Get to know this formidable family with four female powerhouses spanning the worlds of art and fashion
Words and photography by KENDALL CONRAD
Clockwise from top left: ALISON ROSS GREEN, KATHERINE ROSS, AMANDA ROSS and JANE ROSS wearing AROSSGIRL x SOLER dresses.
Meet the Ross girls — Katherine, Jane, Alison and Amanda. Cousins and sisters. A public relations guru, a super stylist, an art consultant and a designer, respectively. Hailing from Michigan and now living in Los Angeles, London and New York, the close-knit quad are strong, intelligent women, each one unique in her own way.
I have wanted to profile them and their extraordinary talents since I started Aficionada, a series of interviews with inspiring women who wear my accessories, but it was so hard to get all of them in the same place at the same time. We shot this in three hours at Katherine’s house (before Covid-19 sent us all into self-isolation), on a rare occasion when they were all in L.A. It was chaotic, hysterical and a lot of fun.
When I followed up with them individually, they shared their inspirations, routines and thoughts on stay-at-home life and wishes for post-pandemic adventures.
• • • • •
KATHERINE ROSS
Communications consultant and co-founder of re:la.
The Rosses wear jackets from RE:LA.
What do you love about what you do?
I have worked in fashion/PR/communications over the past 20 years and, more recently, as a consultant. Two years ago, I launched a project called re:la (“regarding Los Angeles”) with my friend, Angelique Soave. We sell T-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, hats and accessories that say things about Los Angeles. What I love most about re:la is finding interesting quotes from artists that speak to what makes Los Angeles so unique. I [also] spend a good portion of my time supporting my husband, Michael Govan, director and CEO of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. I also founded the Wear LACMA program for the Director’s Circle at LACMA. Wear LACMA is an art and fashion collaboration between the museum and L.A.-based designers that celebrates the museum’s collection. Since 2012, the program has raised over $500,000 for the museum. I have really enjoyed working with all the talented designers (including yourself, Kendall Conrad) and the patrons that have generously supported LACMA.
What do you like most about living in L.A.?
I don’t mean to sound cliche [but] I love the weather. But honestly, what I love most about Los Angeles is the artistic culture. I cherished my 20-plus years in New York, but I really feel that Los Angeles thrives on innovation and creativity, and I am very happy to call it home.
KENDALL CONRAD jewelry and handbags are available on the designer’s own site and a selection is available on Studio C.
What are some of your favorite places, and where do you want to travel after the quarantine?
I really love the American West, and any chance I get to explore with my family is great. I think I am a cowgirl at heart. Some of my favorite trips have been flying with my husband in his plane to Monument Valley [on the Arizona-Utah border], visiting Utah’s Capitol Reef [National Park], staying at the Triple Creek Ranch in Darby [Montana], or stopping at La Posada Hotel in Winslow, Arizona, which was designed by the amazing Mary Colter. I also love visiting artwork destinations, including The Lightning Field [a land artwork in Catron County, New Mexico] by Walter De Maria; Spiral Jetty [an earthwork sculpture at Utah’s Great Salt Lake] by Robert Smithson; and The Chinati Foundation [contemporary art museum] in Marfa, Texas, thanks to Donald Judd. I would love to go to other spots in the West, like Lake Powell [between Utah and Arizona]; Zion National Park [in Utah] and [California’s] Yosemite and Redwood national parks.
How has your life changed during the pandemic?
This pandemic seems unpredictable and scary (for me, mostly in the middle of the night), but I have faith that a lot of really smart people all over the world are working on this, and we will find a cure. I am beyond thankful for all those that are working so hard during this extremely difficult time in our lives. I think I have discovered most of my calm through my family, food, art, music and exercise. We are usually out five nights a week, and it has been a blessing to be able to be with my family every night, cooking delicious healthy food for them (thank you, Dr. Mark Hyman, for his great books on food and his podcasts). The cultural world has been a great source for adding a positive perspective and calm to my day. I have loved watching all of the L.A. Philharmonic musicians on Instagram, and seeing them at home makes me connect to them not only as artists but as people. Gustavo Dudamel [music director of the L.A. Philharmonic] was wonderful on [Southern California radio station] KUSC [recently], selecting some of his favorite selections of music and why they are important to listen to in a time of isolation. I also love listening to Anne Litt on [Southern California radio station] KCRW’s [show] Morning Becomes Eclectic — I used to listen to her in my car, and now I am in the comfort of my own home. Much better!
• • • • •
JANE ROSS
Stylist.
JANE ROSS and KATHERINE ROSS.
Where do you live?
Los Angeles. I love the infinite shades of green.
What are your life goals?
Make the world a better place.
What are your favorite pastimes?
Cooking and reading.
What do you like most about your work?
I like that it comes easy to me, and so it doesn’t really feel like work. And that I can help people and show them the beauty they possess.
What’s your biggest luxury?
The time I get to run in the mornings.
AROSSGIRL Georgette maxi dresses in Shocking pink and orange.
What inspires you?
Nature and poetry, in words or in motion.
When are you the happiest?
When I am outside with my family and the wind is blowing in my hair.
What have you learned during this quarantine?
