You’ve seen her on the FOX31 “Everyday” morning show and you might have seen her checking out Denver Fashion Weekend last fall. This time around, Meaghan Mooney is coming back to DFW but to take the mic in her own hands and host on Saturday, May 2 for the local and international fashion night.

To learn a little more about Meaghan and why she wants to be a part of DFW, we spoke to her about working in New York, her fashion tips and why you should always have good hair on TV.

Interview with Meaghan Mooney, DFW host: 

M2After working so many high profile jobs in New York City, what brought you out West?
Meaghan Mooney: It wasn’t direct – I changed careers in 2012, from the fashion and publishing industries to the TV world. I was selected, as part of a regional contest, as a co-host for a daytime lifestyle program in my home state of RI. After a year in RI, I applied to a number positions nationwide and was “wowed” when I interviewed here in Denver a year ago. The city’s culture, outdoor lifestyle and big market really appealed to me…and maybe fact that Denver’s known as “men-ver” helped sealed the deal.

Can you tell us a little about the experience from moving from the business side of things (as a business development manager for Conde Nast) to being in the spotlight?
In my position there, I was asked to ‘host’ some DIY videos for Brides Magazine and be on-camera for Allure Magazine during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. I found myself really enjoying the on-camera work and decided to focus on just that. Within seven months, I was on air. My years in the business side of the fashion and media world, I firmly believe, have provided me with an edge – “institutional knowledge” if you will!

Do you think your history working for clothing and design retailers and publications give you a unique insight when reporting on fashion events?
Positively! My interest in design started in high school and I explored that in many ways, including a part-time job as a floral designer at an upscale boutique. Then, I went on to get my bachelor’s degree in Textile Marketing, which also provided me a terrific base. I was fortunate to experience a wonderful internship my junior year at a major women’s clothing line in NYC and since then, I’ve had a myriad of roles at different companies, all of which have helped me learn a lot and hone a variety of skills.

How do you think people relate to you personally when you are on camera?
The feedback I’ve received has been positive – I’ve been told I’m genuine – that I’m the same person both on and off camera. Also, that I come off professional, but with a quirky or ‘dance like no one is watching’ edge that’s fun to watch! People also like watching for what I wear and when I talk about my outfits. They usually include something from Target or from a retailer having a huge sale. I think we can all relate to that!

Have you attended 303’s Denver Fashion Weekend before?
It’s always exciting when a fashion week rolls around and I love that I moved to a new city with a well orchestrated/organized one. I loved how a bunch of local shops set up merchandise at one show last August. And last fall, it was so cool to see Project Runway’s Under the Gunn alum/ Denver-based designer, Stephanie O.

Are you excited to be able to host at this years show?
Incredibly excited! It’s an awesome opportunity and always rewarding when your hard work and networking efforts pay off in a big way! Less than a year ago, I gave Lindsay (EIC at 303) my card to let her know my style tips were just featured in Ladies Home Journal Magazine and should she want to work together in the future, I’d be honored. Now, here we are!

Meaghan (right) at 303's White Party

Meaghan (right) at 303’s White Party

What do you hope to gain from this experience?
I’m so looking forward to meeting tons of interesting people and learning about local businesses and non-profit organizations in the community/place I call home, now!

What advice do you have for Denver’s young fashion lovers hoping to make their mark on the world as you have?
Intern! I wish I did more of them. It’s an awesome way to be exposed to the ‘real world,’ make tons of contacts early on and discover so much about yourself. Also, work hard. I got my job at Allure because a colleague who referred me said I was hungry! Be a ‘sponge’ to people you want to learn new traits from and take risks because as someone else in the business once told me, “there’s always a net.”

Lastly, how do you plan your looks for TV and now for DFW?
My mother is constantly reminding me to pay attention to my hair – according to her, viewers tend to zero in on on-air personalities’ hair – and I’m fortunate to have found Matthew Morris Salon & Skincare here in Denver. As far as my clothing choices go, when I got into TV, I really had to update my wardrobe. I was all about loose-fitted, kind of hipster-style looks and very little color (hey, I lived in Brooklyn). We’ve all heard the saying, “the camera adds 10 pounds,” so now I look for fitted, bright-colored clothes that cinch at the waist and work best with my body type. Still, I look for items and accessories that reflect my personal style and never go too matchy-matchy…