Mallory Gleitman - Account Manager at Mariposa Communications in NYC

Mallory Gleitman is working as an Account Manager at Mariposa Communications in New York City.

Dear Mallory, since when are you working at Mariposa Communications? 

I have been working at Mariposa since 2010.

How many people are working at your agency in NYC? 

Right now there are three people who work at Mariposa.

Has always been clear that you want to work in fashion? 

I have always been very interested in the fashion industry. I interned and worked at a few different companies in various fields within the industry while I was in college, leading me to find that PR was my passion!

What was your previous career? 

I studied communications with a minor in textiles and clothing and have worked many seasons of Fashion Week with IMG and KCD Worldwide.

What are your main tasks and what is your daily work? 

No day is ever the same in the fashion PR world, but no matter what I am doing, I aim to create success for each client Mariposa takes on! I stay on top of weekly schedules, reporting, social media, pitching, influencer outreach, etc., as well as constantly looking for opportunities that are out there to help separate our current clients from the rest of the pack.

What do you like most about your job and what is the biggest challenge in the field of fashion PR? 

I love how rewarding it is watching a brand grow and become even more successful while working with Mariposa. The biggest challenge in the field of Fashion PR is always staying ahead of the changing times, and staying on top of all of the exciting new platforms that are now included in the industry (i.e.: digital press, consulting, events and social media for brands).

How important are social media and especially digital influencer for your work?  

All of that is extremely important for us. We maintain social media calendars for interested clients and are constantly looking further into influencer/blogger collaborations to see how we can connect our clients' brands to consumers. The fashion world continues to evolve as technology and media evolves, which certainly has kept us on our toes the last few years!

Which blogs or online magazines do you read regurlaly?

I am always checking Refinery 29, Fashionista, People and Elle. I also love all of the cool interior design blogs out there!

Something ou would love to do in your job? 

I would love to work more events for our clients and in the industry. It's enjoyable for me in preparing them and then watching everything successfully come together.

What is your favorite place in NYC and why? 

This is very cliche, but definitely Central Park. It's such a quiet and magical place in such a crazy, bustling city!

What could you recommend to people who are looking for an entry in your company?

Work hard, think outside of the box, be respectful and always go the extra mile!

Thank you very much, Mallory! 

Rupert Wild - Inhaber und Gründer von WHITE Communications

Rupert Wild ist Inhaber und Gründer von WHITE Communications in München. 

Herr Wild, was haben Sie vor WHITE gemacht?

Ich habe Kommunikationswirtschaft studiert und nach dem Abschluss Ende der 80er-Jahre meinen Einstieg in München beim damals noch jungen Privatfernsehen und Privathörfunk gefunden. Das waren extrem spannende Aufbruchszeiten.

Was war der ausschlaggebende Grund für Sie, ihre eigene Agentur zu gründen? Wie kamen Sie auf die Idee?
Dieser Schritt stand bei mir nicht ganz oben auf der Agenda. Das hat sich vielmehr aus der Situation ergeben. Ich hatte das Angebot, für mehrere Medienunternehmen gleichzeitig zu arbeiten. Da bot sich 1991 einfach eine Freelance- oder Agenturlösung an.

Wer war ihr erster Kunde?
Ein privater Fernsehsender war der erste Kunde. Danach ging das alles sehr schnell. Schon bald kam mit Fila der erste Fashion-Kunde dazu. Damit war die Dynamik meiner Agentur in Gang gesetzt: Sie führte mit Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle und Sports ins Segment der Premium- und Luxusmarken.

Wie sehen die Strukturen bei White aus? / Wie viele Mitarbeiter haben Sie?
WHITE Communications ist eine breit aufgestellte inhabergeführte Agentur. Die Geschäftsbereiche sind in Business-Units gegliedert: Media, PR, Event und Digital. Insgesamt sind bei uns rund 30 Mitarbeiter beschäftigt.

Wie sieht ihr typischer Arbeits(all)tag aus?
Es gibt (so gut wie) keinen typischen Arbeitsalltag. Und das ist auch gut so. Wir arbeiten für unsere Kunden nicht mit Standardlösungen, sondern entwickeln mit ihnen vielmehr in unseren Units und Unit-übergreifend die für sie und ihre Anforderungen passenden Umsetzungen. Diese Form des „Customizing“ macht den Alltag eben nicht alltäglich, sondern immer wieder aufs Neue spannend.

