With its California sunshine and bejeweled celebrities, Beverly Hills is considered the home of glitz and glamour, and its influence on how Americans dress is why Martin Katz designed his new atelier as a tribute to the city and its lifestyle.
Katz’s atelier on the top floor of the Fred Hayman building nods to art deco opulence with glossy lacquer finishes, sophisticated glass doors, and a private terrace with envy-inducing views of Beverly Hills. While the space may feel like a throwback to another era, Katz says he still wanted the latest in technology within the space, allowing for services like virtual appointments.
“Moving out of the street-level retail world back into a penthouse has already shown huge rewards,” Katz says. “My clients are loving the privacy and comfortable nature of it—they don’t want to leave once they are here, so it has already become a very social setting, which is exactly what I had hoped for.”
The penthouse atelier at 190 N. Canon Drive was designed to be a destination in and of itself, Katz adds, giving clients who visit the space a feeling that they too are celebrities enjoying a jewelry experience only he could offer them.
“We’ve received a very warm welcome from our clients and friends [since opening in March,” Katz tells JCK. “We have found that the comfortable ambiance of the penthouse and outdoor terrace invite guests to take their time and enjoy the environment and company.”
The jewelry designer worked with Dion Mial Design to create the atelier’s elegant look, reflecting Katz’s slogan of “Like No Other.” The furnishings are in tones of soft beige and white, and the fixtures and cases a glossy chocolate color. Metal accents on the cases and furniture add a shine along with the high-gloss ceiling and wide window walls.
The space is light, bright, and airy, befitting its sky-high location and the luxe feel Katz says he wanted for his brand.
“I love the residential warmth combined with the indoor-outdoor feel of the cozy adjoining terrace, both of which offer a less formal and uniquely comfortable setting to enjoy a jewelry experience,” Katz says. “It’s perfect for entertaining our friends and capturing the natural light for an outdoor appointment.”
To Katz, luxury is a lifelong pursuit and something he says continues to be a priority for his brand in 2023 and beyond. Having the atelier on the top floor of the iconic yellow Fred Hayman building has been a smart move, Katz adds. He previously had a boutique on Brighton Way for two decades.
“The penthouse celebrates a return toward a more intimate luxury environment for me, as well as a return to where I started more than 30 years ago—as a private jeweler in a penthouse,” Katz says. “Luxury to me in 2023 is a highly personalized experience: one-on-one time with my clients in the penthouse, as well as having more time to spend doing what I love to do, which is designing creative jewelry.”
Top: Martin Katz has opened a new atelier in the penthouse of Beverly Hills’ iconic Fred Hayman building. Kate says the city itself and his commitment to giving clients a luxurious environment inspired its interior design. (Photos courtesy of Martin Katz)
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