Adam's Killer Fashion: Industry Icon: Eddie Borgo

“The Eddie Borgo collection is a study in traditions; American costume jewelry, the history of rock and roll, and the heritage of New York City. Eddie Borgo brings new energy and a modern point of view to these established themes, fusing high end and street in every piece he creates” (eddieborgo.com).

Born and bred in Atlanta, Eddie Borgo soon made his way to New York City to study Art History at Hunter College while working at Barney’s and Donna Karen. In 2002, he started making one-of-a-kind pieces for established stylists. Then in 2008, he was invited to design jewelry for Phillip Lim’s Spring/Summer 2009 fashion show. He subsequently launched his self-titled label for Spring/Summer 2009 – being sold in such prestigious stores as Barney’s New York, Colette (Paris), Liberty of London, and Joyce (Hong Kong). Today his creations are sold in over 90 stores worldwide (eddieborgo.com). He has also collaborated with such heavyweight designers as Marchesa, Proenza Schouler, Jason Wu, and Joseph Altuzarrra.

From top-left, clockwise: guestofaguest.com, guestofaguest.com, guestofaguest.com, vogue.com

Borgo’s designs are inspired by urban architecture, rock ‘n’ roll, and nature, always having a punky overtone. In 2011, he told Vogue, “Punk iconography is aggressive, but I like the idea of manipulating something raw and making it beautiful and feminine” (vogue.com). His most popular style would be the cone bracelet that was created at the launch of his brand. Since then, this style has been knocked-off over and over again, showing up in many fast-fashion stores currently. Fans of Borgo’s jewellery include Alexa Chung, Rihanna, and Kate Lanphear (whom starred in his Fall/Winter 2010 campaign; also see earlier Industry Icon to check out Kate’s awesome style).