We enter through the ground floor of a 14-ish story monstrosity in Downtown LA. Back by the stairwell, through a cement tunnel that looks more spooky Alice-in-Wonderland than atelier, we step into a soaring space and king-sized world of high fashion and grillz work that spans the gamut of most every celebrity, rock star, and footballer looking for their ultimate bling. This showroom could easily live on Rodeo Drive with a line out the door. And never will.

As we huddle at a table in the back of the space, surrounded by gowns worn by Avril Lavigne, Amy Lee of Evanescence, and Busta Rhymes; shoes that would play on the next lunar landing; jewels set to the precision of a 3D-printed bat's wing, twisted knots of neck bling, and adornments that bedazzle the mind, Alligator Jesus multitasks. Call after text, and text, and the doorbell is ringing. A photographer, celeb's assistant, artist, writer, and tour manager stroll through knowingly, wearing low-key fashion that carries a thrift-store vibe and a 4-figure price tag. Anyone who knows fashion understands the power of Alligator Jesus.

Alligator’s professional rap sheet is nothing short of eclectic: web designer, photographer, music video director, sculptor, metalsmith, alligator wrestler, and even cryptocurrency technologist. But it was his knack for jewelry design that would open the door to a new world. He made his first grill when he was 11. Later, in what could almost be seen as a prophecy of destiny, Alligator Jesus made headlines after stumbling upon a stolen Takashi Murakami ring in a Miami Beach pawn shop; he bought it and returned it to its rightful owner. In time, Murakami came to know Alligator’s self-designed gems and told him straight up, “Jewelry is your calling.” He was right.

Now, the list of names Alligator has styled is more than star-studded, from underground artists and cultural savants to pop stars and revolutionaries in film, music, fine art, and sports. His work adorns the covers of more mags and albums than anyone can count. “I love the idea that I’m known for making these tiny objects worn by a single person,” Alligator said. (Although they’re often gazed upon by millions.) “Our teeth are the only part of our skeletons we can directly adorn; there’s some primal satisfaction in that.” Hang around Alligator and his studio for about thirty minutes, and you’ll get it.

Last year, Alligator Jesus visited 18 countries on four continents. As we gather the last of photos from his enviable portfolio for this piece, the sun has set, and he is tidying up loose ends while his entourage arrives in prep for their early-morning flight to Tokyo. His studio represents over two dozen fashion Sirens who hang their reputations on the likes of Madonna, FKA Twigs, BLACKPINK, and more. So it’s not a rare occasion that Alligator delivers grillz and fashion to some far away destination for the anointed, upon whom all eyes will gaze when their smile inevitably lights up the room.

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