“When I make a custom piece for a client, it comes from what they are dreaming of.” – Julian Polak
Welcome to “Table for Two” – ALEXANDER HANKIN’s new column where he dines out, dishes the scoops and spills the tea with the coolest of New York’s new creative class. “Table for Two” debuts with Maison Spoiled jewelry designer JULIAN POLAK chez the Polo Bar.
What are we ordering?
The classics obviously: pigs in a blanket, crab cake and the tuna tartare. The veal Milanese. The famous burger, medium rare and a bunch of desserts.
You’ve been traveling a lot.
I went to Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda couture show in Rome and then dressed Ava Max, a good friend, in my jewelry for her performance at AmfAR during the Venice Film Festival. I’ll go to Paris for fashion week as well, doing the Lord’s work and spreading the word of Maison Spoiled. I’m opening my first show room in New York. I was born here in the city but grew up in Antwerp where my mum is from.
“A natural diamond is a story millions of years in the making. You’re not just buying a stone; you’re owning a piece of time itself.”
Diamonds are in your DNA.
I’m fifth generation in rough diamonds. My family worked in wholesale, buying rough from the source, polishing and then selling to jewelry brands. Having it always around me and seeing my family’s passion for diamonds sparked my love for natural gems.
You’re a proponent of natural diamonds.
A natural diamond is a story millions of years in the making. You’re not just buying a stone; you’re owning a piece of time itself. No two natural diamonds are alike. Not to mention value retention. A lab grown diamond literally holds zero value.
Ivy Getty wore Maison Spoiled to the Met Gala.
I started in this industry working at a bench learning to polish and then grade jewelry and gems in a lab. I had my own concepts and understood the production process enough to start my own brand.
Who are some high-profile clients?
Samuel L. Jackson and his wife Latanya, Dua Lipa, Ava Max, Justine Skye, Julia Fox, Queen Latifa, SZA.
Where do you draw inspiration?
In the words of the great Donatella Versace: “I hate this question.” A lot is just life, history, experiences. When I make a custom piece for a client, it comes from what they are dreaming of.
