Blog
29.10.10
It's nearly Halloween! – a few images we’re inspired by here at Zoe and Morgan.
29.10.10
It’s Friday night in NZ right now and the winner of New Zealands next top model has just been announced...
Introducing Danielle Hays from Kawerau (where ever that is!).
Yes! The isis earrings – these were designed by Morgan for our first collection in 2006 and they are still our best seller – worn – adored – & adorning friends and fans world wide.
Also on tonight is Bic Runga – singing new material alongside Lenard Cohen (our mums hero) Bic just gave me MUSIC.
A coffee table book with musicians such as Iggy Pop, Yoko Ono, Ozzy Osbourne and the beautiful Bic wearing a dainty Zoe and Morgan ring from the fine collection.
We love books! Especially old ones like this...
Botanical references are a constant source of inspiration.
And talking about inspiration...i just booked tickets to Bali today! so hello travel, sunshine, and new design...
Zoe x
19.10.10
Ruth spotted by the blog Fashionistable - Street Style a feminine perspective, looking amazing at London Fashion Week.
15.10.10
It was the Music Awards here in New Zealand Last week and Zoe and Morgan jewellery was spotted everywhere.
The presenter Miss Shannon was wearing a super cute cocktail dress designed for the event by Stitch Ministry & looked great with a punky hair up do and the Jem earrings.
Sonia Gray was snapped in a pair of the rocking butterfly’s too.
Congratulations to brother Jay for winning best Electronica!
And Kara Richard – Ace’s hero in a pair of rocking butterfly’s.
The Ushers backstage.
Our Rocking Butterfly and Jem earrings are the perfect party pieces - its Friday!
Love Zoe x
30.9.10
Japan!
Zoe and Morgan were recently awarded tickets to Tokyo by the UK Fashion and Exports.
So Ruth and I packed our bags and went to meet our Japanese stockists...
Ruth and I with the girls from HP France.
Ruth and I with the girls from Frees.
Oh! the Meerkat family.
The lovely girls from HP France.
We had time to check out shops, food and culture. Here's a few of our snap shots...
Love Zoe x
24.9.10
The grand finale
Fashion week ended with a bang on Wednesday with Ozwald Boateng’s show at the Odeon on Leicester square.
The huge carpet, barricades and hundreds of people watching and queuing to get in made me feel like I was going to a top film premiere!
Once in, a man dressed in white sat centre stage playing a guitar, he was an image of serenity after the hype and chaos outside …
The show was amazing. Imagine seeing 105 of the best looking, best dressed men in front of you on stage…WOW! I was speechless.
The collections kept coming out, and it was outfit after outfit of impeccable tailoring, flawless styling and perfectly finished looks.
The colours, both subtle and bold, textures and fabrics all looked so good together, it was hard to believe that such a huge collection could come from just one designer.
It was the perfect way to finish a very successful and fun London Fashion Week
Ruth xx
22.9.10
Wednesday was Mens day at London Fashion Week, and we do like Mens day!!! Abandoning all work we headed down to have some fun.
We were all super excited to be invited to the KoKon to Zai SS/2011 show. It was an amazing collection, loving the crowns and oversized gem rings!
The boxers, The band and The luggage .....
Last few favourite mug shots.
21.9.10
Final day of arrests at London Fashion Week!
20.9.10
Unusual Suspects! - Day Four at London Fashion Week.
19.9.10
The State of Zoe and Morgan - Day three at London Fashion Week.
18.9.10
Caught in action! - Day two at London Fashion Week.
17.9.10
First day of arrests at London Fashion Week!
6.9.10
Premiere Classe love our Sassy earrings to! Check them out on their trends page.
www.premiere-classe-tuileries.com
'Another significant detail this season: brands are no longer restricting themselves to a single family of accessories. They long for novelty, they want to express everything they are and show the multiple facets of their personality...
A wonderful season to look forward to!'
17.8.10
Inspiration - From our lovely guest blogger Pea.
I love colour and I have an elaborate idea as to why. My ethnic provenance is split between the emerald isle and a tropical island in the Indian Ocean. These places could not be more different but they have an abundance of colour in common.
Green, red and purple are just some of the colours that I am drawn to, the deeper and stronger the better.