Was sind Ihre primären Aufgaben?
Für mich geht es immer und zuallererst darum, das Unternehmen mit den Märkten und den sich im Zeitalter der fortschreitenden Digitalisierung ständig verändernden Marktumfeldern weiter zu entwickeln – um so Kunden und Mitarbeitern immer wieder spannende Perspektiven zu bieten.

Wie viele Kunden betreut WHITE inzwischen?
WHITE ist seit mehr als zwei Jahrzehnten langjähriger Partner herausragender Marken aus den Bereichen Fashion und Beauty, Uhren, Schmuck, Accessoires, Eyewear und Sport. Einzelne hier hervorzuheben, würde unserem Anspruch nicht gerecht, dass jeder Kunde für uns in seiner Individualität maximal wichtig ist.

Was bringt Ihr Job sonst noch mit sich, was nicht jeden Tag ansteht?
Veranstaltungen, Messen und Schauen haben sicherlich immer ihren besonderen Reiz. Für mich persönlich sind vor allem die Begegnungen mit außergewöhnlichen Menschen aus Wirtschaft, Kunst, Medien und Kultur besonders wertvoll. Wir bewegen uns in einem ganz besonderen, herausragenden Umfeld. Das macht einfach Spaß.

Was ist die größte Herausforderung in ihrem Beruf?
Ich begreife Herausforderungen als Chancen. Dazu gehört die Suche nach immer neuen Wegen, die Botschaften unserer Kunden an den Mann oder die Frau zu bringen. Out-of-the-Box-Denken ist dazu ein Muss – es schafft den notwendigen kreativen Gestaltungsraum, um sich selbst und andere zu begeistern.

Wie ist das Arbeitsklima bei WHITE?
Wir lieben unsere Marken. Diese Haltung verbindet uns bei WHITE und ist wesentlicher Teil unserer Unternehmenskultur. Aus einer solchen, authentischen Emotionalität heraus entsteht immer wieder einzigartig Großes.

Wie bekommen Sie als Inhaber zeitlich alles geregelt? Klappt es gut Beruf und Familienleben unter einen Hut zu bringen?
Ja das klappt gut, weil ich und meine Familie dies auch wirklich wollen. Sich vom Job auffressen zu lassen ist keine Führungsqualität. Im Gegenteil. Work-Life-Balance schafft das Fundament für nachhaltigen Erfolg.

Gibt es irgendetwas das Sie unbedingt noch erreichen möchten?
Wer als Unternehmer aufhört, Ziele anzustreben, kommt nicht mehr voran. Ja - ich habe viele weiter  Ziele. Darüber zu sprechen ist dann sinnvoll, wenn wir sie erreicht haben und sich ein weiterer neuer Nutzen für unsere Kunden ergibt.

In München gibt es ja doch einige PR-Agenturen. Wie schaffen Sie es langfristig erfolgreich auf dem Markt zu bleiben und die Kunden für sich zu gewinnen?
Indem wir eben keine reine PR-Agentur sind. Das waren wir auch nie. Wir besetzen vielmehr mit unseren Units Media, PR, Events und Digital sehr unterschiedliche, aber einander ergänzende Geschäftsfelder. Dabei ist das Premium- und Luxussegment ein nach wie vor sehr kleines, exklusives Agenturfeld. Hier hat sich WHITE in über zwei Jahrzehntes ein umfassendes Know-how und ein erstklassiges, internationales Netzwerk aufgebaut. Das wissen unsere Kunden und schätzen dies.

Wie läuft das genau ab: kommen die Kunden auf Ihre Agentur zu und sie „pitchen“ dann mit anderen Agenturen um den Kunden oder gehen Sie als Agentur auf neue potentielle Kunden zu?
Wir pitchen grundsätzlich nicht. In der Regel kommen die Kunden auf uns zu, weil sie genau nach diesem Angebotsprofil und der Kompetenz gesucht haben. Wenn wir gegenseitig das Gefühl haben zusammenzupassen, dann klappt es auch mit der Zusammenarbeit. Im Mittelpunkt steht dabei, dass wir mit unseren Leistungen die Kunden nachweislich erfolgreicher machen. Die Umsatzentwicklung ist dabei das Maß, um das Invest in die Kommunikation zu bewerten. Daran wollen und müssen wir uns messen lassen.

