Kotur has held a special place in almost every girl’s heart ever since founder Fiona Kotur launched her signature Kotur minaudière clutches almost a decade ago. Her eponymous label quickly became a household name for statement bags and accessories seen all over the red carpet on the celebrities such as Jessica Alba, Emma Watson, Diane Kruger and Naomi Watts.

Previously an accessories designer at Ralph Lauren, Kotur grew up immersed in fashion, art and design — we’d expect no less when you have a mother who’s a successful fashion illustrator, artist and once designed for Christian Dior.

“When I started, there wasn’t really anything like it on the market and I love carrying small bags,” said Kotur as she walked us through her latest collection at her boutique in Sogo, TST. “Small bags used to be very formal so I thought it’d be great to have something more versatile that you could take with you as your little dinner companion. Something that could start a conversation on a night out.”

Indeed, it was Kotur’s use of bold colours and cheeky messages and slogans that set her apart. Not every bag is whimsical, but even the more classic designs have an element of surprise and individuality.

And while we love ourselves a little clutch — mini and micro bags are the season’s hottest must-have, after all — are they actually, truly wearable? The answer, for Kotur, is simply: yes.

“The smaller the bag, the better the evening because it’s less time that you’re spending with distractions,” said Kotur. “As long as it fits a phone, key, couple of credit cards and some cash. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t carry a large bag, I usually carry a small bag within a larger bag during the day and it acts almost like an extension of a wallet.”

Each collection tells a story — be it 1950s Americana or something Kotur has picked up from an art exhibition she’s visited or a movie she’s seen. More recently, she’s been inspired more and more by modern technology and has just launched her #GetSmartBag minaudière for the iPhone 6.

Launched last year, the #GetSmartBag is a incredibly chic and clever petit clutch that allows you to clip in your iPhone and still be able to use it without opening your bag — its retractable flip panel enables you to take a photo from both the front and rear camera —  with a hidden crossy body chain. Our favourites are the variations in snake skin and embossed croc — versatile enough to be matched with any outfit but still extremely stylish.

“The best style advice I can give is: make a statement,” said Kotur. “You have the best time when you have something that speaks for you. If you’re wearing a statement pair of shoes or bag, it makes you approachable, puts you in a good mood and most importantly, shows people that you have fun with things.”