My wardrobe used to be filled with vibrant maxi dresses and sarongs.
These days I go for muted colours. Lots of grey, black and navy the colour palette of a Roman Catholic nun. Like a nun with her crucifix, I bring life to an outfit with statement jewellery . My evolving wardrobe is a reflection of my age and the changing shape of my body. My body has served me well as I have produced 2 beautiful sons.
However my tummy and saddle bags are an addition I’d rather not have. My love of colour still continues and is played out in my garden and home. Combining plants in a way that shows them at their best is a fine art. English lavender with bright red poppies is a fabulous composition and a juxtaposition that I will never grow bored of seeing.
So my heritage influences me greatly.
But so does Alexa Chung, Leigh Lezark, Vogue, History programs, afternoon tea at Claridges and Brunch at The Wolseley. Styles, Ideas, people and places from decades gone by are of constant fascination.
The 1920’s and ancient Asian themes are particularly alluring to me. How fabulous it would be to get in a time machine and travel back to the 1920’s where the drop waist line ruled and bobs with kiss curls were de riguer.
I have a number of 20s esque dresses, which are great for the summer but more recently I have been planning what I will be wearing this winter. Tomboy chic is the way to go .I have already ordered jet black Chelsea boots to be worn with skinny jeans, tea dress or maybe a pair of chinos.
Thus Inspiration manifests in how I dress my house garden and indeed myself. It impacts how I live and the person I am and want to be. A good book with an amazing hero can inspire me to be a better individual. Atticus Finch is one such character and I often think of his advice to his daughter “If you just learn a single trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it. “The capacity to be inspired and then evolve the influence into something new, drives us forward and make us human. Inspiration, where would we be without it?
Pea xx
10.8.10
Sky high and on my way back to London...
I managed to get to the airport in record time today, courtesy of the very fast Thai taxi driver and lawless driving in Bangkok! He drove most of the way in the emergency lane, skimming between the barriers and cars I made my flight, 3 heavy suitcases and all.
I have just spent the past month in Bali and Bangkok.
Bali was bliss, especially because I was there with Zoe and Morgan working on the new SS 2011 collection. This season we have mixed things up. Drawing from our classic designs and trying new techniques, pushing the boundaries to create a much bolder look. Like a DJ spins two records we have mixed things up to create a new beat.
I’ve often been asked what it’s like to be working with my family and the fact is, I could not be more happy and proud.
I am lucky to have such a talented, sweet, caring, creative and interesting brother and sister. Morgan is also the most amazing chef, cooking up a storm most days!
Ruth xx
6.7.10
POP UP Sale Shop
Last week we opened our doors and had our first POP UP sale shop.
The location was a charming old gallery on Woburn Walk, which was also once the studio of Yoko Ono and John Lennon used to visit her there... With such a background we were off to a good start before the day had even begun.
Our window display was constructed by architecture students from Central Saint Martins. They had made a frame that we hung our girls on and it looked brilliant.
Hannah and Anna had great fun selling to customers who were delighted to be able to buy from the whole collection.
Philly and Jack served drinks in the afternoon and we enjoyed a mix by DJ Per.
Thank you to all who came, and for those who missed out stay tuned for the next one....
Love Ruth x
15.6.10
Our first guest blogger! - Emma Lightfoot.
I first met Emma www.lightfoot.tv in East London 2007 – we admired each others work and she’s been writing the copy for our look books and press releases since. Last week I asked her for a bunch of her favourite things... and here it is a piece of land Lightfoot.
Zoe x
1 = SAJI MAGAZINE
Miho Saji is a gifted food and cuisine photographer. Her magazine is an inspired and individual take on food, fashion and art via Tokyo, Paris and London. Its proportions are perfect, its design impeccable. Best of all, it’s that rare mix of attention to detail, experiment and fun. Long live Saji!!!
2 = THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA [Ernest Hemingway]
I still haven’t decided on a favourite movie, but I know for sure that this is my favourite book. Maybe it’s because I lived in Cuba when I was 18 [where the story is set], maybe because it’s so beautifully simple – one old man, his boat and the cruel hand of fate - maybe because it makes me think that life will always be a strange combination of struggle and wonder, and for that I’m content to muddle on through.
Check it out on iTunes, read by Donald Sutherland.
