Waris Knows Best

Image: Norman Jean Roy via Fastcompany

You may recognize Waris Ahluwalia as the actor from Wes Anderson films such as The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and The Darjeeling Limited.  But the life of Waris can hardly be classified in such simple terms. A true entrepreneur and man about town, he started his own jewelry line called House of Waris, which has gained popularity at some of the world's most exclusive boutiques.  Having an extensive network of celebrity friends doesn't hurt either.

Despite his nomination for the prestigious Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund in 2009, he nonchalantly claims that the the jewelry business "came to him" after the sales staff had been admiring his ring at Maxwells's of LA.  Along with his work in gold and diamonds, he recently established a pop-up tea house aptly named House of Waris Tea Room under the Highline in NYC, open for just 10 days last fall.

He Divides his time between New York City, Rome, Japan, and India where most of his jewelry is made.  His jet setting lifestyle peppered with acting, art, tea, history and fashion attest to the undeniable style and ingenuity of this laid back American Sikh.  Check out this article on the 10 essentials according to Waris from GQ.  Notable: Rayban Aviators, Leonard Cohen.