Thoughtful and intuitive, she's the friend you haven't met yet, the confidante you didn't know you needed to hear. There's this sense that whatever crown Cassidy Morris chooses to wear, be it model, television presenter, web series creator, or marketing manager for Simon James, she does so with care. Here, the endlessly well-dressed multi-hyphenate discusses comfy pants, getting into character, and finding a quiet moment.
Describe your personal style.
I find it quite tricky describing my style as it always shadows my mood that day. I would love to say my style is effortless or some days chic, but it can also be quite feminine while other days undone and relaxed.
Who are your favourite designers, and why?
I love so many designers all for different reasons. Georgia Currie, who founded Georgia Alice, I just admire this woman as a designer and a friend. Georgia's clothes made me feel confident yet feminine, there was a power she gives to us females when wearing her pieces.
Jessica McCormack is another designer I admire, I love her contemporary yet timeless designs that are made to be passed down for generations. I was lucky enough to meet Jess while she was visiting from London, and it is always so special when you get the opportunity to meet someone you admire.
Tell us the story of your favourite piece of clothing.
This is such a hard question. I really love every piece in my wardrobe, I do have this beautiful dress that my mother passed down to me, it's made from beautiful black lace with small beads in the shape of flowers across the bodice, something I will hold onto forever.
What’s one of your earliest fashion memories?
My mum actually used to make a lot of our clothes for us when we were really young. I just remember all of these beautiful floral nightgowns and white floral dresses she would put us in. I have two sisters and my older sister and I are only 18 months apart, so we always wore matching if not very similar outfits around the age of two and three. I hope these dresses are in a box somewhere, I need to ask.
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What do you wear when you want to feel your best?
I think you can’t go wrong with a great pair of Levi's or comfy pants and a classic white tee. I recently purchased the Everyday Egg Pendant by Sophie Buhai from Simon James and this piece is so elegant and timeless that it just complements what could be a boring outfit. I love to pair this with my black Bottega Veneta ankle boots, these are very heavy boots so make it a little bit more fun.
I’ve always imagined being an on-air presenter as a kind of stepping into a character, or playing a role, or a particular version of one’s self. What lessons did you learn while working as a presenter, and how has your perspective changed since then?
At the time I don’t think I realised this, but you definitely get into character. I look back at that time and I would try and mirror my favourite US presenters, so I wouldn’t say I was completely myself through that time. I saw who was successful and what I needed to do to achieve what they did.
My perspective has definitely changed. I am a lot more confident with just being me. I wouldn’t change anything though. I feel so lucky for the opportunities that have come my way and proud of what I was able to do as a TV presenter.
As an influencer and someone who’s been in the spotlight, how do you find your balance between the public and the private, between the front-facing and its opposite? Is that something you’re always conscious of?
When I lived in the US I was definitely a lot more open to sharing all parts of my life, I am not sure if that's because I was across the other side of the world? But once I moved back to NZ and met my partner I had this urge to keep a lot of those special moments to myself.
I also think there is something beautiful about not needing to share everything with everyone. I have always kept my family very private, I’m not sure if that's just me being protective over them.
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Where is your attention currently turned towards?
I would say my health has become a priority for me this year, whether that's mental or physical, and my work. I feel so privileged to love my job, I am really excited for what I can accomplish at Simon James.
What’s the most nourishing idea, or wellness experience, you’ve adopted into your life?
I have taken a break from alcohol. This isn't new for me, I did this in 2021 for about four months and then decided to do it again this year. I'm not a big drinker so it's not a tricky task. Kombucha and sparkling water are my best friends. Who knows, something might pop up and I’ll want to celebrate with a glass of something. But until then I am loving being alcohol-free.
What does a quiet moment look like for you?
A quiet moment would be a morning walk with my partner and dog Chester, there is something so peaceful about waking by the water at dawn before starting your day. It’s rare we get to do this, so I love to soak it up, and that quality time with Luke is really special to me. (Of course, a coffee in hand.)