3 = BARRY M ICE CREAM NAIL POLISH
I’ve always loved wearing rings on my fingers – the more the merrier. And then one day I discovered Zoe and Morgan. The rest is history.
It’s a simple, superfluous aspect of being alive, but holy moly when you find the perfect nail colour life just gets so much better. And here it is. Barry M polish in berry ice cream [the purple one in the middle]. Not only is it great quality, but the shade is cute and hot, and therefore super ladylike.
[p.s. you can get it in Topshop for a sweet £2.95!!]
4 = FISHING
There’s a beautiful place on the North Pembrokeshire coast called Newport - Welsh name, Trefdraeth, meaning town of the beach. Catching mackerel there off the side of my mate’s boat was one of the best things I’ve ever done. On the way back we picked samphire out of the shallows and within the hour we were eating the most delicious fish I’ve ever tasted. Happiness is doing things from start to finish. Thanks to pirate Dave.
5 = JUAN CHAO
Incredible photographer. I know nothing about him. This is the first photo that caught my attention – now I can’t stop following his blog which just gets better and better. The camera is not just a lens, there’s an eye behind it. I love it when you can sense a photographer’s personal perspective, but it stays mysterious.
6 = THE BASEMENT
Having a spooky basement is the best. When I first moved in I thought it would give me nightmares, and indeed it did. Something about the old, dark space freaks me out but it also fuels my imagination to the nth degree, so I’m pleased we crossed paths. My last short film is all about this space. Screening to follow in the next few weeks.
www.lightfoot.tv
7 = ZEBBUG
My mum is from Malta – that little island in the Med just below Sicily. I’ve spent every summer swimming in the sea, hanging out, overheated, drinking 7UP from a glass bottle and smiling from ear to ear. Then my big brother moved out there and ended up in a gorgeous village called Zebbug. The streets are narrow, old ladies sit on doorsteps making lace, the evening hush is blissful and maybe, just maybe, it’s still somewhere that time forgot…
8 = SPECIAL AGENT DALE COOPER
Twin Peaks is a masterpiece, point blank, and no fictional small screen character enjoys the little things in life more than Coop. He effortlessly embodies Zen philosophy. He remains polite and genuinely interested in life. He confidently employs his razor sharp, totally left-field insight on the case in question - and the space outside of the bubble too.
My god I wish, I wish, I wish, I could know him.
9 = NEW TUNES
Hearing a track for the first time, before it’s familiar, before you know what’s coming. This one was passed on by a friend who truly lives and breathes music aka plugged nickel. The track in question is called Lost, but the whole album is a wonder. Splazsh is deep and lush and seriously full to the brim.
10 = KOKON TO ZAI
Definitely my favourite shop in London. Always has been. Always will be! Every time I’m near Soho there’s a lingering pull to Greek Street for a visit, no matter what I’m supposed to be doing. The clothes are amazing, eccentric, stand out, divine. I’ve worn my Marjan Pejoski trousers to death – that’s the fabulous Marjan who designed Bjork’s 2001 swan dress.
Words don’t do the KTZ world justice. Go see it in the flesh. And send them my love xxx
www.kokontozai.co.uk
Over and out,
It’s been a pleasure
Yours truly,
Lightfoot
27.5.10
Russian Tatler
Tatler fashion director Anya Ziourova snapped wearing Zoe and Morgan, we're loving the black and gold look, our Wreath Bite Necklace adds the perfect touch!
25.5.10
Bali
The weekend….
I just had the most lovely weekend. It consisted of what all weekends should do…
Saturday was spent mostly eating.
It started at Ku De Ta with Morgan, Johnny and Jason. We had a lovely breakfast, I had tropical fruit salad, and Johnny managed to have a massage while we were there.
After breakfast we went to Johnny’s pool where Morgan mastered his back dives! We have not done back flip dives since we were children in our grandparent’s swimming pool. They’re a lot of fun and Zoe was always the champion.
Afternoon tea was at Biku, the best place for a good cup of tea around here!
Then it was on to Lino's new restaurant La Sal Du Mar for a sampling of his new Pizza. It was amazing and cooked in a traditional stone oven, simply delicious. We had eight in total, OOhhhhh I was full for the whole next day!
