Artist Spotlight with Lillian Shalom
HOW A BEVERLY HILLS NATIVE CRAFTED HER OWN PATH IN THE WORLD OF HIGH FASHION JEWELRY
BY LEAH COHEN | PHOTOS COURTESY LILLIAN SHALOM
Born and raised in Beverly Hills, jewelry designer Lillian Shalom, takes inspiration from the vibrant city around her but often goes against the norm to develop her style. Since the launch of her brand in 2011, Shalom’s work has been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and on the carpet at the Met Gala.
SELF-PORTRAIT OF LILLIAN SHALOM WEARING YEHDUIT ARMOR, GALILEO ARMOR AND VEX RING
How did you get your start in designing jewelry and launching your own business?
With a background in painting and music, I have always been drawn to creating my own world with costumes and jewelry since childhood. I soon discovered that jewelry-making was the perfect creative outlet, allowing me to wear my unique creations. After thorough research on starting a jewelry business, I began designing pieces and launched my first collection.
Can you walk me through the design process from ideation to completion?
A design concept can emerge from many different sources — a song, a piece of furniture, something in nature, or even a random thought. Once inspiration strikes, I sketch out the idea and begin the process of bringing the piece to life. This journey from initial spark to final creation is a deeply immersive and rewarding experience, allowing me to transform abstract ideas into tangible works of art.
KHLOE KARDASHIAN IN GALA (EYE) ARMOR RINGS AND GILDED LIPS FOR TMRW MAGAZINE. FROM THE “A SECOND BEFORE AWAKENING” COLLECTION
Which design is your favorite? Which design is most popular with customers?
I genuinely love all my creations, but there are a few I am particularly drawn to. I designed my first armor ring, "Galileo," in 2012, and it remains my most notable piece to this day. I wear it every day, and it feels like an extension of my body. Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to create custom items, such as Opal Grillz, for Erykah Badu. This project was complex but resulted in one of my favorite creations and is currently being exhibited in the American Natural History Museum in New York City.
Can you share a bit about the new collection you’re launching and the inspiration behind the pieces?
My new collection, Semi Tropic, is a love letter to Los Angeles. Inspired by an agricultural book written in 1874 about Southern California's ideal climate for growing tropical fruits and trees, the collection's name and concept reflect the region's unique allure. Throughout the collection, you'll find influences of old Hollywood, gilded Palm trees and Art Deco design, capturing the essence of LA's rich history and style.
Lady Gaga in custom pink -- Sporting "Bonnie x Clyde" claw ring tips from the "Last Days of Rome" collection for her Chromatica album artwork.
What is next for you and your designs?
I try not to think too far ahead regarding my work, as it can distract from my authentic creative impulses. While I do have goals, I prefer to stay fluid with my process. Recently, I joined creative forces with my husband to cofound a fragrance company, Flower Shop Perfumes Co. We just launched Cirque du Soleil’s debut fragrance, and we couldn’t be happier with the reception to both the fragrance and the packaging design.
For more on Lillian and her designs, visit:
lillianshalom.com | Instagram @lillianshalom