Globe-Trotter | Fiona Kotur Marin

New York native, now Hong Kong based designer, Fiona Kotur Marin founded her eponymous line in 2004. The line began with one-of-a-kind limited edition vintage brocade clutches and soon expanded to include materials such as exotics, shells, lucite and metals. The line?s evolution also included new silhouettes such as minaudieres, totes and larger handbags. We sat down with the fabulous Fiona to get a glimpse into her design inspirations and her must-see spots in Hong Kong.

 

 

New York native, now Hong Kong based designer, Fiona Kotur Marin founded her eponymous line in 2004.  The line began with one-of-a-kind limited edition vintage brocade clutches and soon expanded to include materials such as exotics, shells, lucite and metals.  The line?s evolution also included new silhouettes such as minaudieres, totes and larger handbags.  We sat down with the fabulous Fiona to get a glimpse into her design inspirations and her must-see spots in Hong Kong.

 

L-atitude: What was your design inspiration for KOTUR's collection?

Fiona Kotur Marin: For the Fall and Holiday collection I was feeling the 1940s and its sharp silhouettes, military themes and sense of glamour. By coincidence, I ended up on a film-noir spree, watching "Gilda" and "Maltese Falcon" among others.  Their influence really styled the season. I created two color stories; one bold, comprising Campari red leather, leopard hair calf, and espresso snakeskin- the femme fatale. The other color palette is smokey tones and moody hues, mysterious textures and evocative shadings, referencing more the visual and abstract cinematic styling. 

 

L: As a native New Yorker, what was the biggest change for you when you moved to Hong Kong?  What about Hong Kong took the longest time to get used to? 

FKM: We New Yorkers walk everywhere. In Hong Kong that is impossible. Though living on the side of Mount Victoria is stunning, with city views surrounded by lush greenery,I need to drive everywhere. That was the biggest shocker for me. Now I have to plan exercise into my routine, it doesn't naturally occur. The upside is that there?s no need for flats! The higher the better and completely manageable for the dash from car door to front door.

 

L: Can you please share your Hong Kong city secrets with our readers?  What is your favorite restaurant, hotel bar and under the radar store in Hong Kong?

 

FKM: There are so many great places.  My favorite district is SheungWan, near my office. It's the former Chinese "Central" district, so it has history and is very convenient. Fortunately, as the district becomes more developed, it remains interesting and diverse. A few of my favorite places in the area are Classified on Hollywood Road for the best espresso and cheese plate, 208 for the best pizza, Tazmania Ballroom has great after dinner drinks, Happy Foot for the best reflexolog, Cat Street market for great antiques, XTC on Ice for gelato, Kee Club for dim sum, Tim's Kitchen for dinner and Youmna in Baskerville House for her incredible jewelry designs.

 

 

L: On your trips abroad, what would you never leave home without packing?

 

FKM: All of my gadgets, their chargers and converters, photos of my four boys, my Hermes diary and journal (I write daily and have kept them for the past 8 years).

 

L: What is the coolest travel find in your closet? 

FKM: My clutches in my closet made from Tinalak material.  I sourced the material from the Tiboli tribe in the Southern Philippines and worked with them to make the patterns in custom colors like coral and teal, instead of their traditional black and browns.

 

To shop the Kotur Collection on L-atitude please here.