Designer Marie Lichtenberg answers a quick 15 in our latest installation of Small Talk.
Hi! Do you mind introducing yourself?
“If I had to introduce myself, you’d be asleep already. Better this: I forge objects that seduce, disturb, protect, in gold and stone.
Where are you currently?
I am downtown St Germain des prés where I live, work and tour since 1981.
How did you arrive at designing your line?
It all went so quickly. I left my job as Fashion Editor at Elle with a burning desire to create, but absolutely no knowledge of jewelry craftsmanship.
This whole project was the most wonderful gift to myself to try something new. I’ve been able to learn something new, become an entrepreneur and take my ideas to some of the most talented people in the industry to bring my jewelry to life. I was blown away by the success of my first locket.
I can still see myself posting photos of my lockets on Instagram with my baby on my knee, and my first orders hitting my DMs…
What are three words that best describe your designs?
Craftmanship, Irreverence, Heirloom
What does a typical work day look like for you?
There’s nothing typical, my day runs on instinct except if my team needs me, which is far less predictable than coffee breaks. More seriously, I plan meetings with my team every week and of course I have a family too so they are the only routine I recognize…
What about jewelry is so exciting to work with?
As someone who doesn’t come from the jewelry world, my strength has always lain in a no-limits approach to creativity. Every detail counts, from the artisanal quality of the pieces themselves, to the monogrammed cornicing in our Paris showroom, via the paper we use in our packaging. For each element, we go out and find the best craftspeople we can. They bring the magic to a piece. I visit the ateliers we use and meet each craftsperson, in Italy, India, Thailand and the US. You have to understand which pieces will resonate the most strongly with each pair of hands. It’s about more than jewelry; it’s offering an experience that reflects what I’m about, on my own terms.
Who is your ultimate jewelry muse?
My mother
Do you have a favorite stone?
Rolling ones
What is your favorite piece available at Broken English?
I love the Gold Dragon and Bonne Chance scapulars.
Is there anything new and exciting you have coming up?
Tons of them but all secrets! More seriously, we’re exploring other materials and applications.
Best place to find inspiration?
My frustration LOL
Best soundtrack for designing?
Heartbeats
Best book you’ve read lately?
Le Mal joli, a novel of autofiction by the French author Emma Becker
Best movie or show you’ve watched recently?
Yellowstone
Best way to wind down after a busy season?
Find a shelter in LA and chill in the flea market.