Lesen Sie bestimmte Blogs oder Online-Magazine regelmäßig?
Es gehört zu meinen Aufgaben, die Entwicklung der Medien – online wie Print – zu verstehen, zu analysieren und ihre Relevanz und Möglichkeiten einzuschätzen. Besondere Favoriten habe ich da nicht, nehme aber sehr wohl zur Kenntnis, dass sich in diesem Segment sehr viele unterschiedliche Ansätze ergeben, die nicht nur gut und professionell gemacht sind, sondern vor allem auch zielgruppenspezifisch eine hohe gestalterische und inhaltliche Qualität bieten.

Ihr Lieblingsplatz in München?
Im Moment ist dies der englische Garten, wenn er mit seiner morgendlichen Magie das Joggen zu einem großen Erlebnis macht – das ist für mich München vom allerfeinsten.

Was könnten Sie Leuten empfehlen, die bei WHITE einen Einstieg suchen? Gibt es die Möglichkeiten ein Praktikum zu machen?
Praktika sind möglich, Bewerber sollten schon etwas Erfahrung im Umgang mit Marken und Medien mitbringen. Ansonsten empfehle ich Interessenten: einfach bewerben und begeistern Sie uns für sich. Die Tür steht offen. 

Vielen lieben Dank!

______________________________________________________

Rupert Wild is the owner and founder of WHITE Communications in Munich.


Mr. Wild, what did you do before?  

I studied communications and after my graduation at the end of the 80s, I found my way into the (at that time still young) private television and private radio. This was a very exciting time.

What was the main reason for you to found your own agency?
This step was not planned, moreover it resulted from the situation. I received an offer to work for several media companies at the same time. In 1991 a freelance or agency solution made sense.

Who was your first client?
The first client was a private television channel. After that, everything went very fast. With Fila soon the first fashion client joined in. Hence the dynamic of my agency was activated: it led with beauty, fashion, lifestyle and sports into the segment of premium and luxury brands.

How do the structures at White look like?
WHITE Communications is a quite diversified owner-managed agency. The business segments are divided into business units: Media, PR, Event and Digital. All in all around 30 employees are employed.

How does a typical working day look like?
There is (almost) no daily working routine. And that's a good thing. For our clients we don't work with standard solutions, but instead in our units and also across these units, together with our clients we develop implementations that fit them as well as their demands. This kind of "customizing" keeps the daily routine exciting and diversified every day.

What are your primary tasks?
For me it's all about enhancing the company with the markets as well as with the in the age of progressive digitalisation constantly changing market environments - to consistently provide clients and employees exciting perspectives.

What else does your Job bring along that is not present every day?
Events, fairs and exhibitions always have a special charm. For me personally, meetings with extraordinary people from the fields of economy, art, media and culture are especially valuable. We are moving in a very special, outstanding environment. That simply makes a lot of fun.

What is the biggest challenge in your job?
I see challenges as chances. That requires always searching for new ways to sell the messages of our customers to their customers. Out-of-the-box thinking is a must-have - it creates the required creative room to thrill yourself and others.

How is the working atmosphere at WHITE?
We love our brands. This attitude connects us at WHITE and is an essential part of our company culture. Again and again something great and unique occurs out of such an authentic emotionality.

As the owner of WHITE: How do you manage your time? Is it easy to reconcile family and work?
Yes, that works pretty good because me and my family really want this. Being devoured by work is no entrepreneurial quality. On the contrary: A healthy work-life balance is the basis of sustainable success.

Is there anything you still want to achieve?
If you stop setting yourself ambitious goals as an entrepreneur, you will stop moving forward. Yes, I have many further goals. However, talking about them only makes sense when we have achieved them and when they result in an additional benefit for our clients.

There are several PR agencies in Munich. How are you successfully positioning yourself in the market and how do you succeed in gaining clients?
By not just being a PR agency - and we have never just been one. With our different units Media, PR, Events and Digital, we rather try to occupy very distinct but complementary business sectors. The premium- and luxury segment still is a very small and exclusive one, in which WHITE managed to acquire an extensive knowledge and established a first-class, international network. Our clients do know and appreciate that.

Do clients approach your agency and you then compete with other agencies for the mandate or do you approach potential clients yourself?
We are generally not pitching. Normally clients approach us because they specifically searched for our product and / or our expertise. If we both have the feeling that we fit together, then normally there are no problems regarding the collaboration at all. Thereby, our main focus is to verifiably make our clients more successful. Hereby the development of sales is the measure to value the investment in communication - we want and have to be valued by this.

