10 Minutes With Jewellery Designer Cecily Morris

Cecily Morris, Jewellery designer
Cecily Morris, third-generation and brand & retail director at David Morris, takes us through a working day in the UAE, from meetings to moments after dark

When I travel to the UAE on business, the non-negotiable beauty essentials I pack for the flight are… the Mini Cetaphil face wash, a mini Elemis moisturiser, and the occasional 111SKIN face mask for an extra glow. Summer Fridays lip oil keeps my lips happy, mini Bioderma micellar water for makeup removal, and of course… Toothpaste. Can’t forget that.

On arrival, I like to stay at… the Jumeirah Al Naseem. It’s a calm and stylish retreat for a busy week.

My go-to breakfast is… a homemade smoothie. I can’t imagine starting the day without it. It’s packed with a mix of seeds and fresh fruit, giving me energy before a day at work.

In the heat, my five minute makeup routine is… I’m never one to stick to just five minutes, but if I had to, prepping my skin and a quick swipe of mascara.

For a day in the sun, my go-to SPF is… La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid. It’s one of those products I come back to again and again. It’s incredibly lightweight, sinks in instantly and doesn’t leave any residue, which makes it perfect under makeup or on its own.

When I’m in the Middle East, the fragrance I reach for is influenced by… how it wears throughout the day. I tend to rotate a few scents depending on the season, letting the climate guide my choices. In the warmer months, the heat amplifies everything, so I choose something that feels effortless rather than overpowering. I gravitate towards Le Labo’s Thé Matcha 26 because it’s clean, creamy and sits beautifully on the skin. In the winter, I’ll switch to something richer like Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille. Its warmth is perfect for cooler evenings.

When dressing for a working day in the UAE, my uniform is… a simple dress paired with a blazer and Chanel flats. The malls can be surprisingly chilly both at Dubai Mall and The Galleria, where our boutiques are, so I layer accordingly like I do in London.

Cecily Morris, Jewellery designer
A decade into her role at David Morris as a third-generation member of the family firm, Cecily Morris has built close ties to the UAE through frequent visits to the House’s boutiques in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

From my own collection, the piece I reach for most is… the Triolette earrings. I tend to wear the hexagon shape, but I love how you can mix and match them with the oval and square for different looks. The oval is soft and pretty, the square adds an edgier feel, and the hexagon has a slightly art deco vibe.

When I’m in the UAE, the most exciting part of my workday is… hosting events in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It’s always a treat to dress up, and as brand & retail director, I oversee everything from the initial concept to execution. Seeing an event come together and connecting with such remarkable people is incredibly rewarding.

After a day of work, I gravitate towards… heading out to soak up the atmosphere. It’s so different from London. I’m always spotting ideas for events, noticing what women are wearing, or scouting locations that could work for future projects. Whether it’s a gallery, a hotel, or a new dinner spot, it always leaves me inspired.

For dinner in Dubai, my favourite place to book is… Flamingo Room for its relaxed vibe, and La Petite Maison when I’m looking for something a little more classic and refined.

My go-to evening ensemble is… a nicely fitted dress or a trouser-and-top combo, usually paired with a killer pair of heels. You can always dress up in Dubai.

When I’m leaving the UAE, I always make sure to bring back… chocolate-covered dates for the office. I also make a point to visit 12 Storeez; their pieces are too good to resist.

When I’m back in London, my go-to for tackling jet lag is… to reset my routine as quickly as possible. I make a point of keeping well hydrated throughout the day, hitting the gym to get my body moving and staying awake until evening to help my body adjust naturally.

Originally published in the May 2026 issue of MOJEH Magazine. Subscribe here