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

We found ourselves in an empire state of mind, inspired by the rather fabulous TV series, by the music industry in general and the glamor it evokes as well as a new interpretation of deco style. We wanted to work on a collection that was all about the glitz, giving a modern, vibrant, yet no less elegant slant on dressing up.

What did you particularly enjoy working on?

For the first time we have used the ancient technique of cloisonné, an incredibly intricate craft found originally in Byzantine jewelry and Chinese porcelain. My very first experience of it was at the Met Museum’s Chinese Wing, and we managed to find a small family run factory that have been passing the skill down through generations. Working with them to take it in a new deco inspired direction was really exciting. The results are pretty good, too!

Which are some of your particular favorites in the collection?

Our Empire Bacall is a real standout for me. I love carrying it because it just really is quite special. It comes in a wonderful vibrant blue with a cloisonné peacock inspired motif that is just so elegant, it has this wonderful handcrafted feel to it and it stands out without being too outspoken.

Who have you designed the collection for?

You could imagine Truman Capote’s swans heading out for a night on the town to kick up their heels to a bit of a heavy bass and you’d get there!

How will you be wearing your pieces from this collection?

The collection found its beginnings in the Big Band era, in the time when going out was a magical experience and glamour was the order of the day. I looked to the supper clubs of 1950’s New York, to The Stork Club and El Morocco as well as to the Sands Casino in Las Vegas, and to the wonderful crowd that used to head to them of an evening – think Diana Vreeland, Lauren Bacall, Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack et al. There is something so vintage and retro about that time, and yet it’s still really the ultimate touchstone for glamour in all of our lives.

Who are we meeting for the first time this season?

Our Lady Luck minaudière is making an entrance for the first time. She comes in a wonderful vintage color palette with details inspired by old Hollywood era billboards and is designed to sprinkle a little stardust on any outfit she’s paired with. We have also given our Morley a makeover in jewel toned vintage brocades and lace. Some also feature embellishments inspired by the wonderfully opulent work of the jeweler Falco Verdura. It’s an unapologetically glamorous collection, and it really sets the tone for an evening.

Who do you imagine carrying this collection?

Back then, it would have been the social swans and the starlets! Lauren Bacall, Diana Vreeland, women dressed up for a wonderful night on the town and looking for a little bit of pizazz to finish off their outfits. Today, I imagine them for women who love the good life, and are keen to up the ante on the glamour front a little.

Do you have a personal favorite?

I’m really looking forward to taking our Taylor out on the town with me. I never met an animal print I didn’t like and I can just imagine her paired with my Le Smoking for an evening to remember.

“Our bags are not wallflowers; they are the center of attention,” said Kotur. “That’s of the mood right now, and Lucite lends itself to that. That’s what makes it appealing.” – from WWD, April 28^th, 2014.

Our Fall14 Evil Eye Fitzgerald bag is our favorite lucky charm now! See some other celebrity evil eye favorites below.

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