We talk to ZOE WILLIAMS - a third of 'ZOE&MORGAN'!

Written by Sacha Young

Monday, 13 June 2011 13:33

She is undeniably beautiful, has a fantastic sense of style, a joie de vivre we can only aspire to attain and most importantly, a passion for her trade... jewellery making and creating. Who am I talking about you ask? ZOE WILLIAMS! Zoe makes up a third of the magical jewellery brand, 'ZOE&MORGAN'.

Hailing from an exquisite journey growing up in the Sibbald family, Zoe, Morgan and Ruth were inspired to create their own line of jewellery after Morgan returned from a trip to India with a collection of magnificent gemstones. Before they knew it, the three of them were in business and saw the birth of their to-be successful jewellery line.

Growing up with a father who was also a jeweller, the three were fortunate enough to have a rich history in observation, until they took their knowledge and dreams to set sail upon their new journey - and have been navigating their own way ever since.

Morgan resides in Bali, while Ruth is living in the U.K., and Zoe is holding her third of the fort in Auckland. We were lucky enough to talk to Zoe and get a peak inside her super-cute workspace...

COUP DE MAIN: Can you pinpoint a particular moment in time when you knew you wanted to pursue jewellery design as a career?
ZOE WILLIAMS: Yes, for me it was a clear decision at the age of seventeen. I had just left school and gone to live in the UK with my siblings, Morgan, Ruth, and Morgan's girlfriend Cass. Our Dad was in NZ with no family around, as his side are from Argentina, so I decided to go and live with him and learn his skills in silversmithing. We didn't actually realise at this point Dad had early stages of dementia so it wasn't long before we were all home to be with him before he died. Dad learnt jewellery making in Germany at a famous school known for traditional techniques, and he opened shops in Ibiza, Paris, and then Auckland when we moved here as a family in 1979. When we started 'Zoe&Morgan' we were young and already working at the London and Paris fashion weeks so we had a small amount of experience and a large amount of excitement to make a business that would satisfy our needs to make beautiful things, tell stories, travel, and see our siblings - all of whom are scattered around this globe we call our cottage!

CDM: What is the background of 'Zoe & Morgan'?
ZOE WILLIAMS: Morgan worked in music producing records and parties, whilst Ruth and I worked in the fashion industry. Ruth worked as a model and designed shows and I designed a cocktail range seasonally for the English Millinery designer Rachel Skinner. We decided to start a family business - applied for the Paris Fashion Week - got in which was amazing as there were 300 designers turned away, and then hit the floor running. Within three months of being on the UK market we had Claudia Schiffer and the like writing us personal cheques! The brand has grown over the years, we now produce a woman's mainline, made of Silver and Gold plate, a Men's line, a Fine Gold and precious stone collection, a Cruise collection, and we're working on a wedding collection - plus in the five years the brand has been going I have had two babies Ace [3] and Mia [1], and Morgan one - Luella [1]!

CDM: Who or what influences your designs?
ZOE WILLIAMS: Lots of elements influence our designs - both Morgan and I have an equal interest in Antique jewellery - we both know more about history through the history of jewellery than the history of art and culture. The Victorian era is inspirational, tribal jewellery and modern street culture, travel, food... the list is long.

CDM: Can you tell us a bit about your creative process?
ZOE WILLIAMS: Morgan and I normally decide upon a theme, research it and start drawing - our first samples are either carved from wax and cast or created in 3D and printed. The process to make something for the main line and fine collection is quite different. The FUN thing about designing is that we go on holiday to do it.

CDM: Can you tell us a bit about your up and coming collection/pieces?
ZOE WILLIAMS: We exhibited Tattoo Parlour Etiquette in The UK and France earlier this year - and the campaign for this was shot in NZ at Two Hands Tattoo on Ponsonby Road! The collection was received really well and has a mix of everyday pieces, and some totally impractical pieces that feel fun to wear - like rings that sit up really high and the like.

CDM: Can you remember the most expensive item you've bought?
ZOE WILLIAMS: Hmm... not telling! My husband might file for a divorce!

CDM: If you could bring one item back [from the past], what would it be?
ZOE WILLIAMS: The first ring I ever made at age nine or something - I lost it in the sea. It was a ring that I made in Dad's shop and each year as I turned a year older I'd add something to the ring.

CDM: What did you want to be when you were seven years old?
ZOE WILLIAMS: A fairy that had a pet unicorn.

CDM: Who would be at the top of your 'best dressed' list?
ZOE WILLIAMS: Our sister Ruth dresses very well - Natalie Hartly has a good time with fashion and Donna Wallace of Elle UK has a brilliant sense of style.

CDM: What are your top five clothing essentials to buy for this winter?
ZOE WILLIAMS:
- Cashmere.
- A well-fitting coat.
- Ankle boots.
- Falke Tights.
- Oversized chunky knits.
And might I add... a holiday to somewhere hot.

CDM: What is the best advice you've ever been given?
ZOE WILLIAMS: Let negative thoughts pass like clouds and focus on positive thoughts, this will bring happiness to you and all around you. I was told this by a monk in the high mountains of India, close to Tibet, where we all went to celebrate Mum's birthday a few years back.

CDM: Finish this sentence:
Jewellery is... Essential.