In The Style Of
Dee Poku
Meet Dee Poku, entrepreneur, women’s advocate, and founder & CEO of the WIE Suite - a private membership club for women in senior leadership. We met Dee at her work space in Dumbo, BK to talk about style, work, building community and what's in her bag.
What does style mean to you?
The most stylish people I know exude the inner confidence of being really comfortable in their own skin. They have a great eye and know themselves and what works well for them. For me personally, I love simplicity and classic items. I don’t like to feel like my clothes are wearing me rather than the other way around.
What's on your coffee table?
Three giant photography books. One is an Assouline book of photography from Alejandro González Inarritu’s movie Bardo, a Rizzoli book from Tods on contemporary Italian lifestyle and the third is Edward Hopper’s New York from a recent Whitney exhibit. On top is Isolde Brielmaier’s gorgeous ‘I am sparkling’ book of photos and essays. And today, my son’s half finished Lego.
What's hanging on your wall?
Some abstract art mixed with photos of my family. Also a couple of Deborah Anderson photographs from her documentary film.
What can't you live without?
My boys. My husband and son. We are such a tight little unit.
What could you do without?
Snarky people on social media. Companies who sell primarily to women but have few women in positions of leadership.
What's the last book that you read?
Zain Asher’s Where The Children Take Us is a beautiful, poignant memoir about motherhood, loss and resilience.
What's the last song you listened to?
Free Mind by Tems. She’s a Nigerian artist who is finally getting the mainstream recognition stateside she deserves.
What's in your bag?
Oh my God. That’s an entire blog of its own. It’s completely overstuffed which drives my husband crazy. Notebooks, masks (I still wear them on the subway), red lipstick, probiotics. I also carry my own tea cause I’m a fussy Brit. A variety of portable chargers because if my phone dies so do I.
What's the last interesting thing you saw?
I used to work in the movie business and that’s still my first love. Saw some truly Oscar worthy performances from women this year - Cate Blanchett in Tar- an acting masterpiece. Michelle Yeoh in Everything Everywhere All At Once - one of the most original movies I’ve seen in a while. The entire ensemble of The Woman King.
Favorite color?
Red. It makes me feel both strong and grounded. It’s my dream to own a house with a red door. My husband had a custom mini red door made for our first Valentines Day. How could I not marry him?
Favorite dish?
Salad nicoise. Scrambled eggs and smoked salmon. Jollof rice from Ghana.
Favorite pastime?
Hosting dinner parties. I love putting great women together and making magic happen.
Favorite spot in NYC?
La Mercerie for girls brunch. Nine Orchard for cocktails. Dumbo House for meetings. Brooklyn Bridge Park for walks and picnics.
What are you working on?
A new product to help my members further amplify and monetize their personal brands. Excited to launch this next phase of The WIE Suite.
Favorite piece in your wardrobe?
Vintage Oliver Peoples sunglasses and Philosophy di Alberta di Ferretti floral dress. Both from my favorite vintage store, Consignment Brooklyn. Best curation in the city but please keep it secret.
What brings you joy?
My WIE Suite community. The best, smartest, most thoughtful and dynamic women you will ever meet in one place. Frances Valentine founder Elyce Arons is a member and a case in point.