Quality, Elegance, and Individuality Make MOGUL a Design Destination

Quality, Elegance, and Individuality Make MOGUL 
a Design Destination

MOGUL has built a reputation as a beacon of luxury in Los Angeles. Located in the Pacific Design Center, they offer a curated selection of “the world’s most opulent furniture and accessories” by famous designers from R&Y Augousti, Kifu Paris, Barberini & Gunnell, Patrick Coard Paris, Murano for MOGUL, Katz Studio, Martin Blank, Kathryn McCoy, KA Glass, Michael Allen, Scott Gentry, and Katrien Van der Schueren. Incollect spoke to owner Thomas Piscitello about the importance of sumptuous materials and artistry in luxury interior design.

by Benjamin Genocchio  

	Thomas Piscitello (right) and Jaka Jeler (left), partners in MOGUL. Photo: courtesy of Mogul

How did you get your start in the design world?

It happened by chance. After moving to Los Angeles from New York, I worked at Maxfield, a luxury designer boutique, and later opened Bloomingdale’s at Century City, where I led the buying for women’s designer collections. While I enjoyed the role, I knew I wanted more. That drive led me to Frette on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, where I transformed what was then a stagnant, dated company into a sexy, luxury lifestyle brand. When the elderly owners decided to sell the company, I took the leap and launched Be Luxurious, a luxury bed linen company on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. Clients loved it, and soon they were asking for more. We evolved into Belux, offering custom furniture, and before long clients wanted us to design other rooms in their homes. This natural progression led to the creation of MOGUL over 15 years ago, which has continued to grow and evolve.

How big are you today?

Our showroom at the Pacific Design Center showcases 12 meticulously curated collections of the finest home accessories including lighting, art, and furniture, as well as offering full-service interior design. What started with linens has grown into a passion for creating luxurious, tailored spaces that reflect quality, elegance, and individuality.

Does the title of the business have a specific meaning?

The name MOGUL is intentional and symbolic. A mogul is someone who is at the top of their game, who strives for excellence and who has the vision and ambition to achieve the best in life. For us, MOGUL represents exactly that mindset, but specifically in the world of design and home furnishings. It embodies our philosophy of offering nothing but the finest — luxurious, curated pieces that reflect sophistication, style, and a passion for living beautifully. 

How would you describe your aesthetic sensibility?

Our aesthetic sensibility can be summed up as modern-day Hollywood glamour, a perfect blend of sexy, elegant, and comfortable. Personally, I love to combine bold, statement-making pieces with timeless design elements, ensuring that every space feels both glamorous and personal. There’s a strong focus on quality and attention to detail, from the finest materials to the interplay of textures, light, and color. It’s about creating an atmosphere that feels effortlessly luxurious yet completely comfortable — spaces that make people feel at home while inspiring a sense of awe.

What defines luxury for you in the design market today?

Luxury, for me, is when perfection in design collides with passion and then emotion. It’s not just about a beautiful piece; it’s about the story it tells, the craftsmanship behind it, and the way it makes you feel when you experience it. In today’s design market, luxury is defined by authenticity and the attention to detail that goes into every element of a piece. It’s about the finest materials, impeccable craftsmanship, and creating something timeless that connects with the person who owns it. True luxury transcends trends, it brings both function and beauty together in a way that feels deeply personal and unique. It’s also about the experience. From sourcing the perfect piece to designing an entire space, luxury is in the process of creating something that feels effortless yet extraordinary, a reflection of individuality and a celebration of the finest things life has to offer.

The MOGUL Showroom displaying furniture from R&Y Augousti and Kifu Paris, and sculpture by Patrick Coard. Photo by Christopher Lee.

R&Y Augousti and Kifu Paris and two brands that fill your showroom. What is special about them?

