New kid on the block

Dior, Chloé, Chanel, oh my! The newest name to watch out for is Kotur. The young label is coming to London this summer. The Hong Kong based Kotur was founded by New York native Fiona Kotur Marin, a former Ralph Lauren designer. She discovered couture vintage brocades in a Chinese silk mill and was hooked. "I fell in love with them immediately," she told Vogue. "The owner was a 90 year old gentleman and the day before he retired, I bought his entire inventory." The sumptuous materials have now been used to make signature Kotur clutches and handbags, which are adorned with brass bells and buckles reminiscent of Buddhist temple ornaments. The bags and clutches are made in China , by the same workshops that do the handcrafting for Oscar de la Renta and Celine. " China is rich in culture and tradition - artisan skills are passed on through generations," says Kotur Marin. "New generations are now learning new techniques from Europe . There is a fascinating dynamic happening - a renewed appreciation of Oriental tradition, coupled with a looking-forward interest in progress." Kotur, which already counts Gwyneth Paltrow and Drew Barrymore among its fans, is available at Browns and Paul Smith.