Obsession du Jour Robert Lee Morris for Elizabeth and James Jewelry
Whenever we find ourselves on the horns of a fashion or outfit dilemma, we find that more often than not, the solution lies with Elizabeth and James. Whether it’s with a sleek pair of sharply cut skinny trousers
, haberdashery-influenced vest
, or a wonderfully versatile cocktail dress
, the thoughtfully designed pieces consistently solve our clothing conundrums. Naturally our interest was piqued when we heard a jewelry line was in the works, as the designers of Elizabeth and James (you might know them as Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen) are quite well known for their taste in bijoux. The duo collaborated with famed jewelry designer, Robert Lee Morris, and created a stellar collection that’s just as noteworthy as their contemporary line.
The relationship between the fashion prodigies and the industry insider (Morris has worked with many notable designers including Karl Lagerfeld, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, and Donna Karan) began last June, when the Sisters Olsen saw a video featuring Morris’ work during a rehearsal for their CFDA Fashion Awards presentation. The pair flipped for his innovative style and artistic sensibilities and Ashley ended up wearing one of Morris’ cuffs to the event. The borrowed bracelet led to a meeting and post tęte-ŕ-tęte, the girls and the jewelry gent quickly began working on a full line of earrings, rings, necklaces, and, of course, bracelets.
The jewelry collaboration—formally known as Robert Lee Morris for Elizabeth and James—debuts this season with 42 different pieces, most of which are available in both brushed silver and antiqued brass. Much like E and J clothing, there are edgier items (like the Dagger Necklace) as well as new classics (like the Bold Silver Cuff). In the spirit of Mary-Kate and Ashley’s own personal style, many pieces in the collection are customizable and allow for interpretive wearing. To wit, the Chain Necklaces
, which are also available in turquoise and red coral, can easily be wrapped around a wrist instead of a neck, and personalized with a snake or scarab charm or two.
We pulled some of our favorite bits and baubles from the collection for today’s story and were amused to learn that many of our selections are also dear to the designers’ hearts. Word is that Mary-Kate likes to wear a single Dangle Cross Earring ($175), the Dagger Necklace ($525), and all the serpentine pieces, while Ashley’s keen on the Bold Silver Cuff ($525) and turning various Chain Necklaces ($395-$495) into one-of-a-kind bracelets. As for your editors, we’re in agreement with all of the above, but also have a fondness for the Snake Ring ($155) and wouldn’t mind a Plus Cuff
($350) or two—though we’re pretty much interested in the whole range! Of course, that’s the whole problem with the Robert Lee Morris for Elizabeth and James collaboration: what in the world will we buy first?
The relationship between the fashion prodigies and the industry insider (Morris has worked with many notable designers including Karl Lagerfeld, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, and Donna Karan) began last June, when the Sisters Olsen saw a video featuring Morris’ work during a rehearsal for their CFDA Fashion Awards presentation. The pair flipped for his innovative style and artistic sensibilities and Ashley ended up wearing one of Morris’ cuffs to the event. The borrowed bracelet led to a meeting and post tęte-ŕ-tęte, the girls and the jewelry gent quickly began working on a full line of earrings, rings, necklaces, and, of course, bracelets.
The jewelry collaboration—formally known as Robert Lee Morris for Elizabeth and James—debuts this season with 42 different pieces, most of which are available in both brushed silver and antiqued brass. Much like E and J clothing, there are edgier items (like the Dagger Necklace) as well as new classics (like the Bold Silver Cuff). In the spirit of Mary-Kate and Ashley’s own personal style, many pieces in the collection are customizable and allow for interpretive wearing. To wit, the Chain Necklaces
We pulled some of our favorite bits and baubles from the collection for today’s story and were amused to learn that many of our selections are also dear to the designers’ hearts. Word is that Mary-Kate likes to wear a single Dangle Cross Earring ($175), the Dagger Necklace ($525), and all the serpentine pieces, while Ashley’s keen on the Bold Silver Cuff ($525) and turning various Chain Necklaces ($395-$495) into one-of-a-kind bracelets. As for your editors, we’re in agreement with all of the above, but also have a fondness for the Snake Ring
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13 post(s)
The dagger necklace is definitely my favorite. It's insanely original and would look good with just about anything.. The chain necklace comes in second. I agree that this line should be more affordable but if you think about it.. if might BE affordable to the audience they're going for. Personally I won't pay more than $20 for a necklace/bracelet/ring like these. Brass isn't that expensive. Now, if they had precious/semi jewels in them I could understand the prices. I agree with Carlos; If Gwen can do it MK&A can too!
Posted by: Brittany | 2008-10-15 18:32:19
i love the snake ring. it is so versatile for day to night. view my blog at www.toomuchtowear@blogspot.com
Posted by: Liz Best | 2008-09-07 20:33:28
i agree with Vikky i thought Elizabeth and James was supposed to be affordable, i guess they let that slide by because they realized it was a challenge to put out afforadble and chic clothing! If Gwen Stefani can do it they cann too her Harajuku Lovers perfume which smells amazing is only $25 at macys, and the highest the harajuku lovers bags go is $150 at its peak and then she has her l.a.m.b. line with the $800 hand bags and $200 tops, you have to have a good product range, and the same thing with a lot of pther top designers like Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc Jacobs, Betsey Johnson and Betseyville GET A CLUE OLSEN TWINS!
Posted by: Carlos | 2008-09-06 20:00:00
I adore this line...just wish the prices were more reasonable although im pretty sure its well worth the money authenticity wise... i just thought elizabeth and james was supposed to be their 'affordable" line..
Posted by: Vikky | 2008-09-06 15:01:31
I adoreee Elizabeth and James, it was only a matter of time before the beautiful twinnies did jewels...i can't wait to see what more treasures the collection holds.
Posted by: Raffaella | 2008-09-06 04:30:04
LOVE that snake ring.
Posted by: C | 2008-09-05 20:31:24
I loooove this line. There's also a knuckle duster of ring that I can't wait to see. I think "edgy style and new classics" is well put. stylenowhere.blogspot.com
Posted by: klmh | 2008-09-05 17:29:54
have you guys announced the winner for the elizabeth and james mini wardrobe yet?
Posted by: judithaldana | 2008-09-05 10:25:03
God, those chain necklaces are phenomenal! Although, I wish that price was for all of them together!
Posted by: Llew | 2008-09-05 09:27:02
I actually found a necklace a few months ago almost identical to the dagger necklace at Forever 21, except instead of the daggers being on a chain, they were on a thick fabric necklace, but it still looks great.
Posted by: taylor | 2008-09-05 09:09:50
Love it all! But I'm particularly drawn to the versatility of the chain necklaces. Thanks for this post- it sheds good light on the collection.
Posted by: stephanie | 2008-09-05 07:50:52
I love the dagger necklace..if i could find one for less. i'd get it! it's different.
Posted by: lianna | 2008-09-05 01:36:26
Love everything!
Posted by: Anonymous | 2008-09-05 00:05:13