We are honored to be the exclusive West Coast retailer for R&Y Augousti and Kifu Paris, two brands that have redefined luxury craftsmanship in the world of furniture and accessories. For the past ten years, we have proudly represented their collections, and our customers have continuously been captivated by the timeless elegance and meticulous artistry of their designs. Ria and Yiouri Augousti are true pioneers in blending shagreen, bronze patina brass, and semi-precious stones, creating pieces that exude refinement and sophistication. Their work is often described as the haute couture of furniture, complementing both modern and classic interiors. Their daughter, Kifu Augousti, carries forward this legacy with her own signature aesthetic under Kifu Paris. While maintaining the brand’s DNA of exquisite craftsmanship, she infuses her designs with a bold, edgy flair, appealing to collectors who appreciate both tradition and innovation. Additionally, her husband, Patrick Coard, has made a remarkable impact with his sculptural works under Patrick Coard Paris. His sculptural pieces are striking, poetic, and architectural, and they have been a tremendous success with our clientele.

What are some of your favorite pieces by these designers?

Our showroom offers an unparalleled selection of their furniture, accessories, and sculptures, all available for immediate acquisition. It is nearly impossible to choose favorites from such an exquisite collection, but there are a few key pieces that stand out.

The Arianne Buffet by R&Y Augousti is a masterful blend of artistry, functionality, and impeccable craftsmanship. This statement piece not only captivates with its sculptural design but also provides exceptional storage, making it as practical as it is beautiful. Every detail reflects Kifu Paris’ signature approach — combining intricate textures and noble materials to create furniture that feels like a work of art. The Arianne Buffet can be fully customized in different finishes, including shagreen, pen shell, and even an elegant quartz top, allowing for endless possibilities to complement any interior.

The Lily Nesting Tables by R&Y Augousti bring a delicate yet commanding presence to any space. Inspired by the graceful form of lily pads, this trio of sculptural tables seamlessly merges functionality with artistic expression. The rich depth of black quartz is beautifully contrasted against the warm glow of bronze patina brass, creating a refined interplay of textures. Whether arranged as a striking coffee table or used separately as accent pieces, these handcrafted tables embody R&Y Augousti’s commitment to timeless craftsmanship and modern sophistication. Available in black quartz, white quartz, and can be also made in shell or shagreen tops, they offer an effortlessly chic and versatile addition to any luxury setting.

The Oval Queen Sculpture by Patrick Coard Paris radiates regal elegance and sculptural excellence. Its fluid, organic silhouette, reminiscent of a royal crown, is meticulously crafted to capture and reflect light, bringing dynamic movement to any space. The hand-applied bronze patina brass finish enhances its depth and richness, creating a mesmerizing play of highlights and shadows. This striking piece is available in various sizes and finishes, including polished stainless steel and black oak, each offering a unique interpretation of its stately form. Whether showcased in a grand entryway or as a statement in a contemporary living space, The Oval Queen is an icon of luxury.

Murano glass on display in the MOGUL showroom. Photo by Christopher Lee.

Murano glass is one of your specialties — how did this focus and connection to Murano come about? 

I am most passionate about glass and the life it brings to a space; how it transforms when light passes through it, almost like a living soul. My husband and partner Jaka Jeler’s fascination with Murano glass began at a very young age. Growing up near Murano, Venice, he was surrounded by its beauty and craftsmanship, which left an indelible mark on him. Murano glass feels as though it’s part of his DNA. It represents centuries of artistry, tradition, and innovation, and I’ve always admired how it balances elegance with a sense of movement and energy. Incorporating Murano glass into interiors brings that timeless beauty into people’s homes, elevating spaces with its unique ability to play with light, color, and texture. It’s more than just a material, it’s a way of telling a story and creating something truly alive in a space.

Are all of your designs customizable?

Almost all of our designs can be customized to meet the unique needs and preferences of our clients. From material selections to dimensions and finishes, we strive to create bespoke pieces that align perfectly with an individual vision. Each item is crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, ensuring a truly personalized experience.

