Kara Ross founded her luxury accessories company in 2003.  As a certified GIA gemologist, she has used her in depth knowledge of precious materials to create the luxe handbags and jewelry that have become a favorite of celebrities like Anne Hathaway, Ellen Pompeo and Reese Witherspoon.

When you pick up a Kara Ross handbag, you can expect to find everything from rare exotic skins to polished gems as a feature.  Ms. Ross took some time out of her busy schedule this week to answer the Purse Page’s five questions…

Mariana Leung:  Which handbag from your collection is your personal favorite this season?

Kara Ross:  I love our new Nero clutch in black velvet with gold hardware. It dresses up my outfit whether I’m going to a downtown dinner to a fancy gala. The Nero is the perfect bag for a fashionable woman on the go who needs to look modern & chic yet still have room for necessities!

ML:  I have read that you have a love vintage fashion? Is there a particular era or designer whose work you would call a favorite?

KR:  I love vintage clothing. I think the word “vintage” is thrown around casually; to me good vintage is from quite a few years back! A few designers I love are Bonnie Cashin, vintage Pucci, Schiaparelli, Courreges, Halston, Zandra Rhodes, Mary McFadden and Geoffrey Beene.

ML:  Your collection has always been about luxury and superior quality. You have a reputation for choosing the best exotic skins, gems and artisans to make your product. With the current economy, have you had to work or design differently to adjust for the changing market?

KR:  Originally I had planned on making bags in Italy. I flew to Florence for a day and a half to interview different manufactures for hardware and bags. However in 2006 the value of the dollar went down as the price of oil (shipping) went up. It became unfeasible to produce abroad so we began to seek out local New York manufacturers who winded up being as good, if not better than the Italians.  Producing the bags in New York versus overseas gives us complete quality control. Since they are made here we are able to be involved in the whole process. We see every skin, every piece of hardware. Also, since there is no time lapse it gives us the flexibility to keep our designs current. We also launched the boutique line in 2006. Offering the same aesthetic as our fine jewelry line but, the boutique line has captured both press and praise for its affordable yet high fashion style.

ML:  You cited a trip to Africa as the inspiration of one your first jewelry designs. Do you get a lot of creative influence from your travels? What culture or locale has been a recent muse?

KR:  This year I was on a boat trip to Corsica. I was widely inspired by the abundant vegetation of the island and the surrounding Mediterranean, Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Sea. While scuba diving I came across the most beautiful starfish. Immediately I knew I wanted to design one for the Spring Summer 2009 Collection.

ML:  As a certified gemologist used to demanding the best of the best from your vendors, were romantic suitors ever intimidated when it came time to buy you a gift?

KR:  It was always assumed I would make my own engagement ring because
I started out making tons of diamond engagement rings for clients. When my husband asked me to marry him he knew that I would find the best diamonds! We then went together to pick out the stone (a cushion shaped diamond) and then I made the setting. Its a few strands of very thin platinum wire twisted together. I love it and wouldn’t trade it for the world! Thankfully he loves it too!

ML:  Thank you Kara!