Roads

Philadelphia-born Melissa Morris launched Métier, a luxury leather goods brand, in Mayfair, London in 2017. Since then, from South Audley Street to the Tuscan Coast and Madison Avenue whispers of her considered, ‘modular’ creations have spread at pace. The embodiment of quiet luxury, Métier’s designs – for men and women – exude understated elegance (with more than a pinch of practicality in tow). Citing “Eileen Gray, Charlotte Perriand, and Le Corbusier” amongst her inspirations, there’s a distinctiveness to Métier pieces, as any aesthete can tell you. 

ROADS spoke with Métier’s Founder – a yogi (with a penchant for caviar) – to discuss morning rituals (enhanced by the calming and grounding scent of Palo Santo), self-expression, and furniture design, amongst other titbits. 

To what do you attribute your sense of style?  

My grandma, Elinor. She was the most stylish and elegant woman I have ever known.

How did Métier come to be?

I fell in love with design at an early age. For me, good design is, of course, a beautiful aesthetic, but also impeccable craftsmanship and very clever function that answers a need.  I felt that our modern lives on the go are so dynamic and busy, our bags are in essence our mobile offices and there was an opportunity to modernise the design of leather goods to better reflect how we live in today’s fast-paced world.

Your sources of inspiration include… 

I love furniture and interior design. It’s such an inspiring blend of form and function. Eileen Gray, Charlotte Perriand, and Le Corbusier are three of my design icons.

What is your most memorable scent association? 

Every morning I burn Palo Santo to start my day. The scent immediately calms and grounds me.

Your greatest indulgence and simplest pleasure…

Greatest indulgence: I absolutely love caviar.

Simplest pleasure: My daily yoga practice.

How do you define ‘luxury’?

Anything that is thoroughly perfected through form, function, and craft.

Do you have a signature scent, or do you prefer the idea of a fragrance wardrobe?  

I change depending on the time of year. In warmer months, I love something fresh and clean like white musk. In the colder months, I love incense-based scents that are more woodsy.

In your opinion, what is the ultimate form of self-expression?

Anything where you can be uniquely and authentically yourself without any compromise or care. Whether its dancing, music, writing, cooking, singing, or painting, self-expression is such an important part of living.

Your thoughts on modern travel…

Find ways to beat the chaos and keep calm. If that means getting there a little early or making sure you download some good music, travel is definitely not as easy as it used to be so finding what keeps you calm no matter what comes your way is key. Ultimately, getting upset about a delay is pointless and by the time you are home, you will hardly remember.

A book you’d recommend everyone read…

Double Blind by Edward St. Aubyn.

Who/what is piquing your curiosity right now? 

Oaxaca. I am desperate to go.

A career highlight… 

I collaborated with the costume designer, Joanna Johnston, for the newest Indiana Jones film. Going together to the London premiere and seeing it all come to life was a definite pinch me moment.