From its humble beginnings in 1988, Kathrine Baumann Beverly Hills has grown from designing custom jackets and sparkling bejeweled chaps for such stars as Madonna, Cher and Tanya Tucker to the premiere couture fashion accessory source for Hollywood’s glamorous red carpet. According to Hollywood legend, if a nominee carries a Baumann minaudiere (small purse), she comes home with the gold. Whether she’s won the Oscar or People Magazine’s “Best Dressed,” a Baumann girl is always a winner. Celebrities and stylists consistently clamor for Baumann’s sleek and chic shapes and patterns because Baumann is the only accessory designer in Hollywood who can create a custom minaudiere in any color or pattern in 24 hours or less.
Notable fans and collectors are highlighted by: Beyonce, Brooke Shields, Christina Applegate, Marcia Cross, Alfre Woodard, Eva Longoria Parker, Paula Abdul, Mariah Carey, Helen Mirren, Kimora Lee Simmons, Patti LaBelle, Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Aniston, Hilary Swank, Kim Cattrell, Rita Wilson, Queen Latifah, Virginia Madsen, Sandra Oh, Ellen Burstyn, Helena Bonham Carter, Cynthia Nixon, Calista Flockhart, Marcia Gay Harden, Alison Janney and Elizabeth Taylor.
Today, the collection continues to be anchored by the celebration of the award-winning film - Titanic. Baumann’s Titanic minaudiere sailed gracefully onto Oscar’s red carpet and into history in 1998. Since then, Baumann has created a niche for herself within the luxury accessory market by appealing to her customer on a “heart-to-heart” level, hence Baumann’s trademark heart-shaped logo. Her whimsical creations are guaranteed to make you smile. National and international licensees have included: The Coca-Cola Company, The Walt Disney Company, King Features Syndicate, Warner Bros., Mattel, Campbell Soup (CSC), McDonald’s, Jim Henson Productions, Volkswagen and Mercedes Benz. Baumann has also pioneered luxury sports accessory marketing by acquiring licenses for the NFL and NBA. Current licensees are highlighted by King Features’ adorable Betty Boop and Ethel M’s delectable M&M’s. Baumann personally oversees each piece as it is transformed into wearable art by her skilled team of artisans at her Studio on Sunset. Baumann’s minaudieres are famed for being just as beautiful displayed as sculpture or on the arms of the world’s most beautiful women.
Fueled by the success of Baumann’s passion for le petite chic, luxury licensee Estee Lauder carries an exclusive line of Baumann’s signature Swarovski crystal compacts at their flagship boutique in Las Vegas. Baumann’s intricately designed belts, card cases and key rings are also available internationally at fine jewelry stores, on cruise ships and anywhere socialites and celebutantes travel to vacation. The Sultan of Brunei, the Countess of Wessex and even the late Princess Diana have been Baumann collectors and fans through the years.
Baumann’s designs have been carried in 700 fine jewelry and specialty stores nationwide, cruise ships and exclusive boutiques including the legendary Giorgio’s Beverly Hills, David Orgell, Gearys Beverly Hills, F.A.O. Schwartz, MGM Las Vegas, Disney Attractions, Gallery and Catalogue, Warner Bros. Gallery, Cellini Jewelers in the Waldorf Astoria, and select Saks, Marshall Fields, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus.
