Through the revolving doors, pass the concierge and around the roundabout, a descending stairwell leads to an underground speakeasy. A subterranean jazz club, with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick walls, The Django would set the mood for the nights activities. As he descended the stairs, he locked eyes with a young woman on the way up. Excited that this was the stranger he was intended to meet, he proceeded to accompany her to the bar.
A frequent visitor of the neighborhood, she knew which train was optimal, “I prefer to be early” she whispered to herself as she boarded the A train. Through the revolving doors, pass the concierge, around the roundabout and down the stairs. What she thought to be a Jazz club, was currently showcasing burlesque, “Am I, too early?” she thought, as she proceeded back up the stairs. Upon reaching the top, she locked eyes with a young man, they swapped flirtatious greetings and walked to the bar.
His intel was wrong, he suggested this location for live jazz, but unfortunately, it was an off night for the band. Smitten with each others presence, they began to open up about themselves; they vibed to each others musical interest, supported each others goals as they arose in conversation and spoke freely about their desires for starting a family. They laughed, they smiled, they acknowledged the undeniable chemistry as the other left for the bathroom.
“Another round?” asked the bartender. He glanced over, “No, i'll take the check, thank you. I know another spot playing live jazz”. They grabbed their coats, and walked outside.
The powers that be, intended to teach him a lesson. As they approached the second spot ( 1/2 a block away) the doorman greeted them and informed them that there was no jazz playing. Angry, or rather moody, that things weren’t going his way, she stepped in, suggested one last location, one that would shape this love story and build out their futures together.
[Break] ‘ The author begins to read notes from Notebook #2. ‘
Growing up in Rye, East Sussex, Morgane was inspired by the ‘travelers stories’ her Dad would share. Characters he described galvanized her creative career and inspired mood boards for later collections. Her mom, a multicultural entrepreneur, encouraged travels around the world, teaching her multiple languages and instilling in her the self sufficient nature she carries today. “Growing up in the hotel may not have been a traditional living situation” Morgane states, “But there was always a sense of family”. Firewood crackling in the lobby, Michelle (her pup) playing with guest and hops drying from the ceiling, small nuances that made the Oasts home. Occasionally, close friends of her dad would visit, like Paul McCartney and Paul Weller. Introduced to amazing creative energy, it's no surprise, that her art channels British melodic references.
Soon after graduation, Morgane moved to Paris, where her creativity flourished. Working for Haute Couture designer Yiqing Yin, she helped design dresses for the 2012 collection // IN CARNE \\ crafting a face in the dress out of monochromatic silk fabric. With a mind full of evocative characters, Morgane moved to NYC, where she started her menswear line PRESS. Sharpening her skills through traditional bespoke tailoring, she crafted collections that payed homage to her childhood and explored another realm of her artistry, film.
Her brand influences the way you think about clothing, or rather stories. It develops an attitude that adapts to its host, showcasing unique personas we see and feel. Morgane’s latest film, explores a mysterious trail of ‘Roses’, the protagonist, in pieces from her latest collection link the flowers to the British coat of arms on his shirt. On his journey, we witness British hooligan character references and brit pop, giving us new character arcs waiting to be explored.
[Break] ‘ The author returns and begins to write again'
I could continue with the previous story about how our first date ended, but I'd rather end expressing the love I have for my soon to be wife *counts down the days*. Since that first encounter, we’ve visited numerous jazz bars, it's a tradition for us. She supports and pushes me to turn the goals we speak about, into realities. She’s opened her heart to me, and that vessel, I continually pour into. I’ve learned her love languages and when I wake up, look over, the sunlight shines on her face blessing me with her beauty. She tells me she’s shy, but that’s her being modest, her personality is gravitating. Her banter keeps me agile and my British slang is getting better, depending on who you ask.
"There's not a minute, hour, day or night that I don't love you. You're at the top of my list 'cause I'm always thinkin' of you"
I’ve grown up with solidifying role models, my parents have been married for 29 years. Along with transcribing these stories, speaking out loud ones emotions, is part of the art. I got on a call with my dad recently, in the midst of speaking about the weeks activities, I asked him marriage wisdom. He iterated communication and expect to be held accountable. My partner, who I have the privilege of narrating, “I can't fool myself, I don't want nobody else to ever love me. You are my shinin' star, my guiding light, my love fantasy. There's not a minute, hour, day or night that I don't love you. You're at the top of my list 'cause I'm always thinkin' of you”
[ Song break; Never too Much- Luther Vandross]
Every moment with you is never too much, Every dance when nobody’s watching is never too much, Every blessing is never too much.
To view Morgane's Art, visit
Agency: t-moods @T__Moods
Directed & Narrated: Dj McDonald @Tiger.Moods
Artist: Morgane Press @MorganePress | @Press.NYC
Photographers: Christopher Tomas Smith @ChristopherTomasNyc
Andrew Morales @LifeinReverie
Branding: Elmore Villanueva @ElmoreVillanueva_
Styling: Morgane Press @Morganepress