MARIE-LAUREN ROMANO
FOUNDER & DESIGNER MLR JEWELLERY
Marie-Lauren Romano - MLR - is a Melbourne born-and-raised creative. Having studied the art of oil painting from the age of 10, Marie-Lauren developed a very traditional approach to painting and design. After being accepted in a Bachelor of Arts (Textile Design) at the age of 17, she took time to move away from traditional practices and explore new mediums, processes, and ways of working. It was during her time at RMIT that Marie-Lauren discovered the art of silver-smithing and lost-wax casting; a process she now practices daily through MLR Jewellery.
Graduating from RMIT in 2012, Marie-Lauren went on to complete a Masters of Management (Marketing) from Melbourne Business School in 2014. Possessing both design and business skills, she ended up in #AdLand, creating advertising campaigns for multinational brands. While building reputable brands was one of Marie-Lauren’s biggest passions, spending endless hours in the office left her creative-soul wanting more; which led to the birth of MLR.
How did it all begin for your brand?
MLR was developed after years of exploring techniques, design principles, mediums and various skillsets. The brand is an extension of my bold approach to creativity, branding and surface-creation. Being fortunate enough to work in a range of environments, on a range of projects and clients I am able to think imaginatively and strategically to deliver commercially.
I am obsessed with silver and adorning the body with jewels to tell a story. Rarely planning or sketching a design, I enjoy the experimental nature of creating and embracing unpredictable outcomes. My style is organic, harmonious with the sculptural aspect of jewellery-making and I have a strong desire for each piece to be viewed as wearable art, taking on an individual life with its wearer.
Describe yourself and your designs to us?
Most would describe me as a creative. And after having explored and practised multiple disciplines; I would agree. MLR creates wearable pieces of art from carefully carved, wax sculptures. Each piece is designed to spark conversation and intrigue. I would describe my brand as contemporary, fresh and bold. The materials I work with are expansive and can be unconventional. With little surface-planning involved, I focus on engaging in 'child-like' play to create works that will spark conversation.
When I think of my brand five-years down the track, I visualise MLR worn by musicians, models, designers, artists, photographers - creative souls. There's a confidence in MLR that’s hard to come by. It's designed with an edge, with a disregard for opinions. It's bold, and as such, the wearer is bold; the kind of person you can't help but stare at for their effortless beauty and confidence. MLR is truly built on a mindset that the wearer has a strong appreciation for design and the process. It’s a brand built by a creative for creatives.
What inspires your creations?
MLR pieces are inspired by many facets of the designer’s life.
Melbourne; its creative aura and people.
Fashion; whether it's tattoos, clothing, makeup, jewellery, cultural rituals – MLR is fascinated with decorating surfaces, and dressing the human body.
Materials; the material and stones available when designing new pieces.
Who can wear MLR?
MLR can translate across a range of individuals, it's more about their personal style and appreciation for design, fashion, art and beautifully crafted product. Ageless, it's a mindset and a way of dressing.
Creatives, or have a creative soul, those with an appreciation for design. Think Urban - New York, Melbourne, London, L.A, Paris, Sweden….
Early adopters, niche group of shoppers. Those individuals who embrace brands with meaning and personality, and seek out new, modern, beautifully designed products.
What is a stand out moment in shaping MLR?
Working up the courage to step away from my advertising career, it honestly took me 12-15 months to finally resign. I learnt so much being in such a fast-paced, communications environment, but stepping away gave me the brain space to reinvent MLR. Once I stepped away MLR as you see it today was born - it gave me time to really centre the brand persona and the brand's essence.
What designs or creative work has you excited right now?
I'm currently in the infant stages of designing new pieces. It's all about researching street fashion and playing with existing pieces to see what I can evolve and adapt. I will be showcasing at the upcoming Melbourne Finders Keepers market, I really want to have some new bling ready for reveal.
Who are you collaborating with right now?
I'm always chatting to or daydreaming shoot concepts with someone. There are honestly so many talented MUA's, stylists and photographers in Melbourne, it's hard for me not to want to shoot. I'll be scrolling through Instagram and fall in love with someones work, on the daily. And of course the diverse looking talent, I'm just obsessed with everyone on Duval Agency's books.
What do you love to do To relax?
My ultimate weekend is a little sleep in, followed by a work out & brunch. I'm pretty basic haha
Most challenging aspect of having the label?
There are many challenges with building a brand during a time where retail moves at the speed of light. Fast-fashion giants such as ASOS, can rip off small designers in the blink of an eye, they have the man-power, scale and revenue to turn designs around so quickly. A classic example is when Anthropologie ripped off local Sydney maker Tara Burke. It really hit home for me - so many small businesses / creatives spend hours working two jobs trying to build their creative passion and it's all shot down in an instance.
I also find it super challenging to find creative energy, after working 4 days a week in an office - a very uninspiring space.
What advice do you have for emerging designers?
1. You will have days filled with enthusiasm, ideas and passion - but you'll have way more days filled with doubt, fear and total confusion. Bottle up the good days and keep those little beams of light, because they'll keep you going. At the end of the day if you're a creative soul, you'll always come back to your craft, the road will just be a little curvy.
2. Don't be afraid to ask, you will never know where a conversation could lead you.
3. Also, Instagram and the rise of the influencer is bullshit. I've seen far too many designers trying to build their "personal brands" and in the process become "influencers" represented by talent agents. As a creative your focus should be on your craft, your passion, not on promoting the latest alcohol product. Ensure you set your intent early, remain grounded in your purpose and know that it's ok to say no to anything that doesn't tie back to achieving your creative goal. Trust your gut.
Collage / Digital Artist: Maria Izvestkina @mariaizvestkina
Photographer: Theo Theo Moustakas @lost55s
Talent: Sybil Moses @sybil.moses Agot Dell @agot__ of Duval Agency
Stylist: Sabina Mammarella @sabina.mammarella
MUA: Rachel Molino @rachelmolinomakeup