6 Quick Questions with Ken Borochov, the LA-Born Designer of Lady Gaga’s 24K Gold Wheelchair

When Lady Gaga had to cancel her “Born This Way” tour and get surgery on her hip after getting diagnosed with synovitis, it was only natural that she’d want to recover in the typical way. After she was advised to take it easy,  the pop star had a wheelchair commissioned by Ken Borochov of the luxury jewelry line Mordekai. Naturally, an ordinary old chair wouldn’t do: Gaga’s version is 24K gold-plated with a black buffed, tufted calf leather leather and features a removable leather canopy. Borochov has also created a wearable cage, a crown, and a set of armor nails for the “Alejandro” singer that is otherwise known as “The Claw.” Haute Living sat down with Borochov, an LA native who currently resides on the east coast, for a quick chat about his headline-making piece.

Where did you find the materials to make Gaga’s wheelchair?
The materials were sourced from all over the USA. It was very important for me to support American industry. The chair was assembled in WI, while many of the pieces (wheels and grips) were actually ordered from California; the plating was done in Dallas, TX.

How long did this take you to construct?
A week.

Is a piece of this nature the biggest you’ve ever made using 24K gold?
Yes

Have you spoken to Gaga since she started using it?
No I haven’t. But I believe she’s happy with it.

Have other celebrities come calling since the news broke that you were the chair’s designer? What pieces are they looking to make?
Wait and see…

Any plans to make anything else for Gaga in the near future?
I actually just designed a crown for her sister for her bday which she wore over the weekend and Gaga wore a few pieces from my new season.

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