A-Lyst: Fiona Kotur
Published on June 9 , 2014
As you know, to celebrate our 4th anniversary we have teamed with a few of our friends to give away four must-own items on our birthday wish lyst—one of those being the fabulous KOTUR #getsmartbag. With that, we thought it would only be right to catch up with KOTUR‘s glamorous founder Fiona Kotur to talk all things accessories. In our Q&A, we chatted with the designer about where to go and what to do in Hong-Kong (the home of KOTUR’s HQ’s) her latest Instagram obsessions and her new footwear collection for spring! See below to read the interview and full and find out how to win your very own #getsmartbag!
L: What inspired you to create the #getsmartbag?
FK: The idea came when I tried to squeeze my credit card between my phone and case- I thought it would be great to keep everything compact and together, and easy, while looking chic… I love having so many functions within a small bag that fits everything you need and still looks good on the table.
L: Can we assume you love social media? Favorite person to follow on Instagram?
FK: I love it – It’s an easy and addictive way for me to keep up to date. I love following @cntraveler, and fantasizing about all the exotic places I dream of going to.
Photo: @cntraveller
L: We’ve seen your bags on Jennifer Lawrence, Whitney Port and many more. Is there an A-Lyster you’d love to see accessorize with KOTUR?
FK: I would be over the moon if I spotted Cate Blanchett with KOTUR.
L: Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
FK: We usually find inspiration from far flung, exotic places. Anything from the colors, smells, sounds and textures can spark an idea.
L: What do you typically carry in your KOTUR clutch?
FK: A girl never reveals her secrets! I carry my monogrammed #getsmartbag everyday – my iPhone 5 clips into the back, and I carry some cash, credit cards and a lip gloss.
L: You’ve just launched your first collection of footwear—what made you venture into the shoe industry? What’s your favorite way to style these three pairs for the summer season?
FK: Venturing into shoes is something that has been on my mind for a long time. It is exciting to have a larger playing field to truly express and complement the KOTUR vision. As Marilyn Monroe famously said, “Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world”.
I would do the ‘Gilda’ for a Femme Fatale look, the ‘Guzel’ on vacation for Bohemian Chic, and ‘Jardines’ for weekend brunch.
L: As a native New Yorker now living in Hong Kong, how would you say style differs between the two major cities? How would you spend the perfect summer weekend in Hong Kong?
FK: The styles between the two cities are very similar – polished, fun and of the moment. But only in New York can you spot great winter dressing – Hong Kong is never cold! My perfect summer weekend would be hiking in Sai Kung Country Park with the family, and ending up in one of the secret waterfalls or beautiful beaches.
L: Can you share a few of your favorite new bag styles from your latest collection?
FK: One of my favorite pieces is the Lantern, it came to mind when I saw John Singer Sargent’s painting “Carnation Lily of the Rose” at the Tate. The #getsmartbag is a must-have for people on the go, and our gold Gilda heels for the wow factor.
L: Aside from KOTUR, what else is on your summer wish lyst?
FK: Planning a family holiday to London and LA.
L: What’s on your summer soundtrack?
FK: I listen to different playlists on Spotify so all the work in choosing music is already done for me!
Shop our favorite KOTUR pieces below and don’t forget to enter our competition to win your very own #getsmartbag!
