I was excited when I found-out that Kara Ross was chosen as one of the 28 new members of the CFDA because she is truly a unique talent.
Ross founded her privately owned luxury accessories company, which is based in New York City, in 2003.
As a certified GIA gemologist, Ross’ love of colored stones shows in her jewelry and handbags which are often adorned with fabulously exotic baubles (jet, marcasite, lava, wood, and chalcedony…).
In January 2008, Kara Ross won the FGI Rising Star Accessories Award.
In February 2008, during Fall Winter Fashion Week, Kara Ross launched Kara by Kara Ross, a more affordable luxury jewelry collection that like its higher-priced counterparts uses natural stones and exotic skins.
A few weeks ago I had the chance to preview Kara Ross’ 2008 resort collection and she told me that she drew her inspiration for the collection from one of her own vintage Pucci jackets.
The jacket’s rich color palette included vibrant yellows, purples, and light pinks.
As for the use of cork for many of her handbags, Ross said that she was inspired by a vintage cork shoe, but that she also had a desire to add a Palm Beach and St. Bart’s feeling to the collection.
As a newly-minted CFDA member, I can’t wait to see what Kara Ross has in store for the accessory industry in the coming seasons.
