Director Public Relations

COMPANY:  Kellwood Company

DIVISION:  Phat Fashions

POSITION TITLE:  Director, Public Relations

LOCATION:  New York City

CONTACT: Please e-mail your resume to: Executive.Recruitment@Kellwood.com

Reference code:  Director-PR-Phat

Please Note ONLY candidates meeting our qualifications will be contacted.

 

 ABOUT US

 

Phat Fashions owns the Baby Phat and Phat Farm brands and licenses the KLS by Kimora Lee Simmons brands.  Retail volume generated from Phat Fashions’ brands approximates $800+ Million.

 

Phat Fashions has over 44 product categories covering sportswear, dresses, suits, dress shirts, girls and boys, dress shoes, athletic shoes, handbags, eyewear, sunglasses, swimwear, intimate apparel, medical uniforms, home fashions, etc.

 

Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons is a lifestyle brand, offering women everything they want for their fashion needs.  In less than a decade, Baby Phat has positioned itself in the world of fashion as the premiere female hip-hop brand. Sassy, sexy, and stylish, Baby Phat first hit the scene as a publicity tool when tiny tees with the clever name Baby Phat were produced to electrify a Phat Farm runway show. When celebrities, supermodels and tastemakers began wearing the baby tees, a phenomenon grew, and a decision was made to launch an entire Baby Phat sportswear collection. A lifestyle brand was born.

 

Phat Farm is an aspirational lifestyle brand emulating the fashion trends of the street.  The line was created by Russell Simmons, the founder of the Def Jam record label in 1992. The name "Phat" comes from an acronym of hip-hop slang, meaning "Pretty Hot And Tempting".

 

The fashion line is an upscale mix of sporty urban fashions with the classic Ivy League preppy style. Phat Farm is comprised of two capsules, Phat Premium and Phat Classics and can be found in department and specialty stores.

 

Baby Phat’s slinky feline logo has become an internationally recognizable fashion symbol and is synonymous with the brand. The eye-catching hip-hugging signature jeans represent everything that is feminine and fun, glitzy and glamorous, sensuous and sumptuous about the Baby Phat woman. Denim separates, leather, outerwear, handbags, shoes, lingerie, jewelry, two limited edition Motorola mobile phones and a signature fragrance are tailored for the girl about town intent on raising brows. Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons continues to take fashion to new heights – more than your average urban denim company – Baby Phat is a lifestyle for the glamorous woman who is everything hip-hop and everything fashion.

 

www.babyphat.com

http://www.kellwood.com/home/home.asp

 

 WE ARE SEEKING – Director, Public Relations

 

This key role demands a results-driven professional with a proven track record of success in developing creative strategies that build brand recognition through proactive press execution, attention-grabbing events, marketing and promotional programs. The role reports into the Vice President, Marketing & PR.

 

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY INCLUDE:

 



· Execute strategically driven and integrated PR programs including product launches, product placement, feature placements and grass root initiatives.

· Media relations duties include - identifying story opportunities within Phat Fashions that promote key strategic objectives, create buzz in the marketplace and generate excitement around the Phat brands and branded apparel. Respond to all media queries.

· Maintain strong relationships with publication editors in order to obtain product placement

· Seek new promotional partners and innovative mediums through which to enhance brand image.

· Work with senior management to create long term goals and strategies for brand projects and new products.

· Work closely with stylists for special events, movie premieres, press junkets and magazine shoots

· Organize and coordinate fashion shows, including handling seating, media/news coverage and collection appointments

· Generate all press releases on collections and new developments

· Coordinate store openings, special events and product launches

· Organize and merchandize seasonal samples along with preserving archives for retrospectives

· Facilitate effective flow of public relations relevant information across Phat, with particular effort to build strong relationships/communication with the design and sales teams to ensure PR approach is integrated into the broader business.

· Partner with creative agency to develop creative, innovative concepts, sponsorships and promotions.

·  Manage department budget

·  Ability to travel domestically as required (events driven).

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS FOR POSITION:

· Bachelors degree in Marketing, Communications, or Business Administration.

· 5+ years Public Relations experience with both men’s and women’s brands. 

· Ideal candidate will have experience with fashion show execution.SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED:

 

· Ensure sound spending and budgeting of marketing resources to maximize ROI and support total brand vision.

· Exemplary interpersonal skills with demonstrated success in both written and verbal communication.

· Highly organized, with very strong time management skills and proven project management skills.

· Detail-oriented style and deadline-focused commitment.

· Ability to work under pressure in an environment of constant shifting priorities.

· Excellent influencing and verbal communication skills.

· Open, flexible, honest and collaborative teaming skills.

·  Self-motivation with a strong sense of personal accountability.

·  Strong leadership skills and collaborative management style.

· Success with forging both internal and external relationships and the ability to work effectively across functions.

· Creative problem solving skills and a demonstrated ability to deliver solutions to solve problems.

 

We offer a competitive salary, plus bonus and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, 401-k and vacation package in a fun, fast paced, entrepreneurial culture.

 

Phat Fashions would like to get to know you with a short cover letter, expressing in 5 – 8 bullets why you are right for this role, along with your resume. 

*Only candidates meeting our qualifications will be contacted.

 

Kellwood Company gives all applicants for employment equal consideration regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, or non-job-related disability.

 

To all recruitment agencies: Kellwood Company does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Kellwood Company employees or any other company location. Kellwood Company is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.