Sunday was spent at the beach, relaxing and swimming in the tepid clear water.
At sunset we headed to Jimberan for freshly cooked fish on the beach...Bliss I tell you.
Today were busy again, working on the new collection (which features star faced animals… out at Christmas, their so cute!) and buying furniture…they have great furniture shops here so it’s a lot of fun shopping.
This is one of Morgan’s new bathrooms…I really love the sink!
I’m delighted to hear it’s now hot in London, and looking forward to returning, all tanned and relaxed.
I hope you enjoyed your weekend too…
X Ruth
10.5.10
Harpers Bazaar Online
Check out our Misfit earrings on Harpers Bazaar online...
Big earrings ruled this season at Etro. Although too oversized for many, take inspiration and look to hip Antipodean brand Zoe & Morgan for something a little more wearable.
Known for their kitch designs with a rock ‘n' roll edge, this brother and sister duo are spot on with their statement geometric offering.
By Marisa Bell
http://www.harpersbazaar.co.uk/
Zoe xx
8.5.10
Zoe's Top Ten!
1. Big cat pets. Imagine watching tv next to this guy. Cuddles.
2. Macaroons from Laduree Paris, caramel and rose are my personal favourites.
Yummy! Morgan is a macaroon appreciation society member!
3. Mogil – I have sandals, shoes, boots, heels, bags and wallets from them,
thank you Mogil, I love you xox
4. Giant angle poise lamp. A classic design but giant – LOVE it x
5. My Son’s skateboard obsession is damn cute.
6. My husbands new band www.myspace.com/tokyostreetgang
7. Cycling in London with Ruth my sister for our morning mission for coffee –
we even have a song that we sing about our first cup of Coffee to the theme tune
of a Led Zep song!
8. My new cocktail ring from the fine collection of Zoe and Morgan.
9. Bali, Morgan lives there and Ace (my son) was born in his house so we LOVE Bali and
spend at least 2 months of each year there. Here’s Morgan modeling his new lampshade.
10. Misfit earrings from the current collection on line now.
Love Zoe xx
19.4.10
Breakfast with Zoe and Morgan.
Hi,
It’s not often in this city you get the chance to enjoy the luxurious surroundings of a hotel room. But we had the pleasure of spending Monday in room 35 at the Dean Street TownHouse for the press launch of the new A/W 2010 collection 'Yes'.
Christina spent the morning lounging in the bath wearing our limited edition diamond rings.
Whilst we showed the new collection to our guests and enjoyed the croissants and coffee.
Afternoon tea with cupcakes from Primrose Bakery and lovely Kusmi Tea (one of Zoe's favourites) was enjoyed by all.
This was the start of a busy afternoon and our guests were loving the new collection.
Scarlett became the queen of the bathtub whilst enjoying the cupcakes!
Love
Ruth x
11.2.10
Paris Fashion Week
Dear Friends,
I woke up this morning feeling great; the sun was shining so I decided to wear my pearls. I love pearls; there’s something about them that makes me feel so grown up!
I put on my new dress from Stitch Ministry which I love. Then whilst walking down the stairs feeling really happy with my whole outfit ...boom! I missed the last stair and landed on the floor. I laddered my stockings and had to laugh at myself because at the end of the day, what matters in life is being a compassionate human being and although it’s great to enjoy wearing a good outfit, stockings can ladder and heels can be very impractical!
Talking of good out fits... Jenny and I were in Paris last week showing at Premiere Classe and spotted some fantastic outfits - I do love Paris during fashion week.
Fur seemed to be the look of the moment, which was also necessary due to the freezing weather. I’m still not sure if I can actually bring myself to wear fur but it does look amazing.
What I also love about fashion week is that we have a whole new collection to wear and its fun choosing the jewellery for the day. The Jem earrings are still my earring of the moment. They are so light and look great with anything…Oh and the rabbit in the hat necklace to, sooo cute!
While in Paris we went to Hotel Du Nord for dinner. It’s a lovely restaurant on Canal St Martin. This photo was taken after dinner – I thought the wall was brilliant!
Sunday the 7th was the most special and amazing day of the show. I received a text from Morgan, who was in Australia with Komala to say their baby girl had been born. I was so excited and happy all I could do was sit there and cry. I brought cake from Angelina which is Morgan’s favourite and lit a frangipani candle, which smelt amazing!
