This week’s style diary guest, Harrison Morgan, developed a love for design from his parents, both of whom had careers in fashion and fine art. His passion for fashion led him to New York City where he held a position as design assistant to head designers at Seventh Avenue, before launching his own label in 1992.
Sibylle Eschapasse: Describe your style.
Harrison Morgan: Colorful American classic with a British twist.
Ms. Eschapasse: If a close friend were to describe your personality in three words, what would they be?
Mr. Morgan: Friendly, imaginative, humorous.
Ms. Eschapasse: How did your style evolve since you were a teenager?
Mr. Morgan: The amazing accumulation of admiring and supportive friends I’ve had since adolescence coupled with travel to India, France, Italy, and various exotic cities has given birth to a broader willingness to experiment with new elements of design. I don’t tend to be too risky or attracted to flash-in-the-pan trends. I like the solid foundation of classical design as it has appealed to so many throughout time. The human body is a work of art in itself, and should be adorned to enhance its best features. I do like to stretch the imagination within the boundaries of what is beautiful, glamorous, luxurious.
Ms. Eschapasse: What is the wildest thing you ever wore?
Mr. Morgan: My Harrison Morgan designed gold lame pheasant feather brocade dinner jacket.
Ms. Eschapasse: How do you dress on workdays versus weekends?
Mr. Morgan: On weekdays: full ensembles creatively coordinated with a jacket, shirt, pocket squares, and wing tips/Oxfords; the weekends: polo shirts, madras shorts, Converse tennis shoes, Gucci loafers.
Ms. Eschapasse: What are three accessories you can’t live without?
Mr. Morgan: My well-earned wedding band, my Hermès belts, and my aviator sunglasses.
Ms. Eschapasse: And what’s one item that makes you instantly more confident?
Mr. Morgan: Whimsical print Hermès ties; they always provoke conversation!
Ms. Eschapasse: Who have been your greatest fashion influences?
Mr. Morgan: My mother and Yves Saint Laurent.
Ms. Eschapasse: Who is your style icon?
Mr. Morgan: Ralph Lauren and Oscar de la Renta.
Ms. Eschapasse: What does having style mean to you? In other words, please define style.
Mr. Morgan: Authentic self-expression in one’s own creative choice and use of color, silhouette, combination of attire, and accessories. Style is one’s personal signature.
Ms. Eschapasse: What is one purchase you’re most proud of?
Mr. Morgan: My Rolex Datejust watch.
Ms. Eschapasse: What would you pay a lot of money for, and what would you never pay much money for?
Mr. Morgan: A home in Palm Beach—But not much for anything with a value I can’t perceive.
Ms. Eschapasse: When you go on the red carpet, how do you want your outfit to make you feel?
Mr. Morgan: I like to feel that the choice I’ve made in evening ensembles, or Black Tie, radiates the happiness I feel at the wonderful events I attend. My Harrison Morgan Butterfly Brocade Tuxedo jacket totally achieved this.
Ms. Eschapasse: Which designers can achieve that?
Mr. Morgan: Tom Ford, Valentino, and Harrison Morgan.
Ms. Eschapasse: What do you think of how others dress, and what’s your advice to people who would like to develop their personal style?
Mr. Morgan: I am blessed with the company of beautiful women and men who not only express their good taste in some of the best fashion and style possible, but also contribute to their families, friends, and communities with their good ideas and generosity. I advise those who would like to develop their personal style to “lighten up” and enjoy being uniquely glamorous in accordance with their lifestyle.
Harrison’s Favorites:
Favorite color: Navy or pink
Favorite perfume: Aqua Universalis by Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Favorite restaurant in NY: Le Bernardin
Favorite drink: Sancerre
Favorite movie: “The Age of Innocence“
Favorite book: “The Glitter and the Gold“ by Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan
Favorite quote: “Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.” —Mark Twain
Sibylle’s Style Diary explores style from the perspective of choices, and what that means for different people, with personal advice from some of the most stylish people in New York.
Sibylle Eschapasse is from Paris and now lives in Manhattan. She is a journalist and a contributing writer to various publications. Sibylle is also the author of a children’s book, “Argy Boy!: a New York Dog Tale.” She may be reached at [email protected]
