Resources

Fashion Backstage: Meet Joseph DePalma

0 Comments 09 March 2010

Name: Joseph D.

Location: Philadelphia, PA based, though we are NOT geographically restrained

Company: Joseph Stephen Fashion PR

Briefly describe JosephStephen PR :

We’re a PR company 100% focused on emerging fashion designers. We only work with passionate fashion designers looking to gain the necessary exposure to bring their line to the next level.

What is you background in fashion, PR or both?

There are two partners, two advisers, and two interns… plus a decent focus group. My background is in advertising and brand management, and Matt (the other partner) has a background working as an assistant buyer for a major luxury retail brand. We both started working with only independent designers around 2005 when we launched the Private Designer Collections, which was an e-tailer that focused on accessory designers. That business was later sold, but we made a lot of our media and buyer connections back then, and continue to use those today.

What makes JosephStephen PR different from other fashion PR firms?

JSPR is one of the few PR firms that truly focuses only on the needs of emerging designers.. our pricing fits, we threw out long-term contracts, our promotion methods are tailored towards building industry credibility for our designers, and we’re passionate about what we do! We really believe there entire PR landscape has changed and emerging designers have more chances now than ever before to build cult-followings. Passion, drive, and creativity, when well channeled, can be a huge force of power for independent designers in this new media landscape. We’re truly passionate about helping our designers become successful and we’re always learning and trying new methods to accomplish that.

How big of a role does social media play for your clients?

Social media is definitely huge, though I hate the reference of social media of being limited to sites like Facebook and Twitter. We prefer define it as “new media” because not only has the way people communicate changed, but the way people make purchase decisions and learn about new products has changed. There is no end to this focus on new communication methods, and we push hard to make sure our designers are maximizing use of it. From simple aspects like Twitter and Facebook, to blogger interviews, video runways, and strategic ecommerce partnerships, we do what we can to make things happen for our designers.

Describe your Style.

My style personally? Hah… I keep it fairly casual most of the time… Jeans, S.Kuhlman buttondowns, black pinstripe blazer, and lot’s of accessories. I’m always looking out for new accessories and love finding menswear designers. (Want to really impress me? Send me samples that fit me – if I like ‘em, I certainly share) Good shoes are important as well… but there are plenty of days i’m at my desk in pajama pants and slippers. We’re all human

Do you watch Kell on Earth and if so do you like it??

Hah… I’ve only watched the first two episodes since they stopped featuring it on Hulu. They were entertaining, though not a great representation of how the whole industry works, still a nice glimpse of what putting on a major Fashion Week show is like.

Designers, Trade Shows, Videos

Love Nail Tree

0 Comments 08 March 2010

We met Tyler & Michelle Madsen, owners and designers of an interesting and original line Love Nail Tree, at POOLTRADESHOW. They describe their Tshirt and jewelry line as “active fashion”, making bold statements intended to spread a message and spark a conversation.