If you've been a Meg fan for many years or visited the Nolita store - you know Blu. A styling wizard and Meg icon, her French accent and witty jokes can be heard miles away.
This month is Blu's 10 year anniversary working at Meg.
We sat down with her to chat about the last 10 years, her history at the company, and where she sees herself going next.
Q: Blu, for those that don't know...what's your background? When did you first move to the United States?
A: Before moving to the United States, I lived in England where I studied neuroscience and then specialized in marine biology and behavior. I wanted to change careers and move to the United States to study marketing and fashion.
I came as a student, and after school I started to make my way up the fashion ladder working for luxury stores and brands. I worked for Maison Kitsuné , Lanvin, Versace, Gucci in PR and sales.
I integrated my prior knowledge and new skills to a form of neuro-marketing, creating strategies for sales and brand management using neuroscience and compound behavior.
Blu wears the Shuttle Jacket in Stripe, the Painter's Pant in Olive, and the Wrap Belt in Brown.
Q: When did you first become passionate for fashion and style?
A: Fashion has always been a part of my life. My sister was a fashion designer and my mom was extremely stylish. She loved brands and beautiful clothes. She had a strong knowledge of fashion houses, which I quickly learned about from her. This led me to become interested in vintage high-end fashion from a young age I've grown to love not only the clothes, but also the history and culture behind them.
Q: How did you first start working for Meg?
A: I chased her! I was at Gucci at the time and looking for a change. I was a customer of Meg’s in Williamsburg. The remember the first time that I came to that store I felt at home. I had fun, I could just drop by and say hello, there was always great conversation. I was able to play with the clothes there and make them my own. I found that it was a very different and interesting way of working and selling clothes.
Once I got an interview with Meg I started working with Trudy. The girls working were so on the pulse with what was happening on the streets and were able to dress real everyday women very well. This was very different for me compared to when I was working at Gucci where I was styling VIP clients. Dressing real women to empower them and to make them feel like a million bucks was such a positive change.
Q: What has been your most memorable moment working for Meg?
A: A moment I’ll never forget is when I got my green card. Meg was extremely supportive and believed in me. That was my personal most memorable moment.
When it comes to working at Meg, there’s been so many special women that I’ve met. I’ve seen women learn to empower themselves and become more confident, which has been very rewarding.
A great moment I remember was when I developed a relationship with a trans woman. I was able to get her out of dressing for what she though society expected of her, and helped find her unique style and her femininity. There are many stories like this at Meg - great moments where women have been able to come into themselves and express themselves authentically.
Q: Do you have a favorite collection from the past 10 years?
A: My favorite collection was the Nina Simone inspired collection from Fall 2016. It was very cohesive and I loved the photoshoot in the brownstone apartment in Brooklyn. The colors were amazing and there was a diverse, wide range of fit and style. It's a collection that I remember fondly and still reference to this day.
Q: How would you describe your personal style?
A: Goth vintage....a lot of vintage! A mix of masculine and feminine. Rock chic. Deep v-neck silhouette, a mix of unique pieces, fur, oversized jackets, tight pants and flowy tops.
Q: What are your favorite pieces right now?
A: Well, the Blu’s Pant, obviously. It’s about time for pleather again…I am also a big fan of the Barrel Jean that is coming soon. The Animal Print shirts in Cowl and Button Down, as well as the Houndstooth Vienna Pant.
Q: A few Meg stores had to close during the pandemic. Which store do you miss the most?
A: I really miss managing the store on Lexington Avenue! It was a store of misfits. There were many ladies who were old school New Yorkers, they probably danced naked at Studio 54..,.they were not scared with their look. They knew themselves and their style well, and they were not afraid to wear the louder pieces like the Raul in Pleather. These ladies did not let their age define them, and I loved that.
Q: What do you like the most about working in the Nolita store?
A: Nolita is a new challenge. It’s a very transient street where we have a lot of tourists. It says a lot about how much people love Meg, because we’ve become a destination when people come to the city. It's been great to see that they make a point to come and visit us. We have an international community at Nolita, which I appreciate and love.
Q: Do you have any favorite style trends from right now for FW24?
A: There has been a lot of new young designers emerging, which is exciting. I have been loving the oversized and unisex trends that have been taking place over the past few years.
Q: Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
A: On a yacht with a young man! Just kidding. I’m looking forward to finishing on a high note with Meg, and hopefully I will retire in the South of France, on a beautiful farm. I'll be wearing fabulous vintage pieces when I go to Monoprix!
I hope that I'll still be curious and passionate about something, maybe a new project. Only time will tell what the future holds!