Kate Bowman's Holy Grail

These days, one of the markers of an It-girls is being photographed wearing a lacey slip dress, sheer silk gown, or pleated mini skirt by Kitten. Ice Spice, Salem Mitchell, Pretty Sick, and Lily Jane Dale all make a cameo on Kitten’s Instagram. After all, who better to outfit the It-girl than an NYC It-girl herself? Designer, model, and photographer Kate Bowman launched the brand last year with a clear creative vision because she wanted to make what she herself would wear. Here, Bowman shares her favorite Kitten pieces along with her other wardrobe staples, current obsessions, and beauty go-to’s. — Maraya

LATELY ON COVETEUR

5 X 5

5 Things Kate Bowman Is Currently Into Based on the 5 Senses

👁️ Sight 👀

The Most of Nora Ephron: I am currently reading The Most of Nora Ephron. She’s just the best. I started by reading the back section of the book which is filled with autobiographical essays, maybe kind of à la Harry Burns. Her Life Story chapter begins, “If I can just get back to New York, I’ll be just fine.” As a lifelong New Yorker recently turned Angeleno, I was immediately hooked.

🎧 Sound 👂

The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We by Mitski: I’ve had Mitski’s album The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We on repeat. The song “I Love Me After You” is my favorite. I also love the new Bjork and Rosalia song “Oral.” Now that the holidays are approaching, my playlist is filled with Danny Elfman, Vince Guaraldi Trio, Sinatra, and Tchaikovsky. 

👅 Taste 😋

Oatmilk Gingerbread Chai: The Oat milk Gingerbread Chai from Starbucks is my new go-to drink for my morning walks through Griffith Park.

👃 Smell 😶‍🌫️

Boy Smells: I love Boy Smells candles so much. They make lovely fragrances, as well. I prefer the Kush and LES scents.

🤌 Feel 🤏 

Kitten Bambi Briefs: My Kitten Bambi Briefs. I wear them every day and feel like a princess. They’re 100% silk lined with 100% cotton for the ultimate luxury/comfort combo.

KATE’S WARDROBE ESSENTIALS

Dr Marten White Mary Janes: I’ve been wanting them forever and finally clicked check out. They’re my new everyday staple. I love a nod to a schoolgirl uniform, so I usually pair them with a pleated skirt. 

Kitten Kenzia Skirt: My holy grail. Pairs perfectly with a tiny top for going out or a big sweater and tights for cooler days. 

Vintage Levi’s: I found my new favorite pair at a vintage pop-up in Square du Temple in Le Marais while living in Paris. The key is to buy them in person so that you can try them on because no two are the same, no matter what the size tag may indicate. I totally lucked out. I recommend going by Stella Dallas in NYC to find your dream pair.

Pretties Baby Tee: The best t-shirts on earth. Cozy, tight, with the perfect crop. I love everything from Pretties. 

Blue Light Glasses (In Vintage Celine Frames): I have pretty good eyesight and don’t need to wear glasses, but I’ve noticed that with all of the computer work that goes into running a brand, my eyes have been getting tired throughout the day. Or I’ll get a headache. So I bought a pair of vintage Celine frames and had blue light lenses put into them. Now I wear them while working, and it makes my head feel a lot better. 

VANITY

Kate Bowman’s Beauty Go-To’s

Splurge: Dior Lip Oil. The Ultimate. My favorite treat. 

Ole reliable: Aquaphor. Always in my purse. 

Indie fave: Saie Lip Blur in Classic. The Perfect Red Lip!

Cult classic that lives up to the hype: Everything Skin Food by Weleda. I love this on my face and lips, especially in the colder months. 

Drugstore must-have: Avene Lip Balm. I discovered this product at my local French pharmacy while living in Paris for a few months this year, and I'm obsessed.

HOT TAKE

“Courteney Cox’s bangs in Scream were super hot and not a misstep. In fact, I brought in a picture of her as Gale Weathers to my friends at Hair Salon in LA. They gave me the makeover of my dreams, and I’ve never felt more beautiful.” — Kate Bowman

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