Shoshanna Gruss, née Lonstein, has been in the biz for a while now. She launched her eponymous line over ten years ago, and has done a few collaborations since. Her girlie dresses made to fit a more voluptuous figure developed a cult following (at least amongst the preppy UES set), so we asked the designer about her decision to do accessories, why she’s jumped on the QVC bandwagon, and how her Maltese pups helped her land the QVC deal.

So you’ve partnered with Judith Ripka for this line–how did that come about?
I’ve been a customer and admirer of Judith Ripka for as long as I can remember. After running into around our neighborhood while walking our Maltese dogs, we developed a friendship. I respect her as a mother, a business women and an artist. Accessories to me, are what make one’s look their own. It completes a woman’s outfit and expresses who she is, and who she wants to be. I have always wanted to do a jewelry line to complement my Shoshanna collection. It’s been a dream to be working on this business with an icon such as Judith.