Conversation With: David Meister, Dress Master
Neiman Marcus: David, how is this season different than past seasons?
David Meister: Sleeves are a a big trend. It’s not about covering up, it’s just another look that people young and old haven’t worn in a while. The key to wearing sleeves and being covered is having skin at the neckline, or maybe it’s an open back. Another big trend this season is the asymmetrical hemline, which will continue into Spring.
NM: What do you consider your greatest professional success?
DM: Starting my business 13 years ago and being able to maintain it and watch it consistently grow.
NM: What are the key characteristics for success in fashion?
DM: Hard work, determination and talent. I believe it is 90% hard work and 10% talent. You can be the most talented person in the world, but if you don’t work hard, and you aren’t driven or passionate, it isn’t going to work.
NM: How has the fashion business changed since you started?
DM: It is a lot more competitive. People really have to love something to purchase it. As a designer you want to make something new and beautiful, but at the same time you don’t want to push it too far. No one needs another basic anything. It’s my job to design something that excites the customer enough that they take it into the fitting room and try it on. I think that is the challenge designers face every day.
NM: How do you keep the brand fresh and relevant?
DM: Always try new things. Sometimes I do something and I laugh because it’s such a joke and I think, ‘What was I thinking?’ It’s all about experimentation and not being afraid of failure. Design is creative problem solving, and the key is to consistently experiment.
NM: How do you see fashion changing as a result of the ever-growing online fashion world?
DM: I find that a lot more people are shopping online. And most likely, if they don’t purchase online they’ve pre-shopped online and they know what they want when they come into the store. It’s all about the media savvy customer. I mean a fashion show happens in New York and an hour later, it’s online.
David’s Favorites
City: Los Angeles
Artist: Russell Young
Hotel: The Ritz in Paris
Restaurant: Sunset Tower bar in Los Angeles
Style Icon: Cher
Shop David Meister at neimanmarcus.com and Neiman Marcus stores. During the Current Event, Sept. 22-25, receive a Rachel Zoe clutch when you spend $350 (regular-priced) in dress collections or contemporary sportswear.