Do you read any particular blogs or online magazines regularly?
It is part of my job to understand, analyse and assess the relevance and opportunities of both, online and print media, but I do not have any particular favourites. Nevertheless I do realize that within this segment many approaches are emerging, which are not only done in a very professional manner but also target-group-specific and of high creative and contentual quality.

Your favourite place in Munich?
At the moment I would have to say the “Englische Garten”. Its magical atmosphere in morning makes jogging a unique experience – that for me is Munich at its best.

Do you have any recommendations for someone who wants to apply or get started at WHITE? Are there any vacant internship positions?
Internships are possible; applicants should ideally have some first experience in working with brands and media. Apart from that I recommend anyone interested: Just apply and inspire us. The door is open!

Thank you!!

Anouk van Haaster - Fashion, Design & Travel engagement manager at Press Only

Anouk van Haaster is Fashion, Design & Travel engagement manager at the Amsterdam based PR agency Press Only.

Dear Anouk, what does an Engagement Manager at Press Only do exactly? What is your daily work?

I have a variety of clients, ranging from the design & travel department (Farrow & Ball, Carl Hansen & Son, Delta Light, Kikkerland, The School of Life, WDSTCK collective) to fashion brands (Saint Tropez,Seafolly, Aigle) and some (creative/art) projects. For these clients I generate publicity by using different PR tools.

Furthermore it is important to have lots of good contacts. I’m constantly busy with checking which brand fits to which magazine/newspaper/blogger or ambassador and then I ensure that the right people are linked to each other.

I achieve this by for example sending out personal pitch e-mails, sending out beautiful and creative press packages by mail, organising a nice lunch (wherein I try to set up a collaboration), events, press trips and interviews.

Press Only

How many people are working at your department right now?
At the Design & Travel department I’m carrying the main responsibility. I have one intern at the moment. Besides that I’m working together with my colleagues Guen & Jose at the Fashion department.

How would you describe the working atmosphere in your office?

I’m working with a small and creative team. We have a great mix of different people and characters in our office, this works well and we complement each other. 

When is the most stressful time for you during the year?

There is not one specific moment in the year that is the most stressful. It’s always busy. When we have several events in the same period it’s maybe the most “stressful“ period of the year, but I like doing events and I can get positive energy out of stress and deadlines... I’m a good multitasker, so it’s totally fine to handle. Every year there are different design fairs and of course the Fashion Week and the Modefabriek, those are always busy but great periods.

What else does your job bring along what is not present every day?

We receive a lot of inspirational invites for events & exhibitions. I’m always searching for interesting events and readings. In addition we organize events for our own clients of course. Next to that I love to travel and I do it occasionally for work. I always get a lot of new energy out of press trips or PR conferences with clients. For example, I’m almost going to Milan for a Design fair; Salone del Mobile.

What is the biggest challenge in your job?

It is very important to help everyone in the right way. I always try to stay close to myself and I got the feeling that I pick things up in the right way. Because of that I achieve good results for my clients and I keep the press satisfied with fitting content. For me a personal approach is important. Not sending out loads of press releases but personal pitches and a customized approach.

Has always been clear that you want to work in fashion?

No, when I was younger I wanted to become a musical star. After that a tour guide and later I became interested in PR and branding. But never specifically in fashion. I was always looking for a mix of fashion, design and travel.

What was your previous career?

I worked for about 6 years in health care, part time and very committed. Besides that I had a lot of different jobs in the food service industry.

After graduating from secondary school (HAVO) I studied Cultural and Social work and after that Fashion & Branding at AMFI. I think that the mix of different studies has been good and beneficial for me. The social aspect of my first study and later a fashion related study, pretty contrasting, but I think it’s a good combination in the pr business I’m working in now.

How did you apply for your current position?

I started as an intern at Press Only and later I got a permanent employment. I made myself indispensable ;)

Is there anything you want to achieve in your career?

My goal is to address the Design & Travel department further at Press Only.

However I always want to be creative and inspirational, for example in coming up with new concepts/ events or visual expressions. Also next to my job I try to challenge myself all the time to discover and see new things.

Do you read any fashion or beauty blogs regularly?

I read a lot of blogs daily. My favourite blogs include a mix between fashion, art, travel, food and more. I don‘t have one particular favourite, but some of my (dutch-based) favourites are: AJANAKU.com, Interiorjunkie.com, lepetitpassport.com, pulpcollectors.com., NSMBL.com...

