A Cool Jewellery Designer Talks Family Legacy, Favourite Pieces & More
Some of my earliest memories involve tagging along to the David Morris office with my dad during the school holidays. First it was Conduit Street, then Bond Street, with the office attached to the workshop, where 20 or 30 makers were at work. They’d give me boxes of beads to sort through while I sat shyly in his office – and that’s when I really started to notice the world around me.
I grew up watching the women in my family accessorise so effortlessly. My ex-step mum – he’s remarried again – was very involved in the business, so I used to watch her get dressed up, and she always had amazing pieces. My grandma was the same, always adorned with the most magnificent pieces.
We weren’t brought up to see the family business as our destiny. We were always encouraged to find our own paths. As a teenager, I occasionally worked in the store, but only answering phones and emails. I went on to study photography at university and, after graduating, fully expected to become a photographer or work in galleries. I interned at auction houses and a number of private galleries specialising in photography, exploring that world before anything else.
I joined David Morris almost by accident. I was between internships when a receptionist role came up. I took it thinking it would be for two weeks, but within those two weeks, I realised how much I enjoyed it. I initially worked on the front desk, being around the pieces, learning about them, and getting a little sprinkle of PR experience. When a position eventually opened on the marketing team, I moved across, and that’s when I really fell in love with the brand and its storytelling.
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My father is hugely creative. From sourcing exceptional gemstones to refining every design detail, his focus is firmly on designing and crafting high jewellery. I’ve naturally gravitated towards people management, structure and process, and I’m far more brand focused – he believes the jewellery speaks for itself. That balance makes us a strong team. Taking care of social media and using my photography skills to elevate both the imagery and the brand story has felt like a natural extension of my role.
My first piece of fine jewellery was a pair of stud earrings I received for my 14th birthday. I used to wear them every single day. All my favourite pieces have been for significant moments – a little sapphire heart pendant for my 16th, more stud earrings and a beautiful pendant from my grandma for my 18th.
My whole collection is very sentimental to me. One of my most adored pieces is a ring I designed with my father for my 30th birthday two years ago. It was my first taste of being involved in design and having something made just for me. For my birthday this year, I received matching earrings, and they’re also saved for special occasions.
My most worn pieces right now are from our new Triolette by Cecily Morris collection. I have nine ear piercings and a nose piercing, so I love to mix things up. Triolette has been my go-to for the past six months, layered with stud earrings in different sizes to create a kind of constellation effect. Everything stays in all the time, so when I’m styling my ears, I always think about what I can comfortably sleep in.
I’ve always mixed metals in jewellery. I like to mix and match silver and gold, focusing on framing the face – wearing gold jewellery closest to my ears, neck, and face, and silver pieces further away.
My style is simple and elevated. I tend to lean casual, but I like quality – simple pieces that feel a bit more luxurious. I avoid anything too tight; I like pieces that feel relaxed and slightly oversized. It’s always important to dress for your body type.
For day-to-day dressing, I love a wide-leg trouser and a simple knit. I recently bought a black pair from The Frankie Shop and it’s the details I love: the belt loops, the pockets. I also have a lovely pair from The Row. When it comes to knits, I love Lisa Yang. When we were shooting the Triolette campaign, we had a lot of Lisa Yang knits in the studio. They’re an investment, but worth it. For more affordable knits, I have a lot of Uniqlo – I buy a lot of my staples from there.
I decide what I’m wearing depending on what’s happening that day. For a recent press day, I wanted to feel polished and pulled together, so I went for a subtle jacquard Etro trouser suit from the current collection.
My grandma has had the biggest influence on my personal style. When I visit her in the south of France, I go shopping in her wardrobe. Occasionally she’ll give me pieces she no longer wears. She’s always been very chic – she would often mix affordable pieces like jeans with a Chanel jacket. I always keep that in mind: not everything needs to be luxury. Our store director in Dubai also inspires me. Every time I visit her, I’m influenced by her amazing style. She shares her looks on Instagram [@LarisaDM] and if I’m ever in need of ideas, she’s my go-to.
The last thing I bought was a pair of boots. I’d been on the hunt for the perfect suede pair and finally found a beautiful, knee-high, mid-heel pair from Paris Texas. They have quite chunky heels so they’re very comfortable – I’ve been wearing them non-stop.
The brands I return to time and again are The Frankie Shop and The Row. Also, 12 Storeez for the feel of the materials, the simplicity and the effortless silhouettes that make the pieces easy to wear.
My favourite piece in my wardrobe is a Saint Laurent blazer. It’s my most-worn item and often sits on the back of my office chair. It’s slouchy and oversized, and I can throw it on with almost any outfit to instantly feel put together.
If I could borrow anyone’s wardrobe, past or present, I would probably steal Larisa’s. She has an incredible mix of classic yet directional pieces, spanning a wide range of brands, including Dries Van Noten, Phoebe Philo, Chloé, and Gucci. I also consistently look to The Olsen Twins and their brand, The Row, for inspiration, as well as Victoria Beckham – both her personal style and her brand have a strong influence on how I approach dressing.
Follow @BYCECILYMORRIS_DM & visit DAVIDMORRIS.COM
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Blazé Milano
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