Collectors Gene Radio
Episode Summary: Melissa Morris - Founder & Creative Director, Metier
Release Date: March 26, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Collectors Gene Radio, host Cameron Ross Steiner engages in an in-depth conversation with Melissa Morris, the visionary Founder and Creative Director of Metier. Launched in 2017, Metier has redefined luxury travel accessories by blending timeless elegance with unparalleled functionality. Melissa's journey, influenced by her passion for travel, design, and collecting, offers listeners a rich exploration of what it truly means to possess the "Collector's Gene."

Melissa's Journey to Metier

Melissa Morris begins by sharing her profound connection to travel, emphasizing its role in her education and creative inspiration.

Melissa Morris [00:00]: "Travel is the most important education. That was, I think, the way I was brought up..."

Melissa recounts moving from New York to London to establish Metier, strategically positioning her brand closer to Italy, where Metier's meticulously crafted products are produced. This move underscores her commitment to authenticity and hands-on craftsmanship.

Design Philosophy and the "Collector's Gene"

Melissa delves into her design philosophy, highlighting how Metier’s products are not merely accessories but “perfect companions” designed to enhance the user’s journey.

Melissa Morris [09:56]: "A bag for us is not just a bag. It's sort of your port in the storm..."

Her approach mirrors that of a collector: intentional, innovative, and deeply respectful of materials and craftsmanship. Each Metier piece is designed to evolve with the user, developing a unique character over time, much like cherished collectibles.

Craftsmanship and Collaborations

A cornerstone of Metier’s success is its collaboration with generational artisans in Italy. Melissa emphasizes the symbiotic relationship she shares with her collaborators, particularly Luca Flavi, who has been integral to product development for over a decade.

Melissa Morris [19:36]: "It's a total collaboration. So I have a team, a team that's in Italy, that's their metier..."

Melissa details the iterative process of designing a bag, from life-size paper models to prototyping and wear testing. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that each product not only meets but exceeds the brand’s high standards of functionality and elegance.

Inspiration from Travel

Melissa’s extensive travels are a wellspring of inspiration for Metier's collections. She shares anecdotes from her trips to Morocco, Gotland, Oaxaca, and Marrakech, illustrating how each destination influences color palettes, textures, and design elements.

Melissa Morris [26:35]: "I went to Morocco several years ago, and I was really inspired by all of this basket weaving I saw..."

One notable example is the Verite Collection, inspired by Moroccan basket weaving. Melissa innovatively integrates traditional techniques with modern design, such as braiding leather to create unique handles.

Storytelling in Design and Collections

Storytelling is integral to Metier’s identity. Melissa explains how each collaboration and product reflects a narrative, enhancing the emotional connection between the brand and its customers.

Melissa Morris [43:28]: "For the first collaboration with Westman, I presented three different concepts that had three different design languages..."

She recounts her collaboration with the Indiana Jones franchise, where storytelling was pivotal in designing limited-edition bags that embodied the adventurous spirit of the character.

Collaborations and Influences

Melissa highlights the importance of meaningful collaborations, which go beyond mere branding to co-create products that enhance users' lives.

Melissa Morris [37:50]: "Metier is a brand that is designing to make people's lives easier and better... It's a really enriching experience..."

Notable collaborations include partnerships with Fernando Giorgi, Layla Gohar, Gucci Westman, and Marie Louise from Issimo. Each partnership brings a unique perspective, enriching Metier’s design process and product offerings.

Metier's Clientele and Legacy

Metier's clientele includes esteemed personalities such as Her Royal Highness, Princess of Wales, Nicole Kidman, Idris Elba, and many others. Melissa expresses her gratitude and admiration for these inspiring individuals who embody the brand’s ethos.

Melissa Morris [46:39]: "It's amazing. It's the sort of person that when you watch them close the bag and they see the zipper moves like butter, they get it..."

These clients appreciate Metier's commitment to quality, functionality, and timeless design, making each piece not just a purchase but a cherished possession.

Favorite Metier Pieces and Their Inspirations

During the episode, Melissa highlights several of her favorite Metier creations, offering deep insights into their design inspirations:

1. Racer 53 Bag
   Inspired by classic masculinity and vintage Porsche aesthetics, the Racer 53 bridges the allure of timeless design with modern functionality.

