We had the good fortune of connecting with Carlye Morgan and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Carlye, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued an artistic career because designing has always felt very natural to me. For my entire life, I’ve gravitated towards art and some of my earliest memories include painting and drawing. In college, I studied art history at Vassar and the University of Pennsylvania, as well as a semester abroad in Rome. While I loved art and design, I ultimately decided to pursue a career in advertising and marketing in New York and then back in Los Angeles. Now, in the present day, I am fulfilling a dream of having design as a core part of my career and I believe it’s the integration of visionary design and the highest quality of craftsmanship that truly sets Chalonne apart.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am the Founder and CEO of Chalonne as well as the sole designer. When I first started designing, I planned to work with precious materials like 14k gold and gemstones. However, it was also equally important to include non-conventional materials like shearling and denim that would appeal to different aesthetics of women. Everyone has a personal favorite, and every band is inspired by my personal memories and travels. In particular, I was captivated by a trip to Sedona where I fell in love with the Arizona desert. After this respite, I launched my Sedona bands which are modeled after the colors, textures and awe-inspired sensations of the red-rocks, sunsets and canyons.
Today, Chalonne’s bands offer a luxurious way to express individuality and style everyday. I am very proud to say that every single strap is meticulously crafted with the finest, ethically sourced materials available including diamonds, freshwater pearls, lustrous 14k gold and rich leathers.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my friend were staying in Phoenix, I’d definitely recommend a relaxing stay at the Sanctuary Camelback + Royal Palms. We would sunbathe together at their pool and then play a round of golf on their desert oasis course. For dinner in the evening, we’d treat ourselves to steaks at Maple & Ash and have an incredible Michelin-starred meal. Then for a nightcap, we’d catch up more over cocktails at Bitter & Twisted.
The next day, we’d grab a big breakfast at Matt’s Big Breakfast. Everything is prepared local and fresh there and I’d make sure we get the Five Spot Platter. After we’ve satisfied our appetites, we’d go for a day of shopping and exploring. First up, we’d check out Roosevelt Row where we could peruse the boutiques and local art. Then we’d head to the Desert Botanical Gardens where I could take in nature and appreciate the scenery. To cap off the day, we’d get a massage and facial at The Phoenician Spa.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
From my personal experiences and a long-standing partnership, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) deserves full dedication of this shoutout. One of my brand missions is to give back to organizations that empower women and women’s health. For every Chalonne purchase, we donate 4% of retail sales to BCRF all year-round. At Chalonne, we firmly believe that our own success is reflective of what we do for others.
Website: https://chalonne.com/
Instagram: chalonne.la
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlye-morgan-122200/#