Which are your favourite magazines?
I love to read ELLE, I-D magazine, ELLE Decoration and Frame.

What could you recommend to people who are looking for an entry in your company? Is it possible to do an internship at your department?

Write me a motivation letter and send me your CV. We‘re always looking for new interns for a period of min. 20 weeks from studies like AMFI, Marketing and Communication. Click here for more information.

Which is your favourite spot in Amsterdam? Pllek, Tolhuistuin, Roest, Biertuin, Park Frankendael and many many more! Love Amsterdam.

Corinna Springer - CEO and Founder of Nouveau PR

Corinna Springer is CEO and Founder of Nouveau PR a New York based agency focusing on brand building through consulting and selective PR strategies. Nouveau PR represents fashion designers like A.F. VANDEVORST, Parkchoonmoo, Dominic Louis as well as accessories brands and artists.

Dear Corinna, since when are you doing this job?
Nouveau-PR has been founded 6 years ago and all in all I am working for 15 years in this branche.

What is your daily work?

There are no typical work days for me – There is lots of work on the computer, making certain everyone knows what to do, meetings with prospective clients, accounting. Really, every day is different.

How does a typical day during fashion week / press days look like?

There is also no typical day, just longer hours: I am running around to see all the clients and collections, doing seating plans together, discussing details for front of house. Also backstage approving of styling, casting etc. Last season we had twelve shows and presentations!

How would you describe the working atmosphere in your office?

The atmosphere is relaxed most of the time. I put a lot of effort into creating a healthy, motivating work ambiance, based on mutual respect and every one knowing what needs to be accomplished in which time frame. Occasionally it gets tense during fashionweek preparations, but most of the time relaxed and enjoyable.

What do you like most about your job?

The positive, good ambiance. I love my work and enjoy constant contact with stylists and editors, co workers, designers etc.

What ist the biggest challenge in your job?

To keep myself continously motivated and not loose interest in fashion because it can be so superficial. Sometimes I’d rather be saving lives or doing something more meaningful, than contributing to consumerism. Which is why I need to always represent labels that have a strong narrative, an artistic motivation and background, or somehow strive to be sustainable, eco friendly and humanitarian.

Has always been clear that you want to work in fashion?

Kind of. I have become interested in it because it became a form of self expression for me in a very stuffy, elite environment, where I simply didn’t fit in. At first I wanted to be a model, but then through a miraculous chain of events I ended up in PR, close to all these creative people and i knew it was the right thing.

What was your previous career?

In 1994 I moved to Paris and studied french literature. Meanwhile I started working in the boutique of the japanese designer Shinichiro Arakawa as a sales person and then I did an internship there in PR.

After that I studied Arts Plastiques while I was working at Totem ( my first real job) as a PR assistant, then manager, in charge of dutch designers, some smaller brands and then belgian designers and my current client AF Vandevorst.

In 2004 I moved to New York City and became Public Relations Director at the denim and lifestyle brand Rogan. 2 years later I became the PR Director at Helmut Lang.

In 2007 I started my own company and opened Nouveau PR.

What was the reason for you to found your own agency in NYC ?

It was important for me not to depend on any employer to have a Visa, and I was already working on a business plan when I was at Rogan – I knew I wanted to have my own company and at the time it also seemed like a good idea. I think I am filling a hole in the range of PR offices with maybe more creative types than most. After having experienced the more corporate side of things, with all its negative components I felt compelled to just do my own, and I met a life coach who helped me through the first steps and further :)

Today a lot of people want to work in fashion – Do you have an advice how to get there?

If you want to work in fashion, in order to have credibility as a designer or a stylist, a photographer, make up artist hairstylist etc- know the basics, go to the best schools, get the best mentors and when you graduate, ASSIST some one you admire, and LEARN from that person all you need to know. Be passionate about it, know that in the beginning it's hard, you need to be ready and open to work hours and hours and maybe putt your personal life on hold for a bit, for the time being. If you want to be in that world, be ready to be a slave for a while, then when you feel ready move on and do your own.

Could you imagine to work somewhere else than in NYC?

No. not right now - I love NYC.

What are your / Nouveau PR’s goals for the future? 

A lot is in the pipeline already, stay tuned :)

Which blogs or online magazines do you read regurlaly?