Hand-blown Murano glass chandeliers from MOGUL. Left: The Helios Chandelier with organic form, delicate smoked grey glass globes and satin brass structure. Right: 18 dusky grey “Battuto” textured glass globes are set in a brushed brass spider-like construction for the Spider Chandelier.

I really like your new lighting line, especially the Helios Chandelier. How did this design come about? 

The Helios Chandelier is the result of a truly collaborative process. It evolved over time through conversations with clients and close work with the atelier to create a design that perfectly met their desires. Clients were asking for something that combined timeless elegance with modern sophistication, so we listened and refined the design to reflect that vision. This piece has been around for a while but has been through numerous redesigns and evolutions, each iteration bringing it closer to perfection. The Helios Chandelier embodies the balance of form and function, with its striking presence and ability to illuminate a space in the most captivating way. 

Are there contemporary designers who you admire?

Absolutely. In fashion, I deeply admire Tom Ford for his transformative work at Gucci and his own brand. His designs go beyond clothing; they evoke emotion and confidence. Wearing one of his blazers or suits feels like putting on sexy body armor — it’s empowering. His ability to merge impeccable design with such a strong emotional impact is something I truly respect. In lighting, John Pomp is a standout. His work is a perfect combination of innovation and timelessness, with craftsmanship that elevates lighting into functional art. His pieces add depth and character to any space, creating an atmosphere that feels alive and inspired.

Contemporary glass artist Martin Blank began his career at Dale Chihuly Studio. Left: “Shimmer” glass sculpture is an exploration of fluidity and undulating form. Right: Lotus sculpture in hot-sculpted glass with 24-karat gold leaf. The series includes variations on the Lotus theme, with different sizes, colors and forms.

What about in glass?

In glass, Martin Blank is unmatched. Each piece is dynamic, cinematic, and deliberate, transforming spaces into something extraordinary. His glass sculptures have been a phenomenal commercial success. His Lotus series and other breathtaking creations captivate our clients with their detail and artistry. Each design tells a story, offering both beauty and sophistication that elevate any setting.

From Barberini & Gunnell, the 3-D Livelli 1000 Mirrors, inspired by topographic maps; and the Get Lost side tables in mirror polished stainless steel.

What are some of your best-selling products? 

Our Murano glass designs remain some of our most sought-after pieces. We’ve curated a collection of vases, boxes, chandeliers, and decorative objects that fill a void in the market for luxurious, timeless glasswork. The response has been gratifying, as clients value the craftsmanship and the way these pieces bring light and vibrancy to their spaces. Another standout is Barberini & Gunnell, whose designs are genius. Their creations transcend functionality to become true works of art. The Chained Up table and Livelli mirrors are client favorites, admired for their bold, sculptural elegance.

 
What trends are you noticing in the design market today? 

The biggest trend we’re seeing is color, color, color! People are embracing vibrant hues that bring joy and energy to their spaces. Clients want their homes to make them feel happy and inspired, and adding bold colors is one way they’re achieving that. In glass, greens, purples, and golds have been standout favorites. These rich tones create depth and drama, adding a unique personality to decorative objects and lighting. In furniture, it’s all about levels of cream — soft, neutral tones that exude comfort and luxury while offering versatility.

 
Can you tell us about some of the clients you have worked with or design projects you have been involved with?

We’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with some amazing clients who share our passion for exceptional design. Among them are Dr. Phil and Robin McGraw, Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner, Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra, Rihanna, and Petra Ecclestone. Each project has been unique, allowing us to tailor our approach to match individual tastes and lifestyles. On the commercial side, we’ve collaborated on some remarkable projects, including the Live Nation offices, the iconic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, and high-profile dining destinations like Red O Restaurant, Javier’s Restaurants, and the stunning Cabo Azul Hotel. These projects reflect our versatility and ability to work across different scales. Whether it’s a private residence or a large commercial space, we focus on creating environments that are elegant, functional, and unforgettable. Every client and project is a new opportunity to push boundaries and deliver something extraordinary. 

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