S3, Ep2 – In conversation with Fiona Golfar
24 February 2023
As a renowned journalist and former Vogue editor, Fiona Golfar is highly celebrated for her work across the media industry, often writing from a personal and lifestyle approach. Her impressive background has seen Fiona involved with leading tier 1 publications, responsible for the output of a vast edit of subjects to cover, agenda setting pieces often attached to the biggest names in the entertainment and luxury industry.
Now as a contributing editor for FT How to Spend It and House & Garden she joins Dr Reena for a remote conversation, taking us back to the beginning and how her career began through the most unexpected of ways.
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
Fiona takes us back right to the beginning, confiding that she is by far the opposite of any other journalistic story she has ever heard and reveals unexpectedly that despite where she has gotten to today, she was, in fact, an ‘appalling student’ growing up. She liked history and reading books, but by the time she was sixteen, she had attended around eleven schools. Her father, by that time, encouraged that she find a ‘trade’. Fiona had always been interested in and exposed to the modelling world, having been asked previously to take part in some shoots, describing it as a very funny, glossy, and warm scene to be a part of.
Fiona went on to become a make-up artist, a profession she worked in for ten years, moving between the fashion capitals, including Paris, LA, and Australia. She originally learned her skills from a Notting Hill-based make-up artist, first becoming her assistant. Fiona loved being surrounded by the different characters, the creativity, and seeing everything come together.
Her exposure to the world of journalism initially came through a boyfriend, whose parents were in the industry. His sister was the first female editor for GQ magazine, which was unusual at the time. Fiona remembers how she used to pitch feature ideas to his sister, who later went on to interview for the EIC role at British Vogue. This was, of course, Alexandra Shulman, who eventually landed the most prestigious job in the fashion industry. Fiona was visiting her office one day as a friend, and it was on seeing the fashion images and photos on the wall (Bono and Christy Turlington, no less, both in leather trousers) that Fiona realised that makeup was no longer where she wanted to be. She asked Alex if she could come and make coffee for everyone at Vogue instead. Alex confirmed that, no, she couldn’t come and make coffee, but she could spend three days a week there and see if she had any ideas.
Fiona was terrified on her first day at Vogue House, revealing to Dr Reena that she had initially felt completely out of place, not even knowing how to work the computers and feeling completely unqualified—Fiona laughing as she explained how she had spent years going through nightclubs rather than university. But of course, that was just the beginning, and it ‘lasted twenty-six years.’
The turning point came when one of her childhood best friends got married to a ‘young aspiring film producer’ who spoke to Fiona about the film he was working on and how ‘there was a model in it, and perhaps she would be interesting for Vogue?’ Fiona remembers running down the Vogue House corridors, excited that her friend was making a film. Vogue confirmed interest and would feature the film. At the time, Fiona wasn’t allowed anywhere near the shoot, but the film in question was Four Weddings and a Funeral—which, of course, went on to become one of the biggest films of the decade.
It was at this stage that Fiona realised it wasn’t about the life she could learn in the magazine but the life she could live outside of it. Fiona made her mark at Vogue, bringing with her the powerful network and connections she had built up over many years into the world of British Vogue.
Decades later, Fiona describes how stepping away was actually one of her proudest moments, she realised it was the ideal time for her to utilise her brain and creativity for many other projects, no longer being defined to just one brand.
Working from home most of the time now ensures that Fiona has a new daily routine, working on many exciting projects in TV, film, and theatre (her husband is a theatre producer, and they also work on projects together). As for those famous ‘on-desk essentials,’ Fiona can’t be without scented candles and flowers, a favourite how-to list as a reminder to ‘just get on with it,’ a trusty water bottle, and often a cat on her desk.
Every day is different and exciting, Fiona adding, ‘It’s funny what life can sometimes throw at you.’ But Fiona confirms—she wouldn’t want it any other way.
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
Find a Trade: It will stay with you throughout your life, providing stability and purpose.
The Power of Recognition: Having someone believe in you can be incredibly motivating and transformative.
Unconventional Beginnings: The most successful careers often start in unexpected ways.
Building Your Network: A strong network can be one of your most valuable tools for success.
Life Beyond Work: The experiences you have outside of your career can often serve as your greatest source of creativity and inspiration.
Right Place, Right Time: Never underestimate the power of being in the right place at the right moment.
Knowing When to Move On: Sometimes, the courage to step away can be one of your most empowering decisions.
Highlighting Others’ Strengths: Your skills can shine a light on the talents of those around you, helping everyone succeed.
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