Certain partnerships seem predestined, and the latest collaboration between jewelry designer Wilfredo Rosado and Paola Russo, of Los Angeles boutique Just One Eye, is a fitting example. Rosado, whose fine jewelry designs are crafted in Paris and parts of Italy, looks to such objects as feathers and machine cogs to reinterpret as modern talismans. Russo has filled her Romaine Street boutique with an edited selection of the sort of unique designs one would pair with such diamond-encrusted creations. Now, Russo and Rosado are celebrating the New Year by launching a shop-in-shop at Just One Eye. Here they describe their unique creative vision for the space and its contents.

How did you meet? WR: I was introduced to Paola at the Mercer Hotel during New York Fashion Week several years ago, and was immediately captivated by her style. Once we spoke, her enthusiasm and passion was so infectious that I have since developed an addiction to Paola! PR: We bonded immediately over the uniqueness of his jewelry, which instantly caught my eye. When looking at jewelry designs, I’m drawn to colors of gemstones, detailed work, and a specific quality that is both creative and artistic.

Paola, what drew you to Wilfredo’s work? PR: Wilfredo uses precious metals and stones such as rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, but adds texture and an element of surprise by using materials such as feathers, leather, and burnt wood. He breaks away from traditional boundaries by taking classic themes and adding cultural and edgy elements. His collections are heavily influenced by art and underground or urban culture, and artists like Piet Mondrian, Cy Twombly, and Andy Warhol.

Wilfredo, what drew you to Just One Eye? WR: I had an immediate connection to the marriage of fashion and art that they [at Just One Eye] do so well. I admire that Paola has such a pioneering spirit, from choosing an unexpected area of Los Angeles for her shop, to the layout and curation of the space. Who today is taking such risks to create cool retail environments? Retail today is so driven by numbers that no one is taking into account the introduction of innovative ideas to the retail landscape.

Tell us about the shop-in-shop there. WR: The inspiration came from a 1930s table I saw. We further developed that theme in the fixtures and furnishing of the boutique. The space is rendered more modern with the addition of a Murakami painting. Where else can you go to indulge in fabulous shopping and simultaneously check out great art? PR: The furniture and the interior design ideas depict a classic décor—an atmosphere evocative of Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Eileen Gray, Alberto Giacommeti, and Jean-Michel Frank—with a touch of modernity with the Murakami painting.

What collections will be housed there? WR: I try to keep an extensive selection of pieces across all collections. Special orders are always possible and many of the items are already one-of-a-kind. I like to design jewelry that offers the client the ability to change elements so the jewelry always feels fresh and new.

What has inspired you about Los Angeles while launching this shop here? WR: The lifestyle here is so casual and carefree but there is an underlying current of luxury that is unrivaled. Glamour on steroids!

By Elizabeth Varnell

Pictured: Wilfredo Rosado’s Fringe bracelet at Just One Eye in Los Angeles.
Photo courtesy of Wilfredo Rosado

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