What have I learned in the last month or so are also things I have always known and been reminded of: Truth is best. Mother Nature is in charge. Back up, back off and surrender. Family is everything — there is nothing I wouldn’t do for each and every one of them. I can cook! And I am happiest cooking for those that I love. Nourish the soul by giving good love. And I really like chocolate!
What are some of your favorite places and where do you want to go next?
My favorite place is the journey within, and I always want to swim in the sea.
Your female hero and why?
My mother, Gloria Rosenstein. She is deeply cool and authentic and I am beyond fortunate to breathe the same air she does. Also [the late journalist] Oriana Fallaci. She was a badass truth teller in chic Italian clothes!
Describe your skincare regime.
Don’t ask. … I appreciate the beauty of aging.
• • • • •
AMANDA ROSS
Designer and founder of ARossGirl.
ALISON ROSS GREEN and AMANDA ROSS wearing AROSSGIRL x SOLER styles and accessories.
Where do you live now and what do you love most about it?
New York City. It is a walking city with energy, street life and culture.
What are your life goals?
Be a good person, give back, take care of my family and create success with my ARossGirl startup.
Who is your female hero and why?
Dr. Shelley Hall [director of Heart Transplant Services for HeartPlace as well as the chief of Heart Transplant Services] at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. She created one of the most impressive transplant centers in the U.S.A., with a brilliant team of doctors. She straddles motherhood (a mother of five) while devoted to saving lives, always with a smile. Against all odds, she accepted my husband to her heart program and saved his life.
AMANDA ROSS wears her velvet bow from AROSSGIRL x BORN IN THE SUN and KENDALL CONRAD rectangle hoops and 3/4-inch ring belt.
Can you share some positive thoughts you’ve had during the pandemic?
It has unified the world. It is a reminder that sitting with what is uncomfortable brings blessing and opportunity. … And how restorative it is to sit still. I have gone back to making my inspiration books, and as a family going for walks with our dog. This is nature. As [medical expert and mindfulness guru] John Kabat-Zinn asked, “Are we going to get with this curriculum?”
Where do you want to go when travel is possible again?
Andalusia [Spain]. Anywhere in Scandinavia. [Luxury resort] Islas Secas in Panama. Bolivia. And Ischia [Italy].
What is the biggest luxury?
Time.
When are you the happiest?
At home with my family.
What is your style credo?
Age with grace and a good tailor.
• • • • •
ALISON ROSS GREEN
Art advisor and collaborator.
JANE ROSS, KATHERINE ROSS, AMANDA ROSS and ALISON ROSS GREEN.
Where do you live and why do you enjoy living there?
I have lived in London for the last 26 years. All worlds come together in London, making it a vibrant and colorful place to live. I love the music, art, performance and literature. I love its traditions, its ancient history, both quirky and imperfect, and last but not least, its ironic humor, which took me years to understand.
What do you love most about your work?
I am a VIP advisor to Frieze Masters, London, and specialize in the historic side of the art world. With my work for Frieze, I am energized by my colleagues and by the experience of collaboration. For 10 years, I have co-curated an art circle, which has been my visual library and intellectual inspiration. And in my philanthropic work, I recently became a trustee for Sir John Soane Museum [and] a National Gallery patron; and support charities that include Save the Children, Afghan Connection and Bloodwise. In all of these things, being surrounded by beautiful art is a luxury, which spellbound me early on in my career at Sotheby’s New York. I love seeing how directors and curators weave their magic with focus and ambition in their custodial roles over British museums and institutions.
What’s up next for you?
Taking each day as it comes under present circumstances. Hoping for some wonderful collaborations with my Frieze Masters team in October 2020.
What is your life goal?
Finding poetry in the every day.
Can you share some positive thoughts you’ve had during the pandemic?
There is a shared sense of community and kindness. We are all in this together, and I have learned to trust in myself, have patience, and to just be still. Our sunsets and night skies have been so clear and glisten with shiny stars. I know the Earth is grateful for the break. I have returned to yoga with my two favorite teachers on Zoom; and love the quality time with my family; puzzles; watching spring blossom with glorious sunsets in the countryside; delving into my art books and literature; cooking; and walks in the countryside where we are during the lockdown. We created a weekly cousin’s zoom call, and it has been a real highlight, and one from which my father continues to derive such joy from which makes me so happy.
KENDALL CONRAD Twisted Naked bangles.
What inspires you?
Adventure and travel and all the places in between.
Where do you want to go after the quarantine?
Namibia, Iceland and Japan.
When are you happiest?
Spending time with my three sons and husband.
What is your biggest luxury?
Time for reading.
How do you take good care of yourself?
My regime is rather simple. Pure Radiance C [by Pure Synergy], which I have taken for years; lypo-spheric vitamin B, with a little bit of Glow Inner Beauty Essential powder [by The Beauty Chef] daily. I love all of my Sisley Paris products, and my signature lipstick is By Terry’s Baume de Rose.
What is your style credo?
Pearls, moonstones, lapis and anything blue.
Feature image: ALISON ROSS GREEN, KATHERINE ROSS, JANE ROSS and AMANDA ROSS wearing AROSSGIRL x SOLER dresses.
May 14, 2020
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