Deuxieme Classe | ドゥーズィエム クラス オフィシャルサイト

AGMES designer and founder, Morgan Lang.
In this interview, through a conversation with her, we explore the origins of her creativity and the intentions behind her approach to craftsmanship.

What inspired you to become a jewelry designer?

It wasn’t one single moment, but something that grew with me over time. I’ve always loved jewelry—my mom would share pieces from her childhood, and traveling to Mexico City with my grandmother, exploring the silver markets she grew up with, shaped how I saw it. It never felt like just objects, but something that carried memory and connection. I started taking jewelry classes as a kid because I thought they were so much fun, and loved making things. As I got older I continued taking classes to try to fully realize the pieces in my dreams. Each class was short, never enough time to develop the pieces from my dreams, so I continued my pursuit of learning through university and even when I had a full-time job. I had not intended for this to be my career, but it brought me so much joy that I continued pursuing the learnings on the side, until one day I went out with an old friend from university. It was him who helped me realize how special this always was to me, and get the courage to take the leap of faith and pursue it full-time.

Could you tell us about your usual creative process, from the initial idea to the finished piece?

For me, the process usually begins with a feeling that takes shape as form. It might come from a dream, or something I’ve noticed in nature—an organic curve, a quiet detail that stays with me. I’m most open to ideas when I feel grounded, often in places like the ocean or among trees, where everything becomes a bit quieter. From there, I start exploring the shape through sketching, sculpting, or working in CAD, often moving between them until something feels right. Even if I begin with a clear idea, the piece always evolves once it becomes physical, sometimes shifting in form or meaning along the way. That sense of discovery is an important part of the process for me.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in many places, but often it begins in stillness. Travel has always shaped me—being in new environments, learning from different cultures, and noticing the quiet details around me. Places like Kyoto, with its sense of simplicity and space, or coastal landscapes where water shapes stone over time, have stayed with me. I’m drawn to the way art, architecture, and nature hold both structure and softness, and how light, texture, and form interact. At the same time, inspiration has become more internal these past few years as I’ve become more comfortable as a designer — coming from emotion, memory, and instinct. I think of each piece as a reflection of my experiences, something that carries a feeling and offers a sense of connection, calm, and balance. It’s become a more vulnerable process than when I first started, but it’s led to work that feels deeply personal.

Is there a particular piece or episode that has stayed with you?

In the early days, there was a customer who would send us poems inspired by the pieces she purchased. It was unexpected and deeply moving. It reminded me that jewelry doesn’t end with its creation—it continues to evolve through the person who wears it. That exchange stayed with me because it affirmed something I had always believed quietly: that these objects can hold emotion in ways words sometimes cannot.

What values or design philosophy are most important to you?

Restraint, intention, and longevity are at the core of my design philosophy. I’m drawn to pieces that feel both contemporary and timeless, where proportion is carefully considered and the materials are chosen to last and age beautifully over time. Wearability is just as important—each piece should feel natural and comfortable enough to live in every day, despite its sculptural presence. I spend a lot of time thinking about weight and fit, making sure something that appears bold can still feel light and effortless once worn. For me, good design is something you return to over time, both in how it endures and how it continues to feel.

Could you share the story of your relationship with Deuxième Classe?

I first discovered Deuxième Classe on my first trip to Tokyo and was immediately drawn to the store—the curation, the sensibility, the attention to detail. On a whim, I left a lookbook for the buyer, and that small gesture grew into a lasting relationship. Over time, they began visiting me in New York and Paris, and I came to deeply respect their precision. They notice everything, from the exact length of a chain to how a piece sits on the body. They were also the first to recognize my cuff designs as something distinct, which have since become one of our most identifiable and loved pieces—it felt like being understood in a very clear and meaningful way.

Are there any books or music that have influenced you?

I’m often drawn to music that feels timeless and soulful—artists like Sam Cooke and Leon Bridges. There’s a warmth and honesty in their voices that I find very grounding, comforting and enduring. It’s the kind of music I return to again and again, while I’m designing, or even just after a long day.

What is your personal “treasure”?

I have this very special initial ring from my father, something he had made when he was young. We use to share the same initials, and though I’ve since taken my husband’s last name, it feels like a quiet way of holding on to where I come from. I often think of him as a young man when he made it, just at the beginning of his career—it carries both his story and mine.

Among all the places you have visited, which country or place has left the strongest impression on you?

Naoshima left the strongest impression on me. There’s a quiet balance there between art, nature, and stillness that felt very powerful. I remember being fully present, without the usual distractions of my phone, and really taking in my surroundings in a deeper way. It’s stayed with me ever since as one of the most meaningful and beautiful places I’ve experienced.

Is there a place in Japan that you especially like or often visit?

I find myself returning to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka each time I visit Japan—they feel essential to understand the rhythm and culture of the country. But I also try to step outside the major cities and discover somewhere new on each trip. Karuizawa has been especially memorable, with its mountain landscapes, thoughtful architecture, and the quiet experience of the onsens. Miyazaki also left a strong impression, particularly through its food and slower pace, and of course Naoshima, which holds a very special place for me. Each of these places deepens my love for Japan, especially when I allow myself time away from the usual paths and into moments of stillness and nature.

How do you usually spend your days off or refresh yourself?

On my days off, I try to slow down and return to simple, grounding things. I love cooking, so I often start by going to the farmers’ market to pick up fresh produce and let that shape what I make. Time with family, friends, and my dog is really important to me, as well as just being at home and not rushing anywhere. I also try to get into nature whenever I can—living in NYC, that often means a weekend trip upstate or time outside of the city. Those quieter moments help me reset.

How do you think jewelry changes depending on the person who wears it?

Jewelry is completed by the person who wears it. Without that relationship, it remains an object—something observed rather than lived. Each wearer brings their own history, their own energy, and that transforms the piece entirely

What does jewelry mean to you?

It is a quiet form of expression. A way to carry something personal, often unseen, yet deeply felt. Jewelry exists at the intersection of memory, identity, and form—and when it’s right, it becomes inseparable from the person who wears it.

AGMES

AGMES is a New York City–based fine jewelry brand, founded in 2016 by Morgan Lang, creating handcrafted pieces from recycled precious metals.

Combining sculptural forms and precious materials with thoughtful design and artisan craftsmanship, AGMES creates pieces that are at once distinctive and enduring. Our jewelry, accessories, and objects balance vitality with simplicity. Handmade to order in New York City, each piece is appealing to the eye, inviting to the touch, and destined to become an heirloom. Designed to defy trends, seasons, and to last for generations. Discover AGMES online or shop in-store in New York City.

“AGMES” PRE-ORDER EVENT

Dates: Saturday, May 2 – Sunday, May 17
Designer in-store appearance: Saturday, May 16
The exact time will be announced via Instagram Stories.

Venue: Deuxième Classe Fukuoka Store
2F AMU Plaza Hakata, 1-1 Hakata Station Central Street, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
TEL: 092-413-5621 (10:00–19:00)
Store hours: 10:00–20:00

Instagram: @deuxiemeclasse_store