From its humble beginnings in 1988, Kathrine Baumann Beverly Hills has grown from designing custom jackets and sparkling belts and 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 recognized as 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, Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Aniston, Helen Mirren, Brooke Shields, Christina Applegate, Marcia Cross, Alfre Woodard, Eva Longoria, Paula Abdul, Mariah Carey, Kimora Lee Simmons, Patti LaBelle, Hilary Swank, Kim Cattrell, Rita Wilson, Queen Latifah, Virginia Madsen, Ellen Burstyn, Helena Bonham Carter, Cynthia Nixon, Calista Flockhart, Marcia Gay Harden, and Alison Janney, among many others..
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. The limited-edition 25 piece Titanic minaudieres were originally sold for $6,000 each. One signed by Gloria Stuart, starring as "Old Rose," recently sold for $20,000; Ms. Stuart passed away shortly thereafter at 100 years of age. 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 the luxury sports accessory market when acquiring licenses for the NFL and NBA. Current licensees are highlighted by Perrier Jouet, 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 impressive 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 carried an exclusive line of Baumann’s signature Swarovski crystal compacts at their flagship boutiques. 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 over 700 fine jewelry and specialty stores nationwide, cruise ships and exclusive international boutiques. These minaudieres are an investment, retaining their value as exhibited by Christies and other prestigious auction house around the world.
