Talking Timeless Beauty with Beth Goodman of Marie Turnor

Practicality and simplicity are a couple characteristics of what the mass of consumers are in the market these days- with the tough times and declining economy- splurging on over the top pieces are becoming more and more of a don’t than a do.  Beth Goodman‘s design philoosphy adheres well to effortless style within her accessories label, Marie Turnor.  Her background revolves completely around fashion from coast to coast as lingerie designer to wardrobe stylist having worked with Cameron Diaz, Halle Barry, Gwenyth Paltrow, and KD Lang (to name a few) not to mention much acknowledgment from Vogue and W Magazines.  Now, Beth continues to make beautiful handbags and clutches that are regarded as timeless classic silhouettes.

Everyday items such as a paper lunch bag or an envelope are the unassuming notions that inspire the harmony that ends up  making sense for any dashing wardrobe.  Goodman’s first born to the Turnor legacy, The Picnic clutch, has proven to be the line’s signature piece received famously for its precisely chic interpretation of a brown lunch sack made of the softest leather that is crinkly and pliable along with the one inch fold over roll at the top.  The bags come in two additional sizes- the smallest is The Snak while the largest is The Dinner.  Whatever your appetite, Marie Turnor has you fed. When asking where the style’s inspiration drew from, turns out it was from having spotting a woman in Paris with a paper bag in hand  the name.  As for label’s name sake, Beth convincingly states, “I think Marie Turnor is my alter ego.”

The other styles in the collections that have us in cahoots range from Origami wallet and the La Rue hobo.  Then there are sleek unisex offerings such as the Bravo satchel, the Idea bag, and Avion card cases.  The color palette consists of solids and the overall aesthetic is absolutely necessary!  As of now, the delectable handbags are carried in a select few boutiques like Mohawk General Store and Carol Young | Undesigned in LA; Condor and Christina Lehr in NYC; Supply Room in Santa Barbara; Acrimony in San Francisco.  Yet this new year, Marie Turnor, will be extending out in more areas in addition to some international access.

Upon our interview with Beth Goodman, she spoke about timeless beauty, artful influences, early beginnings and future endeavors.  Getting to know her and about Marie Turnor reminded us of the kind of class we should carry all for a lifetime.

Where are you from and what is your star sign?

BG: New York, Gemini

What was the very first handbag you ever owned?

BG: A Victorian bag that I carried around until it just about shredded. I still have it somewhere.

Why and or how did you decide to express yourself through the handbag and accessories medium as oppose to apparel or shoes for example?

BG: I went to Paris with the intention of buying for a store that I would open in LA, but I came back inspired to make leather goods.

What are your initial influences of your design aesthetic?

BG: My Grandmothers were both very fashionable and I inherited their collections. ( I wish I could fit into their shoes).

Also my mother’s best friend was the original indie designer and I absorbed all I could from her. 

What was the first handbag you made- tell us about that experience?

BG: It was the Picnic and the fabricator said they couldn’t make it the way I wanted it made. It was a struggle, but it turned out ok, right?

How do you come up with names for the bags? What are the most popular styles so far?

BG: I design the bag and the appropriate name seems to attach itself.

What materials do you use?  What material(s) do you have yet to experiment with?

BG: Veggie tanned leather,  calf leather and waxed cotton duck.  I would like to experiment with fish skin.

Describe the ‘perfect’ perfect handbag in 7 words or less.

BG: simple, elegant, timeless, well made.

In your opinion, how does art relate to fashion and vice versa?

BG: Fashion is art that you can use everyday. In the hands of some designers like Isabel Toledo or Alexander McQueen, fashion is truly art.

Who are your top four artists (any medium) of all time? why?

BG: Gustav Klimt, Herta Galton (an obscure Austrian artist whose painting I own), Alejandro Inarritu, Brigitte Bardot

Name a few places you frequent for fun in Los Angeles.

BG: Good Girls, Perch, Barbrix

What is up next for Marie Turnor in 2012?

BG: New twists on the Picnic, expanding into Europe

One Comment on "Talking Timeless Beauty with Beth Goodman of Marie Turnor"

1. 

   Giselle December 31, 2011 at 6:17 am · Reply

   So Lucky to have inherited your grandmothers wardrobe!!! Jealous!

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