Getting Personal with Stacy Igel

Stacy Igel’s Boy Meets Girl line embraces femininity with an undeniable edge.  Already picked up by Bergdorf’s, Fred Segal, and Saks, Stacy’s designs have also appeared on *gasp* Gossip Girl and Beverly Hills 90210.  With her new site (check it out here) launching today,  I’ve been dying to feature her amazing story.  When her wonderful team called to ask if I was interested in interviewing Stacy, I nearly keeled over.  Aside from Stacy’s various roles as inspiring female entrepreneur, style trailblazer, PR genius, and countless others, she is also a philanthropist who gives back generously to the community.  As an enormous fan of Stacy Igel, it is an incredible honor to feature our interview today on RR!

Radiant Republic: I’d love to know the  whole story behind Boy Meets Girl.  Where did the idea originate?
Stacy Igel: The first time I met my husband’s parents was for dinner at their apartment.  While they were giving me a tour (of their home), I noticed a picture frame containing silhouettes of their three children from when they were younger.  My parents had a similar picture of my sister and I from when we were about the same age.  I thought about us and how we still both had these young, playful, carefree versions of ourselves inside of us and I knew right then and there my brand would be called Boy Meets Girl and that I’d use our silhouettes for the logo.  The logo driven product came first and we have been growing the collection organically from there.

RR: I love that you utilize all social media outlets to keep your audience updated on Boy Meets Girl happenings.  It makes us feel like we are part of the journey,too.  How do you believe social media is playing a role in the success of your company?
Stacy: Social media, for me, is such a wonderful way to connect directly with my customers.  I have been doing it in some form since I started my company in 2001, whether emailing directly with buyers/customers/fans and now through all my outlets(website, Facebook, Twitter, and Stacy’s blog),  I spend a lot of time on my various social media sites.  My husband would say way too much time.  But  I’ve made some good friends and learned a lot about fashion, technology and business this way.  I think it’s great that I can discuss fashion and my brand with people who care about these things as much as I do. And I take my audience’s feedback very seriously.  Social media is like conducting a 24/7/365 focus group. Interacting with my fans is one of the most important things to me and for my brand- I’ve been building honest, mutually-beneficial relationships in fashion for years now, It has to be organic.

RR: Who has most inspired the aesthetic of Boy Meets Girl?
Stacy: It’s hard for me to pinpoint one specific inspiration as I am constantly intrigued everyday by different thing; whether that be vintage clothing, the vibrant New York art and music scenes, Hollywood glamourati, etc. Stylistically, I’m going to give you my holy trinity of influences.  First, Coco Chanel, who famously said “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”  I agree. I think that’s why I am so happy working as hard as I do.  Second, Kate Moss.  Of course she’s a beautiful and confident woman, but what I love about her is the way she effortlessly transitions from eclectic vintage to high fashion.  She never looks like she’s trying to put an outfit together – everything looks like it just naturally belongs on her body.  Third, Patti Smith.  She’s stayed true to her edgy stylishness since the 70s.  She’s unflappable.

RR: It’s so important that you’ve married your philanthropic efforts with your successes.  Most recently, you’ve teamed up with Bloomingdales to combat bullying in schools and Urban Outfitters to battle breast cancer by raising awareness.  Why do you believe it’s so important to stay involved with the community and give back?
Stacy: Giving back is very important to me and I think  it’s safe to say that contributing to these two amazing organizations has given me a sense of hope that others will follow and continue to show their support. The fashion industry is an extremely fast paced environment where its a constant race to catch up- and by dedicating myself to other passions of mine, like Bully Bust and YSC (Young Survival Coalition), it allows me to take a step back and see the big picture. It allows me to slow down for a second to breathe and think, “Ok, how can I help today?”

RR: You’re the ultimate style trendsetter, so this question must be asked.  What are the five things you cannot leave the house without?
Stacy: Thank you for your kind words! You just made me blush!
My Gadgets – my smart phones (Droid & Blackberry), my iPod and my sketch pad – would never leave home without it.

RR: And for all of the entrepreneurial dreamers out there, what is a piece of advice you have for women who are on the road to making their dreams become reality, just as you have?
Stacy: Have to give you a list. Cannot narrow down to one piece of advice!
1. Be prepared to work like you’ve never worked before.
2.  Being a talented designer is not enough. You need to learn how to be an effective marketer, net-worker, salesperson, service provider, writer, stylist, merchandiser and psychiatrist too.
3.  Work with multiple vendors and never stop sourcing potential new ones.  It gives you leverage and protects you from catastrophes.
4. Last, but not least… BELIEVE!

Stacy is a rock star, don’t you think?  I’m endlessly inspired by her and so honored to feature her on today’s post.  I am also beyond excited for the launch of the gorgeous new Boy Meets Girl site! Be sure to check it out.  Best of luck to you, Stacy!

Photo credit: Jenna Szabo