If you've been to our Nolita or Boerum Hill stores recently, you may have met the newest member of our team, Giana González. Giana is an artist, dancer, and fashion lover. We're so excited to have her on our team!
Giana wears the Raya Cowl Top in Animal Print and the Barrel Jean in Black.
Q: Where did you grow up and what was your early life like?
A: I'm a unique blend of Panama's tropical vibrancy and New York's urban energy. After two decades in NYC, my roots still run deep in the Panamanian soil where I spent my formative years.
My childhood revolved around our "family compound," where my aunt's family was right next door. We were always in and out of each other's houses, sharing meals and hanging out. Food was a big deal - we'd constantly swap dishes between the houses. It wasn't fancy, just our normal day-to-day life. I was always surrounded by relatives, noise, and good food growing up.
Three elements shaped my early years: family, food, and dance. These cornerstones of my Panamanian upbringing continue to influence my New York life.
In essence, I embody the fusion of two dynamic metropolises – Panama City's lush, pulsating energy intertwined with New York's relentless drive. It's a blend that keeps me dancing to the beat of two worlds, savoring the best of both, and living as rich and diverse as the cities that shaped me.
Q: What did you study in school?
A: For my undergraduate degree, I studied architecture, which brought me to the United States. Then for grad school, I attended the Interactive Telecommunications Program (ITP) at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. There, I pursued a master's focusing on technology, experience design, performance, art, and fashion.
Giana wears the Raya Cowl Top and the Vienna Pant in Cool Toned Stripe.
Q: What interests you about fashion?
A: For me, fashion isn't just about clothes; it's a form of expression, a marker of identity, and a point of connection, participation, and community.
Growing up, I often accompanied my mother, Edda, to various clothing and fabric stores, seamstresses, tailors, and artisans. These trips weren't just about customizing her wardrobe; they were also about constructing La Pollera - Panama's national costume - for her collection and my folk dance performances.
La Pollera is a complex garment that takes years to handcraft. It features elaborate elements including multilayered petticoats, specific shoes, headpieces, and very particular jewelry. The design varies depending on the dance and region of Panama it represents. This early exposure to the intricate world of traditional costume-making significantly influenced my appreciation for the artistry and cultural significance of fashion.
Q: Tell me about your work as an artist.
A: My art focuses on creating unexpected connections, often through fashion and performance. I love juxtaposing disparate ideas to build bridges between different worlds.
A key project is Hacking Couture, where I blend open-source concepts with fashion. Through a DIY approach, participants prototype their designs using recycled clothes, like their own Polo up-cycled shirts or their own YSL, challenging traditional fashion norms.
Another significant work is PRAKA, a performance piece where I developed a character mixing elements of Miuccia Prada and Panamanian street fashion. I brought this persona to life during Panama Fashion Week, collaborating with reggaeton artist KennyMan, where there was rapping about global fashion, street culture, and impromptu DIY-ing in the clothes.
These projects reflect my interests in female entrepreneurship, femininity, Panamanian culture, and identity formation through cultural mashups. I aim to challenge boundaries while creating engaging experiences that redefine identity through unexpected fusions.
Q: What kind of art do you like to create?
A: I focus on creating multi-layered experiences. While my process begins with traditional design approaches like drawing, writing, and conceptualizing, the outcome is typically an experience - often in the form of a performance, installation, or video. These experiences are designed to engage in dialogue with the audience.
Giana wears the Three Pleat Jumpsuit in Navy, the Josie Belt, and the Celeste Boot.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I'd call my style shapeshifting. I easily move between sexy (hey, I'm Panamanian and I own it!), artsy, and occasionally preppy or norm-core. Whatever persona I'm channeling that day, comfort is always key.
I love mixing old and new, borrowed and inherited pieces, especially jewelry. This approach lets me create unique looks that reflect different aspects of my personality and mood.
For a visual journey through my style exploration, check out my "Personas" series. It showcases how I use fashion to express various facets of my identity and creativity. To me, fashion isn't just for the street, it's a way to dive deeper into oneself, using clothing as a medium for self-expression and discovery.
Q: What are your favorite Meg pieces right now?
A: I'm loving the Three Pleat Jump in Navy - it's versatile with a stretchy fabric that's perfect for fall. The Oversized Blazers in Navy and Taupe, are also favorites. And the Raya Cowl Top is a real showstopper!
These items perfectly blend comfort, style, and versatility, which aligns with my shapeshifting approach to my personal style.
Giana wears the Raya Cowl Top in Animal Print the Barrel Jean in Black, and the Celia Boot.
Q: What are your favorite Meg pieces from the FW24 collection?
A: When we had the samples at the store, I fell in love with the Manta Pant and Manta Jacket in black. I can't wait for them to arrive! I'm particularly drawn to the sculptural shape of the pants and the quality of the material.
What really won me over is the comfort - these pieces perfectly blend a striking silhouette with ease of wear. They embody that ideal combination of style and comfort that I always look for in my clothing. Plus, I'm feeling the coziness for the holidays, and these pieces are perfect for that warm, festive mood.
Q: Why do you like working in retail?
A: I see a physical retail store as a powerful gathering place. It's both a community center and a laboratory for ideas and connections. Being on the sales floor gives me, as an artist and experienced designer, a fresh perspective on retail operations and direct customer feedback.
It's incredible to see people light up when we provide an outfit that fits well, feels comfortable, and meets their needs, or when they're surprised by our suggestions. This immediate transformation is magical!
I love being part of this process – helping customers discover new aspects of their style, boosting their confidence, and solving their fashion dilemmas. It's a unique form of creativity that combines problem-solving, personal interaction, and artistic expression. This hands-on experience continually inspires and informs my work as an artist and designer.
Giana wears the Airflow Gown in Navy and the Fur Jacket.
To learn more about Giana and her work, visit www.gianagonzalez.com