 |
Robert Lee MorrisJewelry designer and sculptor originally from Germany
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Biography of Robert Lee Morris
- Design Innovations
- Early Life
- Emerging as a Jewelry Designer
- Establishing Galleries
- Achievements and Recognition
- Continued Success
- Recognition by Influential Figures
Biography of Robert Lee Morris
Robert Lee Morris is a renowned jewelry designer and sculptor originally from Germany. He has collaborated and created collections for esteemed fashion designers such as Kansai Yamamoto, Karl Lagerfeld, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, and Donna Karan.
Design Innovations
One of Morris' notable achievements was designing the new bottle for the fragrance "Gold" for Estée Lauder, while Donna Karan was responsible for the perfume composition. Morris is known for his unique approach to finding inspiration and exploring new forms in nature. His creations are crafted from gold, silver, and bronze. He often incorporates 24-carat matte gold plating, richly red copper, and noble green patina into his work.
Early Life
Robert Lee Morris was born in Nuremberg, Germany, where his parents were stationed after World War II. His father served in the US Air Force. When Morris was four years old, his family moved to Japan due to his father's work, and they lived there for four years before relocating to Brazil.
Emerging as a Jewelry Designer
In 1969, Morris graduated with honors from Beloit College. His talent as a jeweler was discovered by Joan Sonnabend, the owner of a New York gallery, in 1971. She showcased Morris' jewelry at the Plaza Hotel in her jewelry outpost called "Sculpture to Wear." Shortly after the closure of the "Sculpture to Wear" exhibition in 1977, Morris presented his first collection for the "Artwear" gallery on the Upper East Side, near the couture district on Madison Avenue. In August 1978, the "Artwear" gallery moved to SoHo, seamlessly integrating into the vibrant art gallery scene.
Establishing Galleries
A few years later, another gallery owned by Morris, with a larger space, opened nearby where the "Sony" skyscraper now stands. Morris also briefly had a gallery on Königsallee in Düsseldorf, Germany. In 1995, Morris closed "Artwear" and opened his own gallery, "RLM Robert Lee Morris Gallery," on 400 West Broadway in Lower Manhattan. The new venture focused solely on displaying his own works.
Achievements and Recognition
In 1976, Morris gained significant recognition when he appeared on the cover of influential magazine "Vogue." Over the next seven years, "Vogue" featured Morris' work in all 49 issues. In 2007, Morris received the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). He won the Coty Award in 1981 for his collection for Calvin Klein. Additionally, Morris received two more CFDA awards for accessory design in 1985 and 1994.
Continued Success
Morris collaborated with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen to design a jewelry collection for their clothing line, "Elizabeth & James." The line was known for its stylish combinations and androgynous tailoring. In 2011, Haskell Jewels acquired Morris' brand, opening up new opportunities for the German designer. In September 2012, Morris launched his new collection, which was sold in major department stores throughout the United States. The event was widely covered in fashion magazines, including Vogue, W, and Elle.
Recognition by Influential Figures
In July 2013, Michelle Obama selected a stunning necklace from Morris' collection to wear to an official dinner in South Africa. That same month, Grammy-winning pianist Alicia Keys chose a ring and earrings by Morris while curating her wardrobe for the Met Ball costume gala.
