LUNCH with SYLVIE Meis
Off I went. With an extra strong curl, an extra high heel, an extra nice dress. Completely Sylvie proof. Only two avenues West to go. I was so close to lunch with this beautiful and intriguing woman. However, to no avail was the short distance on my side. With the current humidity of 500% (it feels more like Asia than North America) it makes no difference if your are outside for 1 minute or 100. Give it 30 seconds and your whole look collapses like a pudding. Okay, never mind.
I pitter patter further along, slightly melting, I step into the elevator and use the reflection of the metal door to salvage the last bits of my concealer and mascara. The doors close. The elevator is creaky but when I get off I feel as though I’m in a palace. Everything is open, white, has a glass roof and in the middle stands a large white table with roses and candles. Quickly I look at the table cards and what do you think? I’m (almost) right beside miss Meis.
After some chitchat with the other ladies of the press, we sit down. There is a brief explanation and there she comes. The grand entrance of Sylvie. In a beautiful outfit selected by her stylist and bestie Danie Bles. I am particularly a fan of her poppy-Saint Laurent lipstick. She opens for lunch with a short speech about her collection with Hunkemoller for upcoming November. It’s a collection with a lot of ‘lace’, ‘vintage pink’ and super chic sets in dark, royal blue. All inspired by New York and that’s why she’s on the island. Not just for this press day, but especially for the next three days of shooting the campaign at iconic places in New York. She calls this trip and this collection her ‘dream come true’. And with that, we raise a glass.
On the menu was salad and sushi. Sylvie with her iron discipline focuses on the sashimi. “Hunkemoller makes sure to provide the appropriate lingerie foods as you can see,” she says laughing as a huge plate with raw fish is served.
She picks away at the sashimi, but does she skimp on the prosecco? Of course not. “A glass should be allowed, right?” We nibble our way through the greens and talk about everything. About New York, about her son Damian, her flight, the collection and about her great new love. It’s very clear that she is completely head over heels.
The swarm of photographers and cameramen all go upstairs and my chilled vibe suddenly gives a little taste of stress. It’s showtime! My very first interview ever is about to happen now. I keep my head cool and go in. With my notebook, camera and Sylvie we head for the roof. On a stunning roof terrace we firstly shoot a few pictures and chat a little further. First we talk about my baby Chanel, her cool striped suit and then I throw in some questions. I ask her how she manages to stay is such unbelievably great shape. And guess what? Sport every day! At least one hour. But Sylvie’s sport regime is a story for a separate post. When it comes to her website she is also very enthusiastic. She wants sylviemeis.de to have a very personal insight into her life and writes all the pieces herself. Not like Carrie with a laptop on her lap, but on her phone between other activities. I am impressed. She calls her collection her best ever and she has me totally inspired. Her favorite pieces are the kimono and a lace body suit with a high neck. It’s all beautiful, as is she. She radiates, is very present and enthusiastic for the shoot days ahead. And then the time is over. I quickly grab macaron on my way out, and walk home. That was such a cool afternoon!
