Peachy's Got It In the Bag Exclusive Interview with Melanie Mueller!!! We Love People from Georgia! They are SO Peachy.
Melanie Mueller began the summer of 2007 packing her bags to spend the next four months working in New York City. As a graduate student at Emory’s Business School, she had landed her dream internship working in the fashion industry for Zac Posen, a world renowned designer. She therefore had to ensure she was dressed to impress in the best dresses, suits, shoes and handbags. There was just one small problem… her living conditions in the lower east side of Manhattan (about the size of a closet) limited her packing to just two small suitcases! Clearly not enough luggage for any woman to pack four month’s worth of necessities.
Melanie therefore opted to only pack her most important basics… black leather pumps, slender fitting pants, a few DVF wrap dresses and an oversized handbag among other versatile pieces… and then have fun shopping for more trendy items while living in the fashion capital. However, her plan backfired a bit when Melanie found her shopping experience in the City to be anything less than exciting and in fact found it all to be quite discouraging.
The cause for all her distress? Product choice overload. Melanie found herself sifting through hundreds if not thousands of items she did not want before settling for something that only came close to what she had envisioned. This was especially true one day when she was shopping for shoes, the staple for any great outfit. There were plenty of designs Melanie absolutely loved, but most did not fit and were too uncomfortable to bear for more than five minutes. After hours of shopping (and sore feet from walking up and down every avenue and street in the City), she finally purchased a pair of shoes that were tolerable in terms of fit but were not quite as stylish as she had anticipated.
Melanie left New York City that summer with the realization that retailers have confused their huge inventory of product choices with giving us what we want, when in fact these “choices” are dictated by retail buyers and pushy salespeople. Melanie used this newly found insight along with her entrepreneurial and fashion instinct, and returned to Atlanta determined to find a solution to the product choice overload problem.
MEL BOTERI was therefore originated on the premise to provide each client with a more personalized shopping experience, where you as the client are empowered to create products and services precisely as you want them. Their handbags and shoes are fashioned to provide a basic silhouette, but each can be custom designed so that you determine the ultimate look and feel. We are pleased to present an exclusive interview with Melanie Mueller!
Peachy Deegan interviewed Melanie Mueller for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: You are from Georgia, so we have to ask, how does the Georgia peach affect your fashion sense?
Melanie Mueller: The Georgia Peach has definitely added a touch of sweetness to my fashion sense. Although I do love my blacks and grays, I am also driven by the colorful, feminine styles notable in the South.
How would you compare and contrast Manhattan and the State of Georgia (not Atlanta in particular)?
The first thing that comes to mind is the pace of lifestyle. Manhattan clearly moves much more quickly, and there are literally millions of things you can do at all hours of the day and night whereas Georgia is a bit more slow and steady. In terms of fashion, it seems that wherever you are in Manhattan you will see a little bit of everything from boho-chic styles to elegantly sophisticated ensembles. Georgia fashion is a bit more isolated and homogeneous based on the neighborhood you are in. Both Manhattan and Georgia have special places in my heart.
What was it like to work with Zac Posen?
I was honestly a bit intimidated when I found out I got the job to work for such a well-respected and successful designer. This was my first experience in the fashion industry and I had heard nasty stories of the life of a fashion intern. I was therefore pleasantly surprised when I finally made it up to New York and started working for Zac Posen, who was much more down-to-earth and approachable than I expected. And although there were a few times when I was the one fetching coffee (for Anna Wintour one morning as a matter of fact), these moments were few and far between and for the most part I was working on projects which ultimately impacted the Zac Posen brand.
How would you describe your sense of style to someone that has never seen you or met you?
I usually start with well-fitting basics as the framework for my more trendy and stylish pieces. I have to say I wear A LOT of black, so I love contrasting it with bright and unique pieces such as chunky jewelry, an elegant scarf, a lush coat, and of course fabulous shoes and a strikingly colored handbag. At the same time, I try to carefully edit so as to not be overly accessorized. I would sum my style up as a mix of classic preppy and girly glam, with the degree of each depending on my mood and the occasion.
What inspires you?
My favorite quote is from fashion icon Coco Chanel, “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.”As a self-made, confident, successful business woman who achieved her goals despite large obstacles, Coco Chanel truly inspires me. Rather than follow trends, she maintained a modernist philosophy to express her personal style. Her confidence allowed her to stand true to herself, and her uniqueness is what ultimately led her to become one of the most influential people in fashion.
We are sorry to hear you were in the lower east side as it's not our favorite - and judging from your bag we're going to review we are guessing it wasn't your style either - and we hope you were able to come uptown. What parts of Manhattan did you enjoy the most?
During my last visit to Manhattan, I had the opportunity to spend a fair amount of time in the Central Park West neighborhood which now tops my list. Aside from the beautiful 19th century townhouse mansions, brownstones, and the proximity to the Park there was a certain sense of serenity and calmness not present in some of the other Manhattan neighborhoods. For moments when I crave a more fun and exciting vibe, the Meatpacking District is my choice.
What are you proudest of and why?
As a first generation American I am most proud of my family and the values they have instilled in me, which now allow me to pursue all of my personal and professional dreams.
What would you like to do professionally that you have not yet had the opportunity to do?
I look forward to the day when I open my first stand-alone Mel Boteri boutique.
What is your favorite place to be in Manhattan?
Walking outside during the Spring or Fall, exploring new neighborhoods and finding the hidden gems.
What is your favorite shop in Manhattan?
Bergdorf Goodman.
What is your favorite drink?
It’s a close tie between Clos du Bois Cabernet and a Dirty Martini with blue cheese stuffed olives. I’m dying to try The Peachy Deegan made with Star Vodka at Swifty’s!!!
What is your favorite restaurant in Manhattan?
There are so many amazing restaurants in Manhattan, it’s hard to choose! I will go with Calle Ocho in the Upper West Side. Aside from the yummy Latin cuisine, it’s hard to beat the bottomless Sangria bar for brunch.
What has been your best Manhattan art or music experience?
My most memorable experience thus far has to be the Zac Posen Spring 2008 fashion show. Being a part of the production and seeing it come to life was truly a dream come true experience, and Zac’s designs are truly a work of art.
What do you personally do or what have you done to give back to the world?
For the past two years, I have been an active member in planning an annual fundraising event whose proceeds benefit educational programs that focus on helping women and young adults gain the necessary money management skills necessary to move forward in their lives. Additionally, I will be rolling out a giving back initiative later this year where Mel Boteri will work with several non-profits to hold Create Your Own Handbag parties with a percentage of sales going directly to the organizations.
What do you think is most underrated and overrated here?
Although it is an iconic world landmark which must be visited at least once, the overcrowded, overpriced, tourist-filled area of Times Square is definitely overrated. I would say the plethora of weekend flea markets scattered throughout the island are underrated. Whether you are looking for unique, one-of-a-kind jewelry, vintage clothing, handcrafted furniture or a sweet treat there is a little something for everyone.
Other than Peachy's Got It in The Bag of course, what is your favorite Whom You Know column and what do you like about it?
MOVERS and SHAKERS. I love to read about what others are doing to impact the world in their area of expertise.
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
I have two pups named Winston and Bentley who inspire me every day to enjoy each moment of my life as if it were the last.
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
Email Melanie@melboteri.com or call my cell at 404-259-9196.
