Lillian Shalom has been a jewelry designer since her preteen years—she'd turn safety pins, glass beads, crystals, and whatever she could get her hands on into wearable art. This years-long affinity for repurposing and designing led her to start her very own eponymous jewelry brand in 2011. Its ethos? Jewelry can embody history, artistry, and personal narrative, or a lesson learned at an early age. "My father was in the textile industry growing up, and when he’d go on sourcing trips to Paris in search of antique textiles, he would often return with retro Art Deco rings for my mother, which I would then hijack," Shalom says. "I was completely captivated by them."
As of this past April, Shalom has tapped into another interest: fragrance. She launched El Morocco Perfumery, the first in-house brand under their boutique fragrance company Flower Shop, alongside her husband Isaac Lekach, who has spent his whole career in the fragrance industry. "[We realized] we could combine our complementary perspectives: his experience within the industry and my background in design, storytelling, and historical research," Shalom says. "The transition from jewelry to fragrance felt surprisingly natural. Both disciplines are deeply personal forms of adornment that have the power to communicate identity, preserve memory, and transform the everyday into something extraordinary."
Ahead, we caught up with Lillian Shalom about the media that inspires her and the secondhand websites she peruses when she's not creating something new.
Where Are You From?
From: Beverly Hills, California
Located: Beverly Hills, California
What's Entertaining You?
Listening: "Music has always been one of my greatest sources of inspiration. Whether I’m listening to a wide range of genres from Gypsie jazz to classic rock to playing different instruments, I find that music has a unique ability to shape my creative thinking. I thrive on constant inspiration, whether it’s visual or auditory, and I’ve always sought out experiences that spark new ideas."
Watching: "I’ve become equally drawn to classic cinema and historical documentaries. I especially love watching films from Hollywood’s Golden Age, particularly noir, as well as documentaries that explore old Hollywood, design, art, and history."
Reading: "I’m currently jumping between a few books: Man, Visible and Invisible by C. W. Leadbeater, Café Society: The Wrong Place for the Right People, and Snoot If You Must by Lucius Beebe."
What's In Your Cart?
"I have a tendency to fall down very specific rabbit holes, whether it’s a particular glassware designer from the 1920s or a rare Art Deco or Art Nouveau treasure I suddenly feel compelled to track down. I also have a Pavlovian response to anything zebra, clothing or furniture, or Art Deco revival fashion pieces. Lately, though, my search has been devoted almost entirely to El Morocco memorabilia. I have several pieces saved on eBay, although when I come across something El Morocco related, I’m pretty trigger-happy and usually buy it on the spot. There are, however, a few particularly rare and rather pricey pieces that I’m still keeping an eye on."
1930s Zebra Print Daybed by Jindrich Halabala
King Of Fashion, The Autobiography of Paul Poiret - 1931, 1st Edition
Vintage El Morocco NYC Nightclub Salad Dessert Plate
Atelier JÉA Tassel Cummerbund
What Are You Browsing?
Secondhand websites: "I spend more time than I’d care to admit browsing eBay, 1stDibs, and online auction sites like Invaluable and LiveAuctioneers. The auctions are quite thrilling and are my favorite places to find rare pieces that simply don’t appear through traditional channels."
Newspapers.com: "I spend a lot of time digging through old articles dating back to the 1930s and piecing them together like a scrambled puzzle to weave the historic story of El Morocco. I love uncovering forgotten anecdotes and connecting seemingly unrelated moments to build a richer understanding of its history."
Instagram: "My Instagram saves are largely made up of lymphatic drainage content, non-toxic products and natural remedies, along with plenty of French and Italian recipes."
What Are You Saving?
Vintage clothing: "My wardrobe is a lifelong collection rather than something I shop for seasonally. I’ve been collecting vintage clothing since elementary school, and it now spans everything from 1920s lace nightgowns to Mugler power suits. Every piece has history or impeccable tailoring; I tend to buy with longevity in mind rather than trends. My saved items are usually unique vintage finds or vintage designer pieces."
El Morocco Perfumery Travel Discovery Set: "That appreciation for preserving beautiful objects has also shaped the way Isaac and I approach what we create. With our metal discovery set, we wanted to make something that felt less like packaging and more like a future heirloom—an object I’ll be keeping for life, and one we hope others will save, treasure, and eventually pass down."