When Eddie Borgo visited Lala for his trunk show with Neiman Marcus, we knew right away that the universe was trying to tell us something. Not only had R29 included a bracelet designed by the New Yorker in a recent jewelry roundup, but we were also in need of some serious bling for the holiday season. Naturally, we booked it to the department store and sat down with Borgo for a Q&A, covering everything from his favorite L.A. haunts, which star he gets mistaken for, and why 2013 will be a landslide year.
We included one of your pieces in our wedding jewelry roundup, what's your take on wearing baubles on the big day?
"I like that brides are starting to venture out of traditional ideas of bridal jewelry. Also, the idea of mixing heirloom and fine with costume seems much more modern."
"I like that brides are starting to venture out of traditional ideas of bridal jewelry. Also, the idea of mixing heirloom and fine with costume seems much more modern."
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You worked with J.Crew on a capsule collection and have partnered with a bunch of designers — any upcoming collabs you'd like to share?
"We are currently working with a filmmaker to outfit the two main characters in a documentary film. This is something that I have wanted to do for quite some time. As far as collaborations, we feel there have been plenty of those over the past few years. However, we have an opportunity that has recently been presented to us that does not follow the traditional route of designer-with-designer. It could be really interesting."
"We are currently working with a filmmaker to outfit the two main characters in a documentary film. This is something that I have wanted to do for quite some time. As far as collaborations, we feel there have been plenty of those over the past few years. However, we have an opportunity that has recently been presented to us that does not follow the traditional route of designer-with-designer. It could be really interesting."
L.A. is home to Hollywood and a slew of stars — who would you die to see wearing your jewelry?
"I'm not a huge celebrity follower, but I do admire Jennifer Connelly and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Also, I recently saw a film called Sound of My Voice and became enthralled by Brit Marling, who coproduced the film. I think she's amazing."
"I'm not a huge celebrity follower, but I do admire Jennifer Connelly and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Also, I recently saw a film called Sound of My Voice and became enthralled by Brit Marling, who coproduced the film. I think she's amazing."
Rock and roll is such a heavy influence in your work — plan to catch any shows while you're in L.A. or to visit the Sunset Strip?
"I'm actually planning a trip to see Fleetwood Mac at the Hollywood Bowl in May! I've never seen a show there and I'm really excited. I love old music — I saw the Rolling Stones in NYC, and they were so great. Mick is such a star!"
"I'm actually planning a trip to see Fleetwood Mac at the Hollywood Bowl in May! I've never seen a show there and I'm really excited. I love old music — I saw the Rolling Stones in NYC, and they were so great. Mick is such a star!"
What are some of your fave spots to hit up when you visit L.A.?
"I always swing by Maxfield and I love thrifting in L.A. I've collected amazing vintage jewelry on most of my L.A. trips. I also visited A’maree’s in Newport Beach during this trip — it's absolutely gorgeous and a true luxury experience."
"I always swing by Maxfield and I love thrifting in L.A. I've collected amazing vintage jewelry on most of my L.A. trips. I also visited A’maree’s in Newport Beach during this trip — it's absolutely gorgeous and a true luxury experience."
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Do people ever mistake you for a look-alike celeb?
"Oh god, people say that I look like a young Al Pacino. I also get Alan Cummings!"
"Oh god, people say that I look like a young Al Pacino. I also get Alan Cummings!"
Any crazy celeb sightings of your own?
"Last time I was in Beverly Hills, I saw Katherine Jackson. That was pretty incredible."
"Last time I was in Beverly Hills, I saw Katherine Jackson. That was pretty incredible."
Awards season is right around the corner — what type of gown would you pair with your signature items like the spikes?
"I always like to see more minimal gowns worn with jewelry. Also, jewelry incorporated into garment construction is also really interesting."
"I always like to see more minimal gowns worn with jewelry. Also, jewelry incorporated into garment construction is also really interesting."
What's your New Year's resolution for 2013?
"Balance. Balance is definitely at the top of my resolution list. I also always try to remember to make time for the people in my life that I love — which is hard sometimes in NYC!"
"Balance. Balance is definitely at the top of my resolution list. I also always try to remember to make time for the people in my life that I love — which is hard sometimes in NYC!"
What do you have planned for 2013?
"We just launched jewelry boxes and will continue to branch into new categories — I'm really excited to see how that will develop. I'm also planning trips to Brazil and Nevis, both places I have wanted to visit for a long time."
"We just launched jewelry boxes and will continue to branch into new categories — I'm really excited to see how that will develop. I'm also planning trips to Brazil and Nevis, both places I have wanted to visit for a long time."
What was your favorite moment of 2012?
"Moving into our current studio space. It's 10 times larger than the old space — we desperately needed the room!"
"Moving into our current studio space. It's 10 times larger than the old space — we desperately needed the room!"
Photo: Courtesy of Eddie Borgo