

Shop Style: Espey Zig Zag

Shop Style: Levin 

GETSMARTBAG-iphone-KOTUR-minaudiere-bag-video

Place calls and texts without taking your phone out of your bag.  Take pictures with your iphone 5/5S, without taking it of your clutch, thanks to its retracted panel. Limited online exclusive edition with Swarovski crystals.

Featuring the classic Golden Glitter Globe as well as, the statement making #*@ clutch , our new Social Butterfly Handbag littered with tiny pink butterflies and our Neon Northern Lights Minaudière, the collection is all about the perfect party bag.

Each Minaudière comes with it’s signature Glitter Globe perspex case and features a removable internal pocket and classic KOTUR crystal Jensen clasp. Designed to fit an iPhone 5 and just your evening essentials, here are your evening clutches for holiday 2013 sorted.

Shop Now .

For the ultimate in pastel blocking (thank you, Kerry Washington, for your lesson in how, ably given at the NAACP Awards last week,) our Espey’s now come in a rainbow of pastels guaranteed to give an instant breath of fresh air to any evening look. Lilacs, pale pinks and sea greens are already proving hits on the red carpet – any minute now, they can take a star turn in your wardrobes too.

Sequinned JB Renna Bonets and Marguerite Espeys inspired by old fashioned lady’s swimming caps give a brilliant retro take on evening clutches, with our feathered Fino already proving a firm favorite (thank you, Dakota Fanning,) when it comes to making a statement.

Fans of the neon trend need look no further than our new Margos. Lace and neon brocades give a modern spin on this Kotur classic and a perfect pop of colour for any LBD. From our Cyber Garden grows an Aquaglobe – the latest addition to our perspex family, and a guaranteed talking point. And, for those who prefer things a little more natural, the Savage Garden’s raffia and snakeskin numbers, plus our Morleys in wonderful West African Batik prints should prove perfect for working the au naturel look so prevalent right now.

These are bags designed to lift both the spirits and your wardrobes. Please click through our gallery of images to see the highlights of what’s coming up this season.

Click through our gallery to see images of the party and dinner at the White Cube gallery.

Video interviews and discussions with Directors and Costume Designers throughout the exhibition help explain the ideas behind the decisions that led to some of the most striking visual references of the last century. But, in most part, there isn’t much explaining to do. This is about how fashion and clothing does at the very least as much as words to tell a story, create a character, to form an impression and indeed give personality. As Hollywood lines up for Red Carpet season, it’s a timely reminder of how much you can say without uttering a word.

Hollywood Costume will be on at the Victoria and Albert in London until 27th January. Thereafter it will be on tour, visiting the Austalian Centre for the Moving Image in Melbourne next Spring, and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts next November.

Picture credits: V&A  - http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/exhibition-hollywood-costume/about-the-exhibition/

For a masterclass in colour blocking take your style tips from Ginger Gonganza, who paired our Morley in emerald green snakeskin with her coral frock at the Premiere of Ted

For a classic and totally timeless evening bag, one of our favorite styles, the Espey, is an all round glamour staple. Pair it with a simply evening gown like Mindy Kaling here for some serious va va voom.

Equal parts punchy and pretty, our Margo Lizard Burma lends it’s shine to Cobie Smulder’s look on the Avengers red carpet.

A background in magazines at Harpers Bazaar in the US and on the launch of C magazine in Los Angeles set Ross on her fashion trail. Transferring her skills to TV, she worked on shows such as Lipstick Jungle – the perfect backdrop for her sophisticated and eclectic take on how women want to dress now. A savvy show about successful women (in knockout outfits, of course,) we at Kotur were very proud to be carried by it’s actresses.

These days, Ross is the Fashion Director of Departures magazine, where she styles their shoots and also writes a column, Uptown Girl, alongside working as a consultant to both large fashion houses and with the likes of Vera Farmiga, Kim Raver, Naomi Watts and Mariska Hargitay.  Whether it’s for a big name brand or a red carpet moment, inspiring editorial or a character’s work get up, people seek her out for fashion that speaks about much more than trend. A big fan of jewellery, Chanel bags and a master at mixing vintage with designer (plus a pair of Manolo’s,) hers is a refined style that’s more than hard to come by. Some stylists bring something extra to the game, and Amanda Ross is one of them. With the sort of taste, sophistication and eye for style that’s about so much more than the particular dress you happen to be wearing, we are delighted that she’s agreed to be a Muse for Kotur.

What’s in your make-up bag?

Purell hand sanitizer, Clarins Moisture Replenishing lip balm with rose wax, Edward Bess bronzer and Santa Maria degli Angeli lotion from The Palazzo Hotel in Venice

Do you have a beauty secret?

Good genes and sleep

What would be your desert island essentials?

A tall Italian, water and sunblock

How would your female friends describe your style?

Uptown East meets Nepal

What’s the most treasured item in your wardrobe?

My collection of jewelry, both costume and real

Is there anything in your wardrobe you should get rid of but can’t?

I love to give away, so probably not

When home alone, what do you wear?

James Perse cotton leggings, Louboutin ballet slippers and a cashmere sweater

What do you wear to bed?

A cotton tank dress

You’re the fashion police for a day, what do you ban?

French manicures and Reality TV stars

Have you ever worn anything you now regret?

A Giorgio di Sant’angleo dress to a day wedding in Bedford

How high is too high a heel?

When you can’t walk

How old is too old for jeans?

Never if you still look good in them

If you could live in any other time for its fashion, when would you choose?

Greco Roman times, I love Grecian dressing

What is your most recent purchase?

An opal and gold pendant from Nardi in Venice

Can you judge a book by its cover?

Yes

What are your bad habits?

Recycling ex boyfriends when I know better

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

You are given one name, don’t trash it

What’s your favorite smell?

A burning fireplace anywhere in the mountains

What’s your idea of a great holiday?

Skiing in Europe

What are you most proud of?

6 years of running my own business

What is your pure bliss?

Hanging out with my twin sister and her three boys anytime, anywhere

What would you eat for your last supper?

A meal at Il Piccolino in West Hollywood

If you could meet someone from history who would it be?

Tolstoy, Kirkegaard, Stefan Zweig and Serge Gainsbourg

Yes or no to a nip and a tuck?

Nope

Do you have a favorite purse or bag?

My Chanel 555 bag

Do you have a favorite KOTUR bag?

The Ross Bag (named after me!)

How would you like to be remembered?

As an honorable person