Staff Spotlight: Fiona Weir

Editor-in-Chief Sarah Madaus sat down with Art Director Fiona Weir to talk about first-issue accomplishments, her power outfit, and more.

Weir, a junior Marketing major, worked tirelessly this semester planning photoshoots, modeling, taking photos, and strategizing, and for that she deserves both recognition and a closet full of Versace.

Sarah Madaus: What was your favorite part of working on our inaugural issue?

Fiona Weir: My favorite part was being able to collaborate with like-minded creatives and women! I also loved so much bringing my ideas to life and inspiring the models on the shoots to be free, fun and confident. I love to inspire women specifically and this was such a special way to do that while also creating a lasting product. Especially after doing my own blog for a bit and being uninspired, this magazine has propelled me to be a career woman even more and to get back to what I love.

SM: Oh my goodness, I love that. On that note, why did you decide to join REFINE?

FW: I decided to join REFINE because ever since I watched Confessions of a Shopaholic and 13 Going on 30, I have literally always wanted to work for a magazine, specifically in fashion and art. When I reached out for any position for this magazine and found that I was going to be the Art Director and working very closely with fashion it was like finally seeing my dreams come true.

SM: Am I crying? Yeah. So what was your biggest challenge as Art Director?

FW: Keeping track of all the visions and managing the other departments I help like Marketing & Design, but honestly even though it was sometimes tough to manage I loved it still; it barely felt like work but a need because I’m so passionate about creating a community on campus for women!

SM: Your confidence radiates everywhere when you enter a room––and even on your Instagram stories. What’s your go-to “power look” to get you in that mindset if you can’t find that confidence naturally?

FW: A heeled black military bootie, nice pants that hug my shape, a cute top, rings on RINGS, big earrings, and, of course, a soft smokey eye, mascara and a mauve burgundy lip.

SM: Okay! Yes queen! Do you have any places you always go for fashion inspo? Who are your favorite designers?

FW: Instagram or Tumblr. You should see all the categories I have saved. But some designers I always go to are Versace, Balmain, Moschino, Christian Siriano, and Brandon Maxwell. A few celebs I love for style are Beyonce, Kim Kardashian, and Ashley Graham.

SM: What are you most excited to see in the issue?

FW: I’m most excited to see all the [fashion] spreads and how the models really pop off the pages! I’m also really looking forward to the Gift Guide!

SM: Same, those shoots were so much fun. What are you hoping to achieve as Art Director for the rest of the year?

FW: Moving forward, I want to continue to perfect the brand of REFINE and move deeper into the overall vision, as well as find new areas to expand myself creatively. I also am excited to keep managing and being in a boss babe position! It continues to make me hopeful for life post-grad.

SM: Speaking of post-grad, what are your hopes and dreams once you graduate?

FW: My dream job is to work as a Creative Director or a Stylist for a fashion brand, or eventually run my own store.

SM: And to wrap this up, what’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

FW: Do everything with passion, or don’t do it at all. That’s something I really live by. That and to always be kind and consider perspective. Perspective is the key to everything.*