2009 June | PR Couture: Fashion PR, Marketing & Social Media

PR Couture Event Recap: A Darling of a Party

June 24, 2009 3 Comments written by Crosby

As some of you may know, PR Couture was inspired by my master’s thesis in graduate school, which was an exploratory investigation into the fashion PR specialty. Passionate about a potential career that integrated so many of the things I loved – writing, fashion, connecting with people, hosting events, PR, uhh fashion, I set off to NYC to interview practitioners for my research. Sadly, the response I had from the fashion PR community was pretty chill…and not in a good way. Out of over 50 emails sent out to different agencies, I was able to connect with just seven practitioners. I will be forever grateful to Mao PR, Images & Details, Ann Magnin and the other agencies who took time out of a busy day to meet with me. Their insights, honesty and presence made my research, and the eventual launch of this site, possible.

All this is a long-winded entry into the amazing feeling, almost three years later, of walking into the amazing Nolcha Retail Space, as the guest of honor for a party thrown by long-time PR Couture supporters, Smashing Darling, complete with gift bags, pink libations, cupcakes and close to 150 people on the RSVP list.

One of the key goals for PR Couture has always been to make fashion PR accessible, to share information and build community. The opportunity to do that and to meet so many of you in person – Yuli Z, Erik from Edun, Robin from Ideeli, Alexis of A Fashionista, Mo and Trish from SD, Kerry and Arthur with Nolcha, Tom with Williamsburg Fashion Weekend, Pamela from Market Publique and so many more made for a seriously special night! A special thanks to April of Isabella Grace, who designed an original spring jewelry line for the night called “Smashing Couture.”

Check out photos on the PR Couture Facebook Page and on Guest of a Guest for a look into how the night went!

Filed Under: News & Events, Press Coverage Tagged With: Fashion Networking, Fashion PR, Press Coverage

[Sponsored by Pitch! Press] Top Fashion PR Links

June 14, 2009 1 Comment written by PR Couture

This Top Fashion PR Links post is sponsored by Pitch! Press, a press service for fashion industry clients seeking on-going editorial and media placement at an affordable monthly rate. For more information on sponsoring a post, or to request a media kit, please contact info[at]prcouture.com

OMG Haven’t you heard? Meet PR Couture in NYC on Thursday! RSVP at www.guestcode.com with code 412. Tell your friends!

Gawker calls Vogue UK Editor Alexandra Shulman’s letter on stopping size zero models a “lame PR Coup” What do YOU think? (via Gawker)

Fashion simply couldn’t have gotten to the place it has without Shulman’s knowing participation. Not being a fashion guy myself, but isn’t that the name of the game? Calling out that which came before as utterly passe – especially if you’re in control of it – in lieu of “reinventing” or whatever the hell fashion people do? It’s a smart move on her part, and the public opinion shaping around it, if internet comments are to be taken as “public opinion,” is sadly taking Shulman’s backpeddling at face value.

Fashion labels favor pitching bloggers? We had NO idea! (via L.A. Times)

“These blogs are to be appreciated, for sure,” Grassini said. “As an independent designer you don’t always have huge advertising dollars. Bloggers are a less ‘spendy’ way to get your name out there.”

Anonymously Penned Confessions on a Shopaholic confesses 40% off designer goods in exchange for positive PR – wait what?(via Daily Mail)

But don’t judge a Vogue by its cover. We are by no means awash with funds; but there are ways and means round the belt tightening endured by civilians. Sample sales, fashion editor discounts (40% in exchange for good PR in a magazine), and the tried and tested method of foregoing food for fashion.

Are you reading WWWWD? (via 39th and Broadway)

[wwwwd] s a hilarious e-zine spoof of Women’s Wear Daily? Basically, it’s being referred to as the “Onion” for the fashion industry. If you haven’t checked it out yet we highly recommend signing up for their newsletter here.

Chance to save 20% from Every Little Counts ends tomorrow. Use code “prcouture” (via Show Me The Pretty, PR Couture)

Facebook Usernames 101 (via 10e20)

In case you haven’t heard, Facebook is allowing for the creation of vanity “usernames” that will allow you to customize your Facebook address. This change is a permanent and non-transferable … so select wisely.

Tips for choosing a brand name (via Branding Strategy Insider)

Over the last decade we have generated new names for hundreds of companies, products and services. Here are some of the shortcuts, thought-starters and mental prods we’ve observed along the way.

Filed Under: Links, PR Couture Tagged With: DIY Fashion PR, Fashion PR, Links, Social Media

Show Me The Pretty: Fashion PR with Erika Hendrix

June 11, 2009 7 Comments written by Crosby

The indie fashion PR component to top fashion PR blog PR Couture, Show Me The Pretty features 5-question interviews with hand-selected indie fashion labels. PR Couture shares the pretty and then turns it back to the designers to ask questions and get advice and feedback about their own fashion PR strategy from a variety of industry experts. Sound like fun? Email info[at]prcouture.com for more information.

Daniel Weisser

German born Erika Hendrix designs incredibly comfy and cozy cotton and linen separates using 90% natural fabrics and materials, as well as accessories including jewelry, scarves and headbands. Erika launched her line in 2005 and it is currently carried in boutiques in Germany and the US as well as online. She recently did a photoshoot for her Spring/Summer 09 collection with esteemed photographer Daniel Weisser.

P.S. Exclusive for PR Couture – Take 15% off your Erika Hendrix with code prcouture until July 15. Yes! Shop the soft cozies!

What is the inspiration behind your line? What inspired your Spring/Summer Collection?

I started with my Spring/Summer Collection when we found out we would move back to Europe, so I guess the thought of moving from backwards Lawton, OK (sorry, no offense) to Europe was the inspiration. The chic Europeans in their effortless looking outfits – so stylish and comfortable at the same time.

You’re plugged in! Twitter, Myspace, Facebook, Etsy, Chictini, Smashing Darling…which of these has done the most to drive awareness to your line? Why do you feel it’s important to promote through social media/social shopping?

Yes I am. I love to be everywhere and meet all these new fantastic people. Twitter has helped me a lot to meet great people like yourself, that appreciate what I do. I think social media is very important, if I couldn’t connect with people through social media, fewer people whould know I exist. People tell me all the time, I am so glad I found you, if I hadn’t read that article I would have never known you existed. Its just great!

Filed Under: DIY Fashion PR, Interviews, PR Couture Tagged With: DIY Fashion PR, online store, Social Media