I'm not a blog person but I do check out Business of Fashion, WWD, style.com and I occasionally write for Oracletalk a website that brings together the most interesting of fashion, art, science, and also more esoteric stuff.

What could you recommend to people who are looking for an entry in your company?

We are always looking for interns who are looking for an exciting experience in NYC and who are motivated and interested in learning more about the behind the scenes.

Thank you very much, Corinna! 

Interview mit Patrick Chodura - PR-Volontär bei Silk Relations

Patrick Chodura ist PR-Volontär bei der Agentur Silk Relations in Berlin.



 For english version please scroll down.












Lieber Patrick, wie bist du zu deinem jetzigen Job gekommen?
Mein zweites studieninternes Praktium habe ich damals bei Silk Relations gemacht und mich nach Studienende initiativ als PR-Volontär beworben.

Wie hast du vorher gemacht? 
Allgemeine Hochschulreife danach Zivildienst
angefangene Ausbildung bei Peek&Cloppenburg
2009: Mode-&Designmanagement-Studium an der AMD in München mit 2 studieninternen Praktika weitere Praktika in den Bereichen Styling, Vertrieb, PR, Social Media und Verkauf.

War Dir immer schon klar, dass du im Bereich Mode arbeiten möchtest?
Das war bei mir schon im Teenager-Alter klar, als ich anfing bewusst Modemagazine zu lesen und mich mit der Thematik Mode auseinanderzusetzen. Allerdings haben mir diesen Weg (und vor allem in diesem Umfang) erst meine Eltern ermöglicht.

Wie sind die Strukturen bei Silk?
Insgesamt besteht die Agentur aus ca. 25 Mitarbeitern: eine Mix aus Praktikanten, Volontären, Junior PR Managern sowie Senior PR Managern.

Wie sieht ein typischer Arbeitstag bei Dir aus?
Ein typischer Arbeitstag besteht aus sehr viel E-Mail- und Telefonkontakt: Beantwortung von Anfragen von Journalisten für redaktionelle Themen; Samplebereitstellung und Auswahl passender Samples für Shootings; Pitching von unterschiedlichen, aktuellen Stories

Wann sind die stressigsten Fasen?
Zyklisch alle drei Monate – German Press Days & Fashion Week Berlin

Was sind die positivsten Punkte an deinem Job?
Jeden Tag neue Aufgaben/man lernt jeden Tag etwas Neues – man entwickelt sich stetig weiter
Jeden Tag Kontakt zu neuen (kreativen) Menschen
Organisation von Fashion Shows im Rahmen der Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Und weniger positiv?
Arbeitszeiten und Überstunden – vor der Fashion Week
viele nehmen die Tätigkeit von PR-Leute nicht ernst bzw. sehen nicht die Arbeit, die dahinter steckt

Wie ist das Arbeitsklima bei euch?
Das Team ist meiner Meinung nach sehr wichtig und entscheidet ob man längerfristig bei einem Unternehmen bleibt oder nicht – vielleicht sogar der wichtigste Grund. Bei uns ist das Arbeitsklima wirklich einzigartig und sehr entspannt – freundschaftlich wäre am treffendsten!

Welche Labels vertretet ihr?
Die drei größten Labels bei uns in der Agentur sind Nike, Levi’s und Tiger of Sweden - daneben betreuen wir noch ca. 20 Brands aus den Bereichen Mode, Lifestyle, Beauty und Event

Heutzutage wollen viele Leute „irgendwas“ mit Mode machen –Hast du einen Ratschlag, wie der Weg dorthin aussehen könnte?
Einen klassischen Weg oder Ratschlag in die Modebranche gibt es meiner Meinung nach nicht – nur weil man Mode ganz toll findet und sich gerne hübsch anzieht, heißt das noch lange nicht, dass die Modebranche der richtige Weg ist. Man sollte sich beim Studium - wenn möglich - spezialisieren und Praktika in den unterschiedlichen Bereichen absolvieren, da sie ausschlaggebend und wichtig sind, um zu sehen, welcher Bereich einem liegt und Spaß macht. Viele junge Leute sind geblendet von dem glamourösen Image der Branche. Die Modebranche ist keine leichte Branche, ich würde eher sagen, dass es viel schwieriger ist, sich hier einen Namen zu machen und erfolgreich zu sein.

