After 20 years in his Brighton Way boutique, Beverly Hills jeweler Martin Katz is quite literally taking his stunning jewels to new heights. Now, his one-of-a-kind pieces–beloved and worn by A-listers like Salma Hayek, Zoe Kravitz and Nicole Kidman both on and off the red carpet, glimmer in the Penthouse Suite of the landmark yellow Fred Hayman building at 190 North Canon Drive. The move is a full-circle moment for Katz, who launched his career as a private jeweler in the early 1990s from a penthouse apartment on Wilshire Boulevard. It was during this time that he famously loaned Sharon Stone a diamond choker and earrings for the 1992 premiere of “Basic Instinct,” igniting his three-decade presence on the red carpet and a Rolodex of over 500 celebrity clients.
“Fred Hayman and his relationship with Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and fashion spoke to me, and I knew it was the right place for my next chapter,” says Katz. The 1,500-square-foot atelier has been realized by Dion Mial Design and mirrors Katz’s signature style with subtle art deco influences and pared-back elegance. High-gloss lacquered sycamore finishes outfit everything from stylish vignettes to his granite-topped Jewel Bar, which will feature some of the world’s most coveted no-oil emeralds—or as he dubs them, “the holy grail of emeralds.”
A look inside Katz’s new atelier in the Penthouse Suite of the landmark yellow Fred Hayman building at 190 North Canon Drive. (Photo: Julian Duque)
To mark the occasion, the designer is exploring a new direction with the debut Penthouse Collection, designing around geometric gemstones and creating whimsically unique rings and earrings. An outdoor terrace invites a more intimate, lounge-like experience where you can sip on a coffee or cocktail while taking in views of Beverly Hills. “My hope is that the Penthouse will not just be a place to shop, but also become a social destination in itself,” says Katz.
Martin Katz’s Top Hangouts in Beverly Hills
Spago
I love to pop by for an early dinner after a day in the Penthouse, and it’s a short walk since it’s right next door.
Wally’s Beverly Hills
Spectacular wines by the glass and the best french fries in the city.
E. Baldi
My favorite Italian restaurant. I love their saltimbocca, and they have the best meatballs.
Sweet Beverly
A cafe in the courtyard park by The Maybourne Beverly Hills for fast takeout that is very high-quality with a lot of sophisticated menu items.
Matsuhisa
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s famed Japanese restaurant is my favorite for a date night with my wife, Kelly.
Maru
My favorite gem of a coffee shop is Maru.
The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills
I’m looking forward to visiting the new location on South Santa Monica Boulevard—this is the best cheese shop in town.
See the full article by contributor Danielle Torres in The Agency Magazine’s digital issue.
And for more information on Katz’s collections and new showroom, visit MartinKatz.com.
