ChristieOhh: What made you decide to do shoe accessories?

Inga: The idea for a shoe bow collection was born January 2nd, 2012, when I was shopping in my favorite boutique in Beverly Hills. I noticed two identical pairs of shoes in different colors, but only one of them came with a removable bow. I really liked the shoes that didn’t have the removable bow, but I bought it anyway. That same day I searched for similar bows online, but without results. That’s also how the idea was born – I figured, that I can make my own removable bow for my shoes! Since the market was quite sparse in terms of similar removable bows, then why not make a business out of it? And that’s how I, a lawyer by profession, was on my way to the fabric store to fulfill my creative urges.

ChristieOhh: Are there other designs to come other than bows?

Inga: As of today, no. I have plenty of design ideas for the future; however I want to focus on my debut collection for the time being.

ChristieOhh: Is there a particular fabric you love to work with?

Inga: I like working with several different materials. But most importantly, they have to be quality materials. Since my personal wardrobe is filled mostly with cotton and silk, the shoe bow collection is also mostly dominated by cotton and silk.

ChristieOhh: Where do you get your inspiration from for your designs?

Inga: I get inspirations from all over, magazines, photos, fashion shows, etc. I can see one small detail, perhaps even a comparatively unimportant detail, and I get inspiration. But the final idea comes when I see all of the colors and touch the fabric. I hold the ribbons in my hands, manipulate them, see how they work out, and what might be done with them. I love each bow because it is me: it’s my style, it’s how I am.

ChristieOhh: What designer(s) inspire you?

Inga: For many years now I’ve been inspired by Lanvin. I appreciate a closed mysteriousness in clothes. I was pleasantly surprised by Christian Dior’s Pre-Fall 2012 runway collection, I definitely see myself in this collection’s outfits.

ChristieOhh: Who would you dream of working with?

Inga: I’m quite the individualist. I could work with other people only if it was in the context of short term projects. But I would be thrilled to see how other women combine my created shoe bows with different designers’ elements, because the shoe bows are meant to be combined with any shoe, which allows a woman to create her own unique combinations.

ChristieOhh: What’s next for you?

Inga: I’ll continue to develop my product line. Make it more known, expand into local boutiques, add to the collection, etc.

ChristieOhh: How can we buy your shoe accessories?

Inga: Right now my shoe bow collection is available online at www.ingaliberte.com – Inga Liberte uses local Los Angeles manufacturing and delivery takes about a week.

ChristieOhh: Who is your favorite shoe designer?

Inga: For the past two years my favorite shoe brand is Bottega Veneta, but before that I worshipped Prada and Miu Miu.