Kara Ross: From Jewelry to Handbags
Prunella Envelope Clutch
Kara Ross’ love for design began through jewelry. Her signature collection originated with stunning, handcrafted cocktail rings and cuffs in a mix of materials, both dramatic and down-to-earth. Since her line’s conception in 2003, Ross has continued to evolve her designs, creating two more collections – exotic handbags and gemstone jewelry. Raw, natural elements ground each of her designs. The stunning skins – ostrich, Nile crocodile, Louisiana alligator, stingray, python, lizard and anaconda – come in an array of hand painted, mouthwatering shades and textures making each handbag one-of-a-kind. The spectacular stones – lapis, onyx, agate, tiger’s eye, carnelian, amethyst, turquoise, labradorite and rose quartz – accentuate each bag with chic functionality. The layering of skins and stones makes Kara Ross’ collections completely unique and luxurious.
Kara Ross
NM: What made you decide to become a certified gemologist, while working in advertising at Harper’s Bazaar?
KR: I was an art history major at Georgetown University and always loved jewelry. When I was 14 years old my parents took my sister and I on a trip to Kenya and let us choose our own stones to bring home. I chose two emerald cut, green tourmalines. When I got back to Philadelphia, where I am originally from, I decided to make a ring using the two stones. From that point on, knowing that I could create something original and beautiful gave me so much joy. Gaining knowledge about each stone intrigued me to attend the Gemological Institute of America. Today most of the collections, even the handbag collection features gemstones.
Celina Alligator Clutch
NM: What are the creative rewards of design?
KR: Seeing your designs on someone. Knowing they liked it enough to spend their hard earned money on it, and seeing them enjoy it.
NM: Why did you decide to design handbags?
KR: I felt gemstones would be a beautiful accent to a classic handbag. I decided to use exotic skins because all of the handbags have a gemstone accent, and I love the combination.
NM: Where does the design process start for you?
KR: Honestly, inspiration can come from anywhere – traveling (I recently was in Turkey) — or it can be as simple as seeing an interesting flower with an unusual color combination. For example, the flower may have shades of purple and blue, and this could spark me to create something with amethyst, turquoise and lapis, which is a rare combination. Inspiration comes from keeping your eyes and mind open.
Pacific Blue Alligator with Gunmetal and Hematite
NM: How do you think differently when you are designing jewelry versus a handbag?
KR: We spend a lot of time looking at exotic skins for the handbag collection and a lot of time finding the right gemstones for the jewelry collection. Both the gemstones and skins are important components of the designs and many times they become layered upon themselves, which requires time and attention to detail.
NM: Who are your favorite fashion designers?
KR: I collect vintage – Geoffrey Beene, Bonnie Cashin, Elsa Schiaparelli, Alexander Rose, Emilio Pucci and Mary McFadden. When I dress up in the evening, I usually turn to a vintage piece.
Virtus Python Clutch
NM: What was the inspiration behind the Fall handbag collection?
KR: Rich saturated colors — wine, berry and burgundy. All of the skins are hand painted and specifically designed for a particular handbag. We spend a lot of time developing the skins for specific bag shapes.
NM: Describe the quintessential woman behind the Fall collection.
KR: She is an independent, confident woman with her own sense of style and appreciates the artistry of each piece.
Shop Kara Ross handbags & jewelry online at neimanmarcus.com or stop by select Neiman Marcus stores to view the entire Kara Ross handbag collection at her next trunk show.
The Shoe & Handbag Event is on at Neiman Marcus stores through Sunday October 2. Choose from 3 gifts when you spend $350 in designer handbags or ladies shoes.
Chestnut Alligator with Gold and Smoky Topaz
