MARTIN’S MANOR: Martin Katz is thinking outside the box. The jewelry box, that is. The Beverly Hills-based fine jeweler has been commissioned by the New York Palace hotel to custom design a suite as part of its recent renovation. Katz inaugurated it last week with a party featuring performances by The Four Tenors, David Foster and Babyface.
Katz incorporated many of his jewelry designs for the $25,000-a-night space: His circle pendant necklace motif became a dome on a light fixture and a glass etching in a circular window. A cascading crystal chandelier descends two stories into the entranceway ensconced by a circular staircase.
The designer focused on a jewel-toned color scheme and incorporated shine wherever possible, such as with beaded wallpaper and mirrored furniture. But the suite does not only mimic the jewels, it will feature them as well. The designer installed several permanent display cases that will rotate pieces of Katz’s own collection. “I wanted it to feel like a jewel suite, not a jewelry store,” said Katz. Asked if there was any concern for a high-end smash-and-grab, Katz noted, “Well, we do have their credit cards on file.”