Megan Taylor
DJ, Fig MediaNo matter your profession, stereotypes abound; but Megan Taylor, resident DJ for Fig Media, breaks the mold in every way imaginable. The tall, red-headed beauty isn’t who you’d imagine to see behind the turntables—but she rocks the beat like the best of them. And unlike some DJs, who spin while hidden away in a booth, Megan is the centerpiece of events, looking as fashionable as the guests (and dare we say better?). In fact, fashion events are sort of her specialty. She has DJ’d at fashion shows for Maria Pinto and Jenny Yoo; store openings for Intermix and Bebe; and been booked by Vogue. But her first gig was far from the ultra-luxe events she’s used to: “Fig Media’s owner would always joke and tell me to DJ,” she says. “Finally I gave in, and helped with—of all things—a high school prom. I had a ball DJing that and then dove right in.” Since then (she’s been DJing with Fig since 2006), Megan has evolved both musically and sartorially. We pick her brain (and get some ideas for our next batch of iPod downloads) for this week’s Spotlight.
BEAUTY MUST-HAVES>> scent: CHANEL COCO MADEMOISELLE // moisturizer: ERNO LASZLO BLUE FIRMARINE CREAM SPF 30 // concealer: NARS // foundation: SMASH BOX CAMERA READY CREAM // mascara: MAYBELLINE GREAT LASH // lipgloss: MAC LIPGLASS VIVA GLAM // nail polish: ESSIE’S BOBBING FOR BAUBLES // blush: SMASH BOX GINGERSNAP
A: Understanding the bigger vision or theme for each event, and then creatively thinking about how music can add to the larger idea. There’s lots of researching and listening to blogs; hours of downloading and sorting; and I always try to pay attention to music. I listen to other DJs, commercials, retail store background music, and I usually “Shazam” once a day.
Q: You play at a lot of fashion events (and always look great doing it). Do fashion and music intersect?
A: Thank you! Both music and fashion can help sculpt personal identity, brands, and social movements. I think today the boundaries are blurring more than ever between the two.
Q: So which musicians influence your style?
A: I love M.I.A.’s boldness and urban looks, and Florence [of Florence and the Machine] for pulling off a feminine look in such a genuine way…and for being a ginger!
Q: Who influences your DJ style?
A: I simply love Mia Moretti—a total fashion and DJ icon to me.
Q: We’re sure you get asked this all the time, but help! Who should we be downloading to our iPods now?
A: My favorites to listen to now are Chad Valley, the Weekend, the XX, and Jessie Ware. To spin, my current favorites are Icona Pop, Escort, Viceroy, Little Dragon, ColeCo, and anything Nu-Disco.
Q: Right on. Switching gears—what’s your style splurge?
A: Bags and purses!
Q: And finish the sentence: I never leave the house without…
A: Earbuds in my ears.
Find more of Megan at Figgy.net and MeganTaylor.tumblr.com.