Interview: Robert Lee Morris

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting the iconic award-winning jeweler Robert Lee Morris and preview his new Spring 2015 jewelry collection titled Wabi-Sabi.

Robert and I got a chance to chat about the inspiration behind the line, what it was like to collaborate with the Olsen twins and those iconic knuckle rings.

The new collection has an organic and worn-in-look – a stark contrast to the past shiny collections. While viewing the oxidized sculpted metal pieces, Robert tells me wabi-sabi was his inspiration.

Wabi-sabi is a Japanese word that describes an imperfect, irregular, simplistic beauty of natural objects. A few objects such as a vintage pipe and comb that emphasize this notion are laying on the table next to his pieces.

“I designed this collection to look like each piece has been been lived-in, representing sentimental value in turn being soulful” he explains, a polar opposite response to fast-fashion and cheap knock-offs.

I’m drawn to the oxidized bronze bracelets and rings that have a green patina on them. There’s an organic beauty to them yet reflect that Robert Lee Morris’ signature of sophisticated simplicity.

The Robert Lee Morris design aesthetic is somewhat a dichotomy. He shows me a few pieces from past collections dating back to the 1970’s – his jewelry looks part centuries old and part avant-garde and yet completely relevant.

Robert Lee Morris work is known for his hammered silver and brass cuffs, breastplates and body armor in sculpted metal – all fusing tribal elements with bold, futuristic shapes.

His early success in the jewelry business has yielded several awards including the COTY and two CFDA’s as well as many collaborations with designers such as Geoffrey Beene, Michael Kors, Kansai Yamamoto, Karl Lagerfeld, Calvin Klein, and Donna Karan.

Most recently he collaborated with Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen for their Elizabeth and James collection. “They came in and were very specific on what they wanted and went through the entire process” he tells me. When it comes to his experience with collaborations Robert tells me “Oh I think they’re great, I love it” with a smile.

So what is Robert’s most iconic design? “The knuckle ring” he remarks without any hesitation. It’s the one Janet Jackson popularized in the 90’s, wearing one on every finger at the MTV awards.

One piece of advice to emerging jewelry designers, Robert states – “create a signature piece you can call your own”.

Robert Lee Morris is not only a brilliant and successful jewelry designer, but he’s delightful and interesting full of inspirational life stories, leading a soulful life – there’s a word for it – wabi sabi.

For more information or to shop Robert Lee Morris collection click here – Robert Lee Morris.