Houghton: New Designer to Watch

The Blonde & the Brunette are always on the hunt for up and coming designers.  Enter Houghton! Launched during 2012 Fall/Winter Fashion Week by head designer Katharine Polk, who is originally from Malibu, a graduate of FIDM, and a former in-house stylist for Badgley Mischka Couture, she draws her creative inspiration from Katherine Hepburn, Bianca Jagger, and Patti Smith. We dropped in on a very special, private preview at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills to meet Katharine and learn more. It’s a beautiful line punctuated with stunning details and a fresh approach.

B&B: Tell us about your creative vision.

 

Katharine Polk: The brand derives its name from Hepburn’s niece, actress Katharine Houghton, and is designed for the independent woman who who wants an effortlessly chic, yet sexy and strong look. A natural extension of their style for today’s world.

 

B&B: Love that. What are the details behind this collection?

 

KP: Well, I retreated to Shoreditch, London and was inspired by the street art and colors of east London and the ease with which the British girls wear their clothes. The mix of new and old, comfortable and chic epitomizes the Houghton girl. For Spring /Summer, I wanted to develop a range of silhouettes for dresses, gowns and a selection of separates executed with colorful prints, hand sewn embroideries and rich textures.

 

B&B: Do have a signature look?

 

KP: Oh, my Katherine Hepburn suit. It works as separates and as a total look. Office to evening.

B&B: What’s your favorite way for a woman to update her look?

 

KP: Dramatic yokes, feathers, or boleros. Put them on with anything! They give everything a new and different look.

 

B&B: Any do’s and don’t’s?

 

KP:  Long and fitted or short and loose. Never short and tight.

B&B: Favorite Red Carpet moment?

 

KP: I like it when people take chances . That’s what fashion is all about.

 

B&B: Even though today isn’t about your bridal line, which is strikingly beautiful, who is “your bride”?

 

KP: The comfortable bride. Not stuffed into a gown. You feel beautiful but like yourself.

 

B&B: We have to ask our signature question. Who’s your favorite Blonde and who’s your favorite Brunette?

 

KP: Gwen Stefani and Katharine Houghton. The line’s namesake!

 

For your very own one-of-a kind, couture pieces, Houghton is available at Saks Fifth Avenue Beverly Hills by special order .  Ask for Marte at the Saks Fifth Avenue Club and she will make it all happen for you. (310) 275-5104. To see more of the collection, check out Houghton NYC.  We do have another update coming your way on the line. We just can’t resist.

xo

NJ Goldston, The Brunette and Jadan Huter, Brunette Contributor