Kotur » london

Last Look: Barbara Hepworth – Sculpture of a Modern World

admin — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 09:20:57 +0000

Last Look: Barbara Hepworth Sculpture for a Modern World Tate Modern, London Show ends 25th October, 2015 Photo Courtesy of …

Ai Wei Wei Exhibition

admin — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 09:00:30 +0000

We are celebrating the boldness of Ai Weiwei’s art, as he celebrates the ‘final’ return of his passport and the launch of his exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts. This must be seen as it includes a retrospect of his most important works in 1993, and new work specifically created for the museum, on show from the 19th of September through to the 13th of December.

1. Ai Weiwei in front of his Tree Sculpture
2. Ai’s installation - Bicycle Chandelier” (2015)
3. Ai Weiwei in front of his work “Coloured Vases”
4. Stroller
5.The scene inside one of six containers that comprise Chinese artist Ai Weiwei’s work “S.A.C.R.E.D.”
6. Another scene from Ai’s work “S.A.C.R.E.D.”
7. Ai Wei Wei in front of his work ‘ Straight’
8. The work “He Xie” by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei’s is shown at his exhibition
9. Ai Weiwei’s Tree Sculpture at the RA

Photo Courtesy of Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images, Reuters, Royal Academy of Arts

World of KOTUR: Last Look – Alexander Mcqueen’s Savage Beauty

admin — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 07:28:39 +0000

The exhibition ‘Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty’, currently on view at London’s Victoria & Albert museum, is a visual extravagance even richer than its hugely successful tenure in 2011 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

For anyone who missed it the first time, the V&A show is the first and largest retrospective of the late designer’s work to be presented in Europe. The exhibition showcases McQueen’s visionary body of work, spanning from his 1992 graduate collection to his unfinished A/W 2010 collection, allowing us to see the evolution of the designer as an artist. The beautiful exhibition pays tribute to McQueen in a more personal way, which will also be ending on the 2nd August.

‘I want to empower women, I want people to be afraid of the women I dress’
- Alexander Mcqueen

‘It’s a new era in fashion, there are no rules. It’s all about the individual and personal style’ – Alexander Mcqueen

Photo courtesy: Victoria & Albert Museum, vogue.com

World of KOTUR: Audrey Hepburn – Portraits of an Icon

kotur — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 22:00:25 +0000

There are some women whose personality and style so inform their physical beauty that the look they are famous for is synonymous with their character. Audrey Hepburn is one of those women. A timeless beauty and paragon of elegance both inside and out, hers is a face we could look at time and time again, finding new inspiration in her spirit and her style no matter how iconic her image has become.

At KOTUR, as keen followers of Oscar Wilde’s brilliant quote, “Be yourself, everyone else is taken,” we are always huge admirers of women who have forged their own way through life. Hepburn survived a childhood in war-torn Holland before starting out as a ballerina in London. She went on to become one of the most famous actresses Hollywood ever produced, only to turn her back on it pretty conclusively for a life as a mother and humanitarian. And she did it all inimitably and unforgettably her way. Whether you look at her career or her fashion choices, the ones she made were distinctly hers and hers alone. It is this strength of character that makes her such an indelible person in all of our minds. It doesn’t matter which era you look at her from – or in – Audrey Hepburn always seems somehow the same.

The opportunity to look at just such images has come about again with the launch at the National Portrait Gallery in London of a new exhibition, Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon. What makes this show so special are the many previously unseen portraits being shown alongside the well known taken by Irving Penn, Norman Parkinson and Cecil Beaton. Featuring a large collection of photographs from her sons’ private collections for the first time, this exhibition shows Hepburn the star as well as Hepburn the person. You will find photographs of her dancing as a teenager, or clutching a bunch of flowers as a young girl, her behind the scenes and off duty, not being ‘Audrey Hepburn’ but simply being herself. What’s truly striking, however, is how little difference there is between the two. As this exhibition shows, the essence of what was so attractive about her – her steady, honest gaze, her unique look, her entirely unpretentious sense of style – shone through no matter what the circumstances or time of her life she found herself in. On such things is true beauty built. Hepburn more than proves it.

Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon is on at London’s National Portrait Gallery from July 2^nd 2015

Photo courtesy of Norman Parkinson Archive, Jack Cardiff, The Cecil Beaton Studio Archive, Douglas Kirkland, Robert Walders, National Portrait Gallery

World of KOTUR: Sonia Delaunay at Tate Modern

kotur — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 06:40:44 +0000

Sonia Delaunay has been a source of continual inspiration to us at KOTUR- Her life was itself a rich tapestry, and her work as artist and designer make our hearts flutter. She collaborated with Coco Chanel as textile designer, and with the Ballet Russe where she designed some of the most legendary costumes for iconic ballets such as Stravinsky’s L’Oisseau de Feu (The Firebird). She and husband, artist Robert Delaunay, cofounded the Orphism movement in Paris, known for painterly geometry and bright colors. Her work is still influential and referenced in fashion and design today, and we are certainly among those who covet her work, and admire her as the ultimate visionary. Her work is currently on exhibit at the Tate Modern, highlighting her prolific 6 decade long career. The show ends August 9 and is well worth the visit.

Photo Courtesy of Tate

World of KOTUR: Eat, Shop, Play.. with Tania Mohan

kotur — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 04:00:27 +0000

As impressive, unique and glamorous as the brand she founded back in 1999, Tania Mohan is not only an extremely close friend but also one of the women we admire most here at KOTUR. A certified Barrister, a one time fashion journalist and the force behind Tabla, her beautiful womenswear brand that brings a slice of Indian luxury to the global market, she is as accomplished as she is the genuine real deal. At Tabla, you will find lavishly embroidered and hand printed kaftans, dresses and tops, each one crafted by artisans using traditional techniques in India and designed by Tania from Hong Kong. Focused on authenticity, craft and her own individual aesthetic, Tania’s approach to fashion is as inspiring as her go getting and brave approach to life. With one shop already in her hometown of Hong Kong and a second about to open on London’s 107 Walton Street, this globetrotting designer with a surefire spirit of adventure opens her address book for us here on some of her favorite spots she heads to on her travels.

