Designer Q&A – Rose & Ruby

Karah and I are sister-in-laws and we have always had very similar talents and an absolute love of clothes but also have different skills we just decided one day that we wanted to do something together and it took time for the actual label to evolve however from day one we knew that we wanted to create truly beautiful things!

Where did the name Rose and Ruby come from?

They are part of our childrens (current and future!) names.

All your items are produced locally what lead to that decision?

Producing locally is very important to us, we invest an incredible amount into our beautiful silks and French laces … we just couldnt bear to have the pieces made anywhere else.

Whats an average day like at Rose and Ruby?

There is no such thing! Average just doesnt exist for us! Depending on the time of year the focus could be designing for a new collection, working with our production team to bring all the dresses together, selecting divine laces from Europe, working with our marketing team or keeping an eye on our gorgeous new boutique.

Whats been the biggest challenge so far?

Just before we finish each new collection is always a really challenging time you have to race against the clock to get all your ideas realised but when it is all hanging on the rack there is nothing more satisfying!

How long does it take to put together a collection?

We spend at least 3 months of solid work pulling each collection together.

What inspired the SS07/08 collection?

It’s difficult to to say any one thing inspired the collection, we have a love for all things timeless, beautiful ( of course) and classic, so the inspirations and ideas can evolve from old movies, vintage postcards, beautiful books…. life is wonderful like that it – is an endless source of inspiration! Other times we work backwards when we find the most delicious lace or fabric and the designs seem to flow from there.

Whats your favourite piece in the current collection?

(Rebecca) I just cant go past Lucy Locket it is such a cute little number and I love love love those pockets!

Whats been the biggest high since establishing Rose & Ruby

Definitely opening our very own boutique in Paddington, it has been so lovely to interact with clients and hear their feedback – very rewarding!

Whats next for Rose and Ruby?

We are finished the new collection for Autumn Winter 08 so that will be released in February next year it is just delicious! Then we are just looking forward to spending Christmas with our family and enjoying the festive season before it all starts again next year!

The complete Spring/Summer 07 Collection ‘Poeme’ can be viewed online at the Rose and Ruby Website . Click here for a list of stockists