10qq with katja tamara.

I have a seriously incurable obsession with statement clutches; for a student on a sartorial budget, statement clutches are the perfect way to spice up a classic, re-wearable outfit - namely a light colored chiffon blouse and denim jeans. They can add a splash of color, texture or pattern to any simple ensemble, and in the case of Katja Tamara's python clutches, they add all three. Possibly my favorite thing about these gorgeous accessories (although seriously, what ISN'T to like about those beauties) is the fact that they exemplify the perfect marriage of color, print and texture through the distinct python-skin print they all boast. If there's such thing as the perfect, all-encompassing statement bag, these clutches might be just that. With a medley of color schemes on offer as well as variations such as python-skin tote bags and carryalls, Katja Tamara's fantabulous designs are definitely a staple for any fashion-forward woman (or man!). Drawing inspiration from Bali where all her designs are exclusively manufactured, Katja has expanded her label to include beautiful tasseled necklaces each with unique bead patterns and Buddha pendants. I'm so over the cheap fad of gothic Christian-cross designs, so I welcomed one of these gorgeous Buddha necklaces (in black) into my accessories collection with open arms a few weeks ago at the ilovedesigner.com event! 

Check out Katja's 10 Quick Questions below:

1) Favorite thing to do on a Saturday night: Dinner with friends, listening to music, dancing and late-night lounging, or having Apple TV movie nights (and popcorn!) with my husband and kids. 

2) Your current beauty must-have: An 8 hour night of sleep and Tom Ford’s Eye Color Quad in Titanium Smoke, which is suitable for day or night.

3) Your favorite vacation destination: Does it have to be narrowed down to 1 place? I love to travel! My favorites are Bali during Spring, Hawaii in the Summer, New York City in the Fall and Zermatt during Winter. 

4) Something not a lot of people know about you: Both of my parents are European, but I grew up in California. They wanted to give me a name that could be pronounced in Norwegian, German and English easily, but unknowingly they gave me a name that was quite unique in the USA. When I was younger I was tortured with nicknames! Now I can embrace my name and I love it. 

5) Something that inspires your designs: As cliché as this is, I genuinely have Wanderlust. Whenever I travel, I take snapshots in my mind of the natural beauty of animals. 

6) An artist you've currently been listening to: Coldplay; although they have been around for a while, I always come back to them. 

7) A pet peeve: People who brag. 

8) The best part of the design process: Sourcing different textures, patterns and colors, as this inspires my creations. 

9) A language you wish you could speak: German, my father is from Germany. I used to have to go to German Saturday School in California, but I rebelled and refused to speak it! Now I wish I was more fluent. 

10) Future dreams and goals for the Katja Tamara label: My obsession is for people to own versatile pieces in their wardrobe and not to take themselves too seriously. I think a lot of the rules of fashion have been broken and it's not about recreating the wheel but reinterpreting it. I would love for my label to be carried by influential people on a world stage and by moms out on a Saturday night.  

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What do you think of Katja Tamara's gorgeous clutches? Shop her designs on ilovedesigner.com!