Welche Blogs oder Online-Magazine liest du?
Bedingt durch meine Arbeit ist ein Wissen über die wichtigsten Mode-Blogs und Online-Magazine (oder wie man den Mix aus beiden nennt: Blogazine) sehr wichtig. Beide Medien haben ihre Daseinsberichtigung aber prinzipiell tendiere ich aufgrund der Glaubwürdigkeit und Aktualität zu Mode-Blogs, wie Highsnobiety, Artschoolvets, Dandy Diary.

Was könntest Du Leuten empfehlen, die in einen Einstieg in die PR suchen?
Der Einstieg in die PR ist ganz klassisch ein sechsmonatiges Praktikum - da suchen wir immer nach kompetenten Bewerbern. In diesen sechs Monate kristallisiert sich dann heraus, wer Potential hat – gefolgt von einem eineinhalbjährigen Volontariat.

Silk Relations ist eine Lifestyle PR- und Eventagentur aus Berlin. Sie bieten Public Relations, Promotion, Eventmarketing, Sponsoring und Konzeption mit inhaltlichem Schwerpunkt auf Mode, Musik und Medien. Veranstaltungen wie Modenschauen, Ausstellungen, Kollektionspräsentationen oder Pressedinner sind neben der klassischen Pressearbeit ein inhaltlicher Schwerpunkt von Silk Relations.
Interessant: der Silk Talent Support
________________________________________________________

Patrick Chodura is working as a PR-Volunteer for Silk Relations in Berlin.

Dear Patrick, how did you apply for your current job?
Due to one of my internships during my studies at Silk Relations I decided to apply for the PR trainee as soon as I graduated from university.

And what did you do before?
A-Level (Abitur)
attended the civilian service
started an apprenticeship at Peek&Cloppenburg
2009 Fashion and Design Management studies at AMD in Munich
I worked several times as an intern in areas of Styling, PR, Social Media and Sales during my studies

Have you always had the intention to work in fashion?
I knew when I was a teenager that I wanted to work in the fashion industry. I started to read fashion magazines and exposed myself with the topic fashion. But I have to confess that my parents played a big role in giving me the opportunity to go my way into fashion.

How do the structures at Silk look like?
In total the agency employs 25 people: it’s a mix of interns, trainees, Junior PR Managers as well as Senior PR Managers.

How does a typical working day look like for you?
Well a typical day at Silk Relations starts of with answering a lot of e-mails and contacting customers via phone. I deal a lot with requests of journalists for specific topics; I do some pre-selection for shootings and pitch different latest stories.

When are the most stressfull times for you?
The most stressful times are repeated every three months – German Press Days & Fashion Week Berlin

What are the most positive aspects of your job?
Every day is different from the other: My tasks change daily and I learn something new every day and therefore I develop constantly with my task.
I have the chance to meet new and creative people every da.
I get the opportunity to manage and organize fashion shows during the Mercedes – Benz Fashion Week.

And less positive?
Working hours and extra hours add up during fashion week – I sometimes work up to 18 hours before the fashion week even starts.
I lot of people do not take my work seriously and they cant see the work load that is behind all of the events and shows I am planning.

How would you discribe the working atmosphere in your office?
The team itself is very important – if not the most important – aspect to stay at a company. At Silk Relations the working atmosphere is very unique and laid back. It’s like you would work with friends.

Which brands do you represent at Silk?
The three biggest brands we take care of are: NIKE, Levi's and Tiger of Sweden. Next to those we are also in charge of 20 other brands, which all come from the areas of fashion, lifestyle, beauty or events.

Today a lot of people want to work in fashion – Do you have an advice how to get there?
I do not think that there is a classic way to enter the fashion industry – it does not mean, just because you like dressing up, you are meant to be working in the fashion business. If possible you should pick some majors and make yourself an expert in a certain area. Internships are therefore very important since you can easily see which area you like best. I think a glamorous working atmosphere deludes a lot of people when they think about working in the fashion industry. But it is basically like any other job and I personally think that it is one of the toughest industries since you need to have a lot of talent to really make it to the top. And be aware: we do not drink champagne every day, read fancy fashion magazines or attend fashion shows

Which blogs do you read regurlaly?
Due to my work I have to know some of the biggest fashion blogs and magazines. Both media channels are very important but I personally like best the fashion blogs since they are more authentic and up to date. I like reading blogs like: Highsnobiety, Artschoolvets, Dandy Diary.

What could you recommend to people who are looking for an entry in your company?
To start working