Interview with Luis - Luis Morais

I met Luis through Elad L’Objet years ago, and we always manage to grab a quick coffee in Paris during Fashion weeks and catch up. I would fall in love with all his understated chic pieces that he would put on both arms and neck, and I would give him my wish list!

What I love about his pieces is that you can travel the world with many bracelets stacked on your wrist, black diamonds and white diamonds, it’s the only way to wear and no one will approach you to steal- grab them from you! Nowadays I only wear less conspicuous jewellery in many parts of the world.

I never miss the opportunity to see Luis in Miami now that I have opened a store in Bal Harbour, dangerous encounters!

It all started in 1998 in Miami, 22 years ago, you were still a teenager!  What was it like in Miami Beach in the 90’s?

It was the place to be, it was having it's revival after a long time of abandonment. Designers, artist and celebrities all flocked to the new places that were recently renovated and became famous again. There was a lot of novelty and newness in the air, fun times!

Known for “Miami Vice”, old people’s place (for us Montrealer’s),  Miami has now become one of the greatest cities in America. Tell me about your daily life 

I work out in the nature, swim in the ocean and ride my bike to work. Rarely drive. My studio is one block form the ocean and the factory is across the bay. All very close and easy, which means I do not lose any time commuting anywhere which makes life very easy and nice.

I love all your pieces white gold, yellow gold, and diamonds! But you are known for your cord bracelets, those are your signature pieces? 

Actually we became more known for our beaded bracelets... They are easy to wear and you can have them with any outfit, they are practical and versatile and these characteristics are the attraction, besides the beauty and design on them.

I always thought of you as a men’s jewellery designer , as you primarily design for men? You design wonderful pieces for women as well, chic and fun pieces, but could women wear the skull pieces as well ?

Funny everybody thinks I am primary men's maybe that’s because I wear a lot of jewellery... My clients are pretty much 50/50 with a little more women. The jewellery has personality so the woman that buy and wear them know exactly their style and what they are doing. Skulls look good on everyone!!!

Tell me about your atelier and workers, do you work side by side with them? In Miami?

We have 5 people in the factory and 3 people in assembly at the studio. We are all from different places and background which helps a lot ...we all have a different opinion or vision of the same object. It is all handmade and I work side by side with them on a daily basis.

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