My obsession with jewellery designers and their workspaces is still at a steady burn. Last week I popped over to see new designer Zoe Morton in her Whitechapel space to snap some photos and find out what she’s all about…
With a whimsical wander-lusting Instagram page – Zoe, a former graphic design student, adores travel and is a keen surfer – her jewellery has an organic rough beauty about it; the kind you just want to pick up and touch. Here’s five things you should know…
Textures in nature
Obsessed with textures found in nature – from photos taken in Devon of rocks and the sea, Zoe works out how to translate them into jewellery; the textures on her rings from the current collection are made pushing wax into wood. For her next collection, she is working with oil painter Eleanor Stimpson to create new types of textures.
Business know-how
Before starting her jewellery business last autumn, Zoe worked for London photographer Jonathan Knowles. Involved in everything from repping the company to managing the studio, website and social media, she gained good insight and experience for running a business. She then left her job for an eight-month travel adventure and to study jewellery design in Florence at Alchemia before launching the brand.
What you’ve done, where you’ve been, where you’re going
When travelling in Burma, California and Florence (where she hung out and explored with PJ designer pals Desmond & Dempsey) Zoe wore a St Christopher’s pendant – given to her by five close friends and engraved with ‘Safe Adventures’ – each and everyday. “Remembering what you’ve done, where you’ve been, where you’re going,” is how she describes the connection with the jewellery she loves and creates.
Beach babe
Inspired by her own life – she loves the beach and surfing – and how she wears jewellery, Zoe wanted to create the kind of pieces you never take off and carry with you everywhere; wearable, simple jewellery that fits in with an active lifestyle.
Favourite pieces
Zoe replaced her St Christopher’s pendant with her favourite and most popular piece – the Greenwood pendant, which comes in two sizes. She wears this along with two rings, medium and thin stacked on her forefinger.
zmjewellery.com | Insta – @zmjewellery | Twitter – @zm_jewellery
A huge thankyou to Zoe for letting me loose with my camera in her gorgeous and inspiring workspace! All shot on Olympus Pen F