Morgan Hunt wears many haute hats. She’s a wife to Casey, a mom to William and the successful blogger behind A Treasure Hunt. In addition to expecting another bundle of joy next month, she’s fresh off the launch of Morgan James women’s clothing line.
After graduating from Southern Methodist University with a degree in finance and spending a couple of years in private equity, one might wonder why Hunt turned to fashion. But those who really know the designer simply see it as a homecoming of sorts.
“I am equal parts tomboy and super girly, so the line is full of flirty silk silhouettes mixed with more masculine touches like leather and wool,” Morgan Hunt says.
Hunt grew up in South Carolina, and she would join her grandmother, an impeccable seamstress, on excursions to Charlotte to find the fabric for special occasion dresses. Hunt was the girl who knew exactly the dress she wanted to wear but could never find it in the store. Together Hunt and her grandmother would craft the perfect dresses, time and time again, turning Hunt’s visions into reality.
“It was only natural for me to want to return to those days of watching my ideas come to life through a fashion line,” Hunt says. “Obviously my name is Morgan, but it is also my grandmother’s maiden name. So while the name Morgan represents me, a huge part of it is to honor her and the influence she had on my life as well as this dream.”
The name James also has great significance.
“James is my son’s first name, which he does not go by, and since his birth is what brought back my creative desires, I loved the idea of pairing it with my name and my grandmother’s,” she says.
The line is manufactured in New York City (although Hunt hopes to bring production to Dallas in the coming seasons) and sold on the Morgan James website; prices range from $225 to $498. “I am equal parts tomboy and super girly, so the line is full of flirty silk silhouettes mixed with more masculine touches like fine leather and wools,” she says.
Like most designers, Hunt hesitates to pick favorites but does say the Everyday Dress and leather leggings are “pretty spectacular” and can be worn all the time. The wrap jacket is another versatile piece. With its mix of wool and leather, it can be paired with a tee for more casual occasions or layered atop thick sweaters or dresses when it gets chilly.
Hunts hopes that women will visit her online shop to seek out pieces that really resonate with them on a personal level. She has designed the line for fashionable women on the go, not unlike her, who shop for casual attire to play with the kids, something suitable for a work meeting, a flirty dress for a date — or likely all three.
“I wanted to create pieces that will live in your closet for years, and I hope I achieved that.”
Morgan James vest, $350.
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