While at Laduree I saw a guy walk in wearing a Tibet hat, amazing to see and I loved the way he wore it with a suit jacket and trousers. Morgan bought the same hat while we were all in McLeod Ganj in the Himalaya’s a few years ago.
After leaving Laduree we were walking back across the Louvre and the sun was setting behind the Eiffel tower. It’s so stunning I could hardly believe it and despite the bitter cold we watched the sun set over Paris – magic!
Ruth xxx
27.2.10
Elle Style Awards!
Hi All,
On Monday Hannah and I attended the Elle Style awards, and what a very stylish event it was. Held at The Grand Connaught Rooms, the venue was perfect and the room we dined in was simply beautiful - full to the brim with glamour.
Lorraine Candy looked amazing and all the Elle girls were wearing Zoe and Morgan - the perfect touch to any outfit!
Im about to board my plane to Milan - so bye for now.
Love Ruth x
23.2.10
Say Yes! to cocktails.
It’s amazing to think that just two days ago I was at Somerset House, enjoying all that is London Fashion Week!
We had a great time this season, and our room was voted the best display at London Fashion Week by many of our buyers and press.
On Saturday we celebrated the launch of our new A/W collection 'Yes'. The DJ's played a great set and we all enjoyed the Mojitos Philly made – delicious!
Thanks to everyone who came.
Ruth xx
20.2.10
London Fashion Week!
After much preparation and anticipation London Fashion Week has arrived - Yey! For wacky outfits and total fashionistas mixed with the casual and the overly perfumed...its all fun.
Check out our room...
It looks amazing! if i can say so myself...The effort was well worth it and the mirrored wonder room has come to life.
The collection sits beautifully on the mirrors and everyone loves the teeth!
I do miss Zoe and Morgan, however i only need to look at the stunning collection to be reminded of them. Plus i have my family photos on the mantel piece - so im feeling quite at home at Somerset House.
Today is the cocktail party, we have Per, Tubbs and Millie DJ'ing - so let the good times roll!
Ruth xx
21.1.10
Fun in Bangkok!
Hi,
I cycled home last night with the snow falling around me, it was so beautiful. Evidently I’m back in London, when I last wrote I was in Bangkok!
This is a view of the city lights, I have a shaky hand I guess, but I like the result.
Bangkok nights - city delights!
It’s such a great city the food is so delicious I could eat all day, and the fashion scene is great as well.
Our friends own Sretsis a clothing label - if you don’t know about it yet you certainly should www.sretsis.com they are three sisters and super lovely girls.
Matina (one of the sisters) also has a jewellery line called Matina Amanita www.matinaamanita.com her store in Gaysorn mall is amazing.
Here is a cool girl I saw on the street called Dream, what a great name right!
Bangkok through my eyes...cool and quirky things!
Over and out...back to work in London Town!!
Ruth xx
15.1.10
Our First Blog Post!!
Hi,
So here we are, the very first Zoe and Morgan Blog! I’m writing to you from my hotel room in Bangkok. Having arrived late last night from New Zealand jetlag has kicked in and all I can say is thank goodness for spell check!
I have just spent a lovely Christmas and New Years in Auckland. The whole family – Zoe & Teia, Morgan & Komala and I stayed together at my mums (Anna) house which was simply perfect.
However the most amazing and precious event of all was the birth of Zoë’s daughter baby Mia Anna Eliza Williams on the 18th of December. She is so cute, a perfect little girl, who no doubt will be very happy once she is old enough to realise her mums a jeweller!
The garden, created by Morgan was looking very lush and tropical, we just loved being outside and lying in the hammocks.
Mia's big brother Ace.
This is our mum Anna on Piha beach.
Me at Kare Kare… yes I do always wear jewellery, just in case you wondered.
We spent some time on Goat Island which is a marine reserve and very beautiful. The water was absolutely freezing. But once I was in with my mask and snorkel and looking at the fish it was so much fun I forgot about the fact that I was freezing! Morgan is a very keen snorkeler and knows all the best spots!
Auckland also has very good coffee! - Morgan and Komala at Santos.
The jetlag has now definitely caught up with me, I think its best to say good bye... hope you enjoy
Ruth xx