Introducing…
Crystal Meers

I was actually pretty intimidated to meet Crystal for the first time—maybe it’s because she was stationed out in LA, and I’d never encountered her at any events in NYC, but she was just one of those people within the fashion/magazine/media world who people speak of reverently as being really “cool” and stuff. And since she was apparently so “cool,” I figured she must be kind of scary and mean.

Not so much. When she was the deputy editor of DailyCandy, we photographed her for a story in Lucky—and since I was already in Los Angeles for work, I was dispatched to make sure that the shoot was smooth sailing. Instead of scary fashion person, there was sweet, quirky, fun Crystal, who had made cupcakes for the occasion (she likes to bake as much as I like to eat things that are baked). The best part about shooting someone in their home—and shooting the objects in their home—is that you get free license to look through EVERYTHING, from the bookshelves, to the closet, to the beauty goods on the bathroom counter. And there’s kind of no faster track to learning what someone’s really about than that. Crystal’s house—which she shares with her costume designing fiancé—is pretty flat-out rad. There are lots of wonderful little moments—found objects arranged from art her friends have made—throughout her house. Plus, she’s got a lot of rad, wonderfully tomboyish clothing, which is very much my speed. Her friend, Joanna Bean Martin, was hanging out, too, which made it extra-fun. (Joanna makes awesome feather mobiles—Crystal has an oversize one in her bedroom.)

OK, before I sound too sycophantic, I should wrap this up. Clearly, I’m pretty thrilled she’s joined us a contributing editor for Beso. For an example of what Crystal’s taste is all about, you can see the stories she’s done for us here, and here, and here.

JOANNA BEAN MARTIN DRIFTWOOD MOBILE, $300.00, After All.