   Melissa Morris [47:31]: "I imagined I wanted something that would be as suitable for someone like Steve McQueen on a motorcycle as Gianni Agnelli."

2. Vagabond Duffel
   Designed to emulate the curves and seams of a vintage motorcycle jacket, the Vagabond Duffel combines ample storage with elegant design.

   Melissa Morris [49:37]: "If you undo the clips on the side and just lay it flat, you'll see it's very much inspired by a vintage motorcycle jacket."

3. Backgammon Set and Long Haul Toiletry
   These accessories showcase Metier’s dedication to blending playfulness with practicality, featuring heat-sealed leather and magnetic closures for seamless functionality.

   Melissa Morris [50:45]: "Everything's very much designed for tactile and in-person experiences..."

Collector's Gene Rundown

Melissa shares personal anecdotes and reflections, providing a glimpse into her own collecting habits and aspirations:

1. What's the one that got away?
   Melissa regrets losing hand-painted bowls from a restaurant in Oaxaca, highlighting the sentimental value of meaningful possessions.

   Melissa Morris [55:24]: "It's no way. This is sort of one of those beautiful things that you buy and then you're frustrated that you're not going to or scared you won't be able to take care of it."

2. What's next for you in collecting?
   She expresses a keen interest in acquiring artwork by Ann Collier, specifically a photograph from Ingrid Bergman's "Persona."

   Melissa Morris [56:55]: "I really want this work by the artist Ann Collier... it's a shot from Ingrid Bergman's Persona."

3. The unobtainable?
   Melissa dreams of owning large-scale pieces by Nicholas Pardi, appreciating their bright colors and exaggerated forms.

   Melissa Morris [57:31]: "There are just these giant large-scale pieces with such bright, bold colors and really exaggerated human forms."

4. The page one rewrite?
   If she could collect anything, Melissa would choose vintage Porsche 911S, aligning with her admiration for classic design and performance.

   Melissa Morris [58:09]: "Vintage Porsche 911S."

5. The goat?
   Melissa looks up to Silke Ritson Thomas, admiring her impeccable taste and inspiring presence in the collecting world.

   Melissa Morris [58:19]: "She has such an extraordinary way of seeing things, putting them together, and it's just full of such life, humor, intellect."

6. The hunt or the ownership?
   She enjoys both the thrill of discovering new pieces and the joy of owning and reminiscing about her collections.

   Melissa Morris [59:12]: "I love discovering pieces and finding them... I love when I get home and look over them, remembering a special time."

7. Do you feel that you were born with the collector's gene?
   Melissa affirms her intrinsic connection to collecting, albeit in a minimalistic and curated manner.

   Melissa Morris [59:54]: "Yes, I do, but in a minimalistic way..."

Conclusion

Melissa Morris exemplifies the essence of the "Collector's Gene" through her unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and meaningful collaborations. Her ability to intertwine personal passion with professional excellence has established Metier as a beacon of timeless luxury in the world of collectible travel accessories. This episode not only offers valuable insights into Melissa’s creative process but also inspires listeners to appreciate the art of collecting and the stories that cherished items can tell.

For those intrigued by Melissa’s journey and the exquisite offerings of Metier, visiting the Metier store in Mayfair or awaiting the upcoming US store promises an enriching experience into the world where collecting meets design.

Notable Quotes:

• Melissa Morris [00:00]: "Travel is the most important education..."
• Melissa Morris [09:56]: "A bag for us is not just a bag. It's sort of your port in the storm..."
• Melissa Morris [19:36]: "It's a total collaboration..."
• Melissa Morris [26:35]: "I went to Morocco several years ago, and I was really inspired by all of this basket weaving I saw..."
• Melissa Morris [37:50]: "Metier is a brand that is designing to make people's lives easier and better..."
• Melissa Morris [46:39]: "It's the sort of person that when you watch them close the bag and they see the zipper moves like butter, they get it..."
• Melissa Morris [43:28]: "For the first collaboration with Westman, I presented three different concepts that had three different design languages..."
• Melissa Morris [59:54]: "Yes, I do, but in a minimalistic way..."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the heart of Melissa Morris’s interview on Collectors Gene Radio, providing listeners with a rich understanding of her passion for collecting, design, and the enduring legacy of Metier.