The New Leaves collection is a celebration of the beauty and meaning found in individual leaves. Inspired by specific types of foliage that have taken on sentimental meaning in Michael's life, this collection embodies his genuine passion for nature in its purest and most personal form. Each leaf has its own story, its symbolism, and its inherent wonder, detail, and shape. For the first time, Michael is also interpreting an entire collection of leaves in the proportions in which they occur in nature, amplifying the sense of realism for which he is so well known. While each leaf is expressed as a sculptural object, Michael has yet again managed to infuse function into his forms, making them perfect for the most elemental moments in our daily lives. "There are Champa or Frangipani trees in my garden and at my workshop in India. They are all over India. They are generally planted near Buddhist and Hindu Temples since they are considered spirit trees, highly symbolic of love and recreation. While the flowers are recognized for their beauty, gentle color transitions, and fragrance, it is the stiff, glossy leaf that intrigues me most. There is such strength in their regimented and perfected shapes."