Maureen Refvem works here at By Robert James and to get to know her better and the important role she plays at By Robert James we have sneaked our way in to her busy schedule and asked her a couple of questions.

Hi Maureen, 

Based on your Facebook info and my stalking skills, i have gathered that you are from Denver, Colorado. Did you also go to school in Denver?

I was born and raised in North and South Denver suburban areas.  I graduated high school from Arapahoe and also went to school at a Denver City College with a focus on criminal psychology.

How was Chicago different from Denver?

No mountains! My biggest pet peeve in Chicago was people telling me the easiest way to get around was to find Lake Michigan and know that it was east.  That'd be easy except for all of the freaking buildings THAT ARE TALLER THAN LAKE MICHIGAN.  In Colorado, the mountains are west, which is easy to figure out because you can see them from anywhere IN THE STATE!  I love Chicago.  The people there are so nice.  It's basically a bigger Denver. But of course, Denver is much more beautiful.

What did you major in?

I majored in Fashion Design with a focus on menswear and fine tailoring at The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago and I studied abroad at Schiller in Paris.

What made you so interested in Men's Fashion and in becoming a designer?

I'm inspired by men much more than women.  I've never been one to want to wear a lot of feminine things.  I guess I view men the same way most designers view women: I find inspiration in the way men walk, express themselves, etc. It's much more technical to design for men than women as well.  Each seam line and design detail needs to be created with the utmost precision.  If you mess up a seam on a man's body, it's going to be much more noticeable than it would be on a woman's.  If you over design, men simply aren't going to want to wear your creations. Designing allows me to be creative, logical, and mechanical all at the same time.  I absolutely wouldn't want to do anything else.

Is this why you moved to NYC?

I moved to NYC for a few reasons.  One, the market has nearly disappeared in Chicago; especially in menswear.  Two, I am constantly inspired to create here.  I moved here with a former classmate and we're constantly playing around with creative ideas. And I moved here with the goal to work for Robert. Tah-Dah!

How did you meet Robert James?

A little over a year ago, ML reached out to a friend of mine from Paris to write an article about By Robert James.  My friend knew that I was looking for an internship in New York for the Summer and he thought ML and Robert James were the nicest people he'd had the pleasure of working with.  He forwarded their info to me.  I interviewed with Robert, and knew this was a brand that I wanted to get behind and would enjoy being a part of.  Luckily for me, my internship has blossomed into a position at By Robert James as the Design Assistant.  

Why intern for BRJ instead of any other Men's fashion company?

Robert and I got along like old friends during my interview.  I love BRJ clothing, and I loved the clothing of the other places I was considering interning, but By Robert James was small enough that I knew I'd get a lot of hands on experience.  I could tell right away that Robert was passionate about sharing his knowledge and his love of design, which is what I was looking for in an internship supervisor.  I definitely made the right choice; not only has Robert become an amazing mentor, but he's become a great friend as well.  By Robert James is a lifestyle brand with a substantive community behind it.  I am proud and honored to know all of the people that support BRJ and to be a part of such a tight-knit community.

How was interning for Robert James, like?

It was intense!  I was thrown into the fire right away.  It was great, because it really challenged me to not only expand my knowledge of the entire production process, but also to grow as a person and to meet obstacles with a steel jaw and absolute determination.  When I discuss internships with former classmates, I am always thanking my lucky stars that Robert believed in me enough to let me be in the thick of it.  I wasn't an errand girl or a filing clerk; I was literally Robert's shadow.  My time interning with Robert James was absolutely invaluable.  

What is your favorite quote or moment from Robert James?

"Sorry! I have door drama, friend!" -Robert James

 What is your least favorite?

My last day of my internship last September.  I was so crushed that I had to go back to school in Chicago.

This is a real serious decision.  They're all wonderful in their own way.  If only I could meld the three!  I'd love to live in a city as cultural, vibrant, and diverse as NYC, but as clean as Chicago, and as beautiful as the Denver landscape.  Alas, I know in my heart that it's NYC all the way!

Bars or Clubs?

BARS!  I don't need all the drama, sweat, and pretentiousness that goes into the club life.  I need a beer I enjoy, a shot of Jameson, music I can tap my feet to, and conversation that reminds me just how alive I am.

Decisions, decisions.  In the city, it would have to be Blue & Gold in the East Village.  Every time I go in there, I leave with a good story.  In Brooklyn, it would definitely have to be Duck Duck in East Williamsburg.  Great beer & shot specials, lovely people, and a quick three block stroll home.

What's your favorite drink?

Jameson and gingerale.

Are you single or taken?

I am single.

I know that I come off as an asshole or disinterested at first.  My best friend's favorite thing to say about me is "Getting you to talk to me was like pulling teeth!" But, I'm really only an asshole sometimes.  The rest of the times I'm an awkward nerd that makes crude jokes and trips even when she's wearing her Chucks. Bear with me.

Whats your phone number? 

Hmm...since I'm at the shop all the time, I'll go ahead and say it's 212.253.2121

Megadeth or David Bowie?

I love them both too much to choose. Old school Metallica.

Madonna or Gaga?

Michael Jackson.

What's your new favorite band?

Caveman.  I really can't think of another band right now that is new that I regularly have the desire to listen to above anything else.

So now what is your role at BRJ?

I am the Design Assistant at BRJ.  I am Robert's right hand during his design and production process.

Has it been rewarding for you to work so close to Robert in his design space? What type of things have you learned?

It has been so rewarding!  You can't learn everything in school; that's a fact.  If I don't understand something or am approached with something I don't know, Robert takes the time to explain it to me.  Most companies in this industry wouldn't take the time to do that.  On top of that, I get to help create a clothing line that I am 100% behind.  Creating BRJ clothing and being able to work so closely with a designer that I admire is the ideal situation for anyone who studied fashion design.   

What should we expect or see from you later on?

Whips, chains, and yo-yos.  Actually, I am going to paint fashion illustrations of Robert's Fall line.  I am in the process of working towards creating my own menswear line with my friend from school as well.  I also write, but that's more of a hobby than anything else.

Last but not least…. if you had the opportunity for the world to hear you, what would you let all of us know?

This life is only for now.  No regrets.  I'm going to be a dork and go ahead and quote Game of Thrones: "There is only one god and his name is Death.  And what do we say to Death? 'Sorry, not today!' "

Thank you Maureen!!!