Beryll: Made in the Shade

Sigmar Berg, founder and chief designer of Beryll, started his sunglasses line in his homeland of Austria. He soon diversified into other accessories, and spent many years commuting from Paris to New York and Los Angeles with the business. In October 2007 Berg and his wife (and business partner) Petra relocated to sunny LA, where their high-end, rock ‘n roll-esque jewelry, bags and belts are made by hand – and are a hit with the locals. We chatted to Berg about his distinctive aesthetic and the allure of a great accessory.

You trained as an architect, how does that inform your design?
For me, form informs function. I like smooth lines, as in modern architecture, not big logos or prints. The simpler something looks, the better the design I think, because it’s not hiding behind anything.
What was the first thing you ever designed?
A leather jacket back in the early `80s. I didn’t recognize it as design, I was just fulfilling a need for myself. I wanted a super cool biker jacket, but I could not find it anywhere so I designed one. We used WWII leather coats we found in an army surplus shop. It turned out like a James Dean jacket, and I wore it for five years, then sold it to a good friend who is still wearing it today.
How did you come up with the name?
Beryll is a gemstone. It’s a mystical stone in the Old Testament. And the word is close to the German word for eyeglasses, which is brille.
Why did you diversify into jewelry and other accessories?
We always planned to go into more accessories and every piece I add is because of a personal need or feeling. When I designed my first handbag, my wife was complaining about traveling with two bags, so we made a bag that was elegant, but that you can fit your whole life in.
What does the future hold for Beryll?
Next we’re going back to leather jackets and one of the new designs will be inspired by that first one I made. And we’re coming out with a T-shirt line – five men’s and five women’s. I live in Malibu and I’m a surfer, so it’s inspired by the Pacific Ocean; the water, the sand, the coastline.
The future’s so bright, you really should wear Beryll shades. Stock up at our Beryll sale on Tuesday, November 10, at noon ET.