Melissa Harris’s exquisite jewellery has long adorned the likes of Cate Blanchett, Jodie Foster, Lara Bingle and Elton John. Her current shop in Paddington, NSW is a mecca for jewellery lovers; housing her own beautiful, hand crafted pieces as well as international brands Me&Ro, Siobhan Way, Kristina Brenke, Sue Girdwood and Whitney Howard. This year she celebrates her 21st birthday in style!
The Journey: From Sydney to LA…
Moving to Hollywood from Australia in 1980 to pursue a career as a make-up artist in the film industry, Melissa worked with stars such as Ed Harris, Jeff Goldblum, Janet Jackson and Annie Lennox. In between films, Melissa used her downtime to pursue her true passion of jewellery making. Her access to the stars gave her an instant celebrity fan base. As the requests escalated, she began to turn down jobs in the film industry and Melissa Harris Jewellery was born.
Largely self-taught, Melissa gained an education in technique with short intensive courses in jewellery-making at the Barnsdall Art Centre under the tutelage of fine contemporary American jewellers such as Valerie Mitchell. Melissa's signature style developed using language and symbolism along with religious iconography as early sources of inspiration.
Melissa’s debut was a small collection of necklaces at LA EYEWORKS on MELROSE in 1989. Shortly after, the Los Angeles Times Magazine included Melissa in an article featuring emerging jewellery designers. The effect of the article was immediate - launching Melissa's work into 20 galleries across the USA, including the Whitney Museum Store.
From LA to Sydney…
In 1995, Melissa returned to Australia to open her own store in Crown Street, Surry Hills. Now located in the fashion hub that is Glenmore Road, Paddington, Melissa continues to be inspired by symbology, art and architecture and has a successful business selling her own designs as well as jewellery from around the globe.
Ethos behind the brand…
Unconcerned with passing fashion fads and trends, Melissa creates unique, timeless pieces that are made to last forever. “Lives are lived in moments, occasions and celebrations with jewellery acting as an emotional bookmark. Storytelling has an inherent connection with jewellery and I take great pleasure in crafting these stories.”
“It can be a gift from someone special or a special gift to yourself to “bookmark” a personal milestone. Whatever the reason, jewellery becomes a part of you. It speaks of who you are or where you have come from and celebrates a connection with the special people in your life, both past and present.”
Celebrity Clients…
Past and present clients of Melissa Harris include Cate Blanchett, Elton John, Susan Sarandon, Charlize Theron, Tim Robbins, Jodie Foster, Alanis Morissette, Lara Bingle, Rae Dawn Chong, Jenny Brockie, Mikey Robins, Tammy McIntosh, Mary Schepisi, Asher Keddie, Natalie Saleeba, Holly Brisley, Hugh Sheridan and Michelle Pfeiffer.
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