Journal
01.08.2024
A
Natural
Progression
Isa Pant in Carob
Freya Blouse
in Vintage Stripe
A Brief Intro: Stephanie Cleary is the co-founder and creative director for Morrow Soft Goods. Started in 2014 with her friend Michelle Toney, they sought to build a brand of home goods that were unique and enduring.
With her background in fashion design and love of well made goods, Stephanie has done just that. As Morrow continues to grow, their emphasis on quality over quantity remains in tact along with their belief in sustainable production.
Below, Stephanie opens up about how her mother instilled individuality in her from a young age, what inspires her, and how becoming a mother has changed what she values in clothes.
Photos by Emmanuelle Yang
Intro by James Rohan
Joan Vest & Isa Pant
in Carob
What’s the earliest piece of clothing you can remember?
It was a white pleated skirt with primary color polka dots. It’s a piece I would carry in my backpack as a kid and treasured. My mom said I would spontaneously change into it - In hindsight, it gave me confidence when I felt out of place.
What’s your relationship with clothes?
Weirdly complicated. As I get older, I’m starting to dress more for myself instead of for others. I used to hold onto my favorite pieces and only wear them for special occasions, but I now try to enjoy them most days. I really enjoy dressing for myself and the confidence clothes give me.
Joan Vest & Isa Pant
in Carob
What was it about soft goods that made you want to express yourself creatively in that way? At the time we started working on Morrow (2014), there wasn’t much in the home space. It was hard to find items that felt like ‘me’. I mostly shopped for vintage blankets and coverlets for our bedroom but it was really hard to find sheets that I wanted. It was a sea of white and a lack of personality. I found home to be so different from my background in fashion yet still familiar. It felt like a natural progression.
How has your upbringing influenced your approach to design and the pieces you create?
It’s really impacted my creativity in a positive way. My mom was all about being a little different. If I wanted ornaments or a seasonal 90’s bow, we would always make them (with what we had) instead of buying things. As we made these projects together, she made sure each item reflected our own personalities. It taught me to be scrappy but also to be an individual. It transformed and formed my early design aesthetic and decisions. We created pieces to be classic but with a quirky twist which is what I try to do for Morrow.
Isa Pant in Carob
Freya Blouse in Vintage Stripe
“My mom was all about being a little different. If I wanted ornaments or a seasonal 90’s bow, we would always make them (with what we had) instead of buying things.”
What does it mean to be able to integrate your pieces into your home experience like that with your family?
It means so much to us. I wanted to design and make beautiful pieces but pieces that have a daily purpose. Our pieces are durable and should be used. My kids help ‘test/use’ the product before we add these pieces into the collection.
What do you value in the clothes you buy? The clothes you wear? Even the clothes you get for your kids?
I really value quality over quantity (this strengthened after I had kids). I don’t have as much time as I used to - to thrift or search for what I’m looking for. I mainly buy things for a purpose and then make sure it’s actually a great quality item that I can wear over and over. I try to do the same for the kids.
How has becoming a mother changed what you value in clothing? In what you wear?
It has definitely changed. I don’t wear as many dresses as I used to. I also try to stay away from white or lighter tones because we’re all a bit more messy. I’m prioritizing longevity and versatility in the clothes I choose. I still want to feel cute while running around and playing with them in durable pieces.