Waris Ahluwalia is an Indian-American Jewelry Designer and Actor. He immigrated with his family to the United States at the age of five, and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He is based in New York City but has also lived in Los Angeles and travels frequently to Rome, Tokyo and Rajasthan, India, where most of his jewelry is made. He sells his jewelry through his company, House of Waris.
Designer, actor and explorer Waris Ahluwalia is strongly influenced by the romance and history of ancient kingdoms. His HOUSE of WARIS jewels, which are coveted by fashion icons and sold at the finest boutiques, bring together old world techniques to hatch marvelously modern designs. House of Waris.
In addition to his work in jewelry, he has had a number of small roles in films, most notably by those of his friend Wes Anderson, and in commercials.
Here are his As to our Qs!
When are you happiest?
When I’m with friends I love, or possibly swimming in warm turquoise water.
What motivates you?
Life.
Which city or cities are centers of creativity and inspiration for you?
New York City is a constant inspiration for me- even after spending most of my life here.
For you, what does Istanbul stand for?
The future.
What do you think about the city (cities) you live in?
It’s magical.
Which era would you have preferred to live in?
This one is pretty fantastic.
What’s your current source of inspiration?
Love & History.
Your most memorable journey?
I’m on it now.
Your favorite place to visit to get ideas?
My heart.
Your most cherished possession?
I don’t cherish possessions, only experiences.
What is your favorite stone?
Diamonds.
How would you describe your world in 3 words?
Magic, romance, delusion.
Key moment in your life?
Birth.
Favorite recent discovery?
The new sushi place around the corner from home.
Favorite artist of all times?
Leonard Cohen.
How will you be remembered?
I don’t plan on going anywhere.
What can’t you live without?
Music.
Whats on repeat on your iPod?
(David Bowie I Love You) Since I Was Six by the Brian Jonestown Massacre
What’s your motto?
Omnia Vincit Amor.
What is always in your fridge?
Eggs, almond milk, almond butter, hummus, cucumbers.
What would you title your autobiography?
Too soon to say.
Is there a creative activity that you want to pursue that you have been postponing? What is it?
Whirling Dervish.
If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional. with whom would it be?
Mick Jagger.