Women's
Conversation With: David Meister
David Meister
David Meister started his career at Danskin, the body wear company, where he taught himself the magic of stretch in fabrication, and how it can be used to masterfully present the feminine form in a way that flatters curves and embodies glamour—a concept still very prevalent in his designs today. He launched his own label in 1998 with evening dresses, soon followed with day dresses. Many celebrities including Fergie, Tina Fey, Drew Barrymore, Diane Lane, Katherine Heigl, Queen Latifah, Felicity Huffman, Demi Lovato and Sharon Stone have come to him for his sophisticated, beautiful and body-conscious designs. He is involved in several causes, especially Dress For Success. Meister hails from Ohio and his good Midwestern traits—humble and hardworking—along with his energy and passion for glamour garner him many fans.
David Meister
Which celebrities, past or present, would you most like to style? Top of the list would be Angelina Jolie and Cher. I think it would be amazing to have worked with Babe Paley—always perfectly chic!
Favorite fashion movie? “The Eyes of Laura Mars.” Faye Dunaway is fabulous.
What is the trend you most like? I am loving sexy dresses with interesting sleeves, and soft full pants. And I am so glad to see high, sexy shoes without platforms. I love them but enough is enough.
What was the first designer item you ever bought? A black double-breasted Versace blazer in an amazing cavalry twill. I wish I still had it!
What’s your personal style? Clean and simple with a touch of rocker. Everyday is usually a white or black T-shirt, a pair of skinny jeans, a pair of boots and maybe a leather jacket. Living in L.A., it is either very casual or my version of black tie. Right now I am loving Dior Homme, Balmain and Givenchy. I also found an amazing brand out of Berlin, Clemens en August—their suits are very cool.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? My amazing relationship with my partner Alan.
Alan Siegel and David Meister
If you were to die and come back as someone else, who do you think it would be? I would like to come back as the male version of Diana Vreeland. Quirky, outspoken and a diva.
What’s your secret place? Not so secret but my house in Palm Springs. It’s the perfect weekend escape from everything and everyone.
Meister and Siegel have a Russell Young portrait of Mick Jagger.
What’s one item you are saving up to buy? Another piece of art from my favorite artist Russell Young. He is a very cool and edgy pop artist and has photographed some of the most iconic rock stars—Morrissey, Bjork, New Order, The Smiths, Bruce Springsteen. The way he captures their images make them more relevant.
Neiman Marcus welcomes David Meister to Tysons Galleria on March 26 and Paramus on March 30.
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