6 minute read
Luxe Profile: Penelope Morgan
There’s something alluring about being in the presence of Penelope Morgan.
She’s in tune with herself and the world and people around her. She’s inquisitive and thoughtful. Perhaps that’s what makes her so good at her craft. She sees the light differently, or she takes time to let it filter through the cracks. As a photographer and writer, Penelope is a storyteller but behind the lens Penelope’s life is a story in itself. She’s travelled the world and called Sydney, Los Angeles and now Newcastle home. She worked as an actress in LA, NYC and London and studied law while working professionally as a model before eventually turning her love of photography into her full-time gig. She’s got a big story to tell and we were honoured when she took us inside her home to show us some of her more personal pieces collected in a life well lived. See more of Penelope’s work @penelopemorganstudio
How would you describe your personal style?
It’s a mix of op shop finds and high-quality labels that are made to last a lifetime. I always choose clothes that are easy to wear and comfortable, but I also love a bit of sexy.
What or who inspires you creatively?
Mother Earth. Nothing we create will ever be as unique. She is the divine creator and she is constantly providing me with inspiration. You just have to stop for a moment and look at the bee attracted to the flower, the butterfly that flitters past you, the stars in the sky. She is a prolific creator and inspires everything I do. I am also a big reader and love the physical presence of print. I keep a stack of books sitting on my breakfast table. They are all so beautiful to look at and a good way to start the day.
What are your most cherished items and why?
I have notebooks scattered all around the house. Words and ideas drop into my mind all the time. It's like fishing, there’s a little bite and if you don’t pull it in straight away you miss the catch. If I don’t stop and write the words and thoughts that come into my mind at that exact time, I miss them. Often these little beginnings of thoughts and ideas turn into something special, so I like to catch as many of them as possible.
My piano is also a very cherished item in my life. Music is soothing to the soul and every time I sit at the piano, I remember being a kid. I used to play a lot when I was younger and although I don’t play so much now, I still absolutely love my piano.
What’s your favourite article of clothing in your wardrobe and what does it mean to you?
My flare jeans are forever. They look old and tatty because they are so well worn. I’ve had the booty stitched up a few times now and will wear these until the death. They are Tsubi, but when Tsubi was owned by the boys who lived in my neighbourhood. Before they were famous. I bought them from an op shop in LA about 15 years ago. Best find ever.
What is your favourite piece of art or photograph and how does it make you feel?
My best friend took this beautiful framed image of the flowers behind the glass. I love the colour palette. Then there’s the photo of my two loves. This sits on the top of the fridge and I never tire of looking at it.
How do you like to reset and reconnect?
The space in between is rare but it’s important. It’s where I can connect back to my purpose in this life. My home is my haven and I just love textures. This pillow was a bit of a splurge but I adore it. I prefer to buy quality items that last a lifetime (or close to) than buy cheap pieces that die after a year. That really annoys me! Plants also give our home life and they help clean the air. We have lots of them by the windows so we have natural air filters everywhere! This little plant is so cute. Look at its pops of colour coming at you. It’s like a mini fireworks explosion in our living room and I love the ceramic pot. This little cutie pie makes me happy each time I look at. Skin care is a nourishing and important part of my day and I love it, especially when it’s made of natural ingredients and smells beautiful. Skin care is selfcare and it’s the time in the day where you can stop and remember who you are! The rush of life drops away as the senses are taken over. I always allow at least 10 minutes of skin care pampering in a day. It’s my time and it’s important.
Fads come and go, what is one trend you’d love to see stick around or resurrect?
I love that these days there is this mish mash of all decades of clothing. But for me I am very much drawn to the ’70s. I find most of my choices in clothes are inspired by that era. It just suits my personality I think, and the fact that it was all about free love suits me down to my high-waisted flares.
What possession transports you to a time when you felt truly happy?
At one point in my life surfing was everything. I was competitive and had two brothers, so I had to be as good as them! I loved surfing more than anything and I’ll never forget going for an early surf before school, the sun rising over the water and dolphins jumping past me. Life couldn’t get any better. I’m still finding it difficult to top that experience.
If you could pick one statement piece for winter, what would it be?
This would definitely be my wool biker jacket. I’ve had it for 13 years or so. It’s so warm and it’s been with me for over a decade worth of winters and it still looks brand new. It’s made of 100 per cent wool and it just goes with everything. This jacket and I are best mates. We’ve travelled the world together. It’s a classic and I can throw it on over just about everything. I am definitely a winter lover. The cool weather gives me more choices of clothes to wear. I love boots too and in Australia we really only get one month of good boot weather.