JODHPUR

Eat

At the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Just sitting in the dining room of this massive Indo-Saracenic structure built by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1929 and completed in 1943 makes one feel lost in a land of royalty and glamour. Watch the peacocks on the majestic grounds below as you savor the most succulent chicken tandoori and tasty lamb curries finished off with a selection of a huge variety of Rajasthani sweets from baklava-like mawa ladoo to a malai sandwich.

Shop

One of my very good friends, Jodhpur based designer Raghavendra Rathore, captures the beauty essence and splendor of Jodhpur with his impeccable fashion and style. If you want to immerse yourself in the magic of India, book in for a private appointment to see him.

Play

Visit the Mehrangarh Fort which towers over Jodhpur. It is an architectural masterpiece. Walk up the fort and be transported back in time to the grandeur of old India. Visit the museum in the fort to view a selection of old royal palanquins and study the history of the Rathores in arms, costumes and paintings. If you get invited to watch a fashion show or dance recital there, do not say no I was lucky enough to do this last month and it was beyond magical.

DELHI

Eat

Artusi in GK2 has exceptional Italian food. It’s like being in NY! The indian food at Dhaba at Claridges is absolutely superb. It is truly good classic Indian food like Butter Chicken, Lamb Rogan Josh and Yellow Dahl. I also eat often at Mistral and 360 at the Oberoi hotel. They both consistently have fantastic service and great food.

Shop

I would suggest walking around the DLF Emporio mall. You can find the most wonderful Indian clothes. For wedding or Trousseau, the best is Surekha Jain. For a more casual boho look I would recommend Malini Ramini. I also enjoy wondering through Santushti shopping complex. It’s a very peaceful shopping experience

Play

I work long hours in Delhi, so what I love to do on a Sunday is go to the Ambience Mall in Vasant Kunj, and watch the latest Hindi or English movie at the Directors Cut, in the comfort of a full menu and service at your seat, reclining chairs and a wonderful luxurious atmosphere. Directors Cut is a real Sunday treat! Sometimes too I wonder through Dilli Haat, which is great for inspiration and to see what artisans all over India are creating.

LONDON

Eat

So many wonderful places to eat in London. I always find eating at La Poule au Pot in Belgravia so cosy and perfect. It is definitely one of my favorite places to eat. I also like the fresh spinach and mushroom salad at Jak’s for a quick healthy lunch. I love going to George, Nobu and Harrys Bar too.

Shop

I have always loved Walton Street. I lived on that street when I was at Law school and find the mixed array of shops there delightful. I find the interiors and gifts of Katherine Pooley Ltd exquisite, and I enjoy popping into Donna Ida around the corner for Jeans and cute tops. I also spend hours at Selfridges. I absolutely adore shopping there, especially the first floor beauty and street fashion sections.

Play

There is something so perfect about spending time in the English country side. For me, going to see friends in Bath or Sussex or anywhere in the country, and spending a weekend walking and enjoying country life is my favorite way to play in London.

Tabla will be opened in London on the 1st July on 107 Walton Street SW 3 2HP

Photo Courtesy of Tabla’s Instagram, indiantravels.com, digitalbungalow.co.uk

World of KOTUR: Frida by Ishiuchi Miyako

kotur — Mon, 18 May 2015 10:43:17 +0000

Frida Kahlo continues to inspire us. We recently featured her Blue House on World of KOTUR’s Dames in their Drawing Rooms, and now fascinated by the recent discovery of her personal belongings. if you are in London, catch the rare opportunity to see the exbibition Frida by Ishiuchi Miyako. The exhibition showcases Frida Kahlo’s 300 unseen wardrobe and personal items, ranging from sunglasses to handpainted corsets, that were sealed by husband Diego Riviera at her blue house in Mexico after her death. The exhibition starts on the 14th of May, which goes on until the 12th of July.

Frida by Ishiuchi Miyako is at Michael Hoppen gallery, London SW3, from 14 May to 12 July, 2015

Photo courtesy of Michael Hoppen Gallery

World of KOTUR: Send the ultimate bunch this Mother’s Day

kotur — Wed, 06 May 2015 04:31:15 +0000

Should you be looking to send a particularly special bunch of flowers this Mothers Day, help is at hand. At KOTUR, we like to spell out ‘I love you,’ in our own way, sending flowers in the shape of our floral minaudiéres in a twist on the traditional bunch. Our embellished Espey with shell flowers, our Taylor with its flowery studs and our Morley whether festooned in blooms or printed in pink and green will each give the feelgood factor of flowers with the added extra of lasting forever.

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

World of KOTUR: Rinus Van De Velde for Paul Smith

kotur — Sat, 18 Apr 2015 10:21:54 +0000

Paul Smith and Rinus Van de Velde invite you to a private conversation on art and fashion from 5:30pm. This talk will be followed by the opening reception for the artist’s new exhibition. Wednesday 22nd April. 6 – 8pm. No. 9 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BL

The World of KOTUR: Former Olympian, Lord Coe Talks KOTUR

kotur — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 02:24:54 +0000

We ran into Sebastian Coe at Annabelle Bond’s house this weekend and it turns out that he carries KOTUR. When I asked him why the Kemble, Seb said that his Chelsea Seasons tickets, iPod which he noted is filled with Jazz, and his credit card fit perfectly. We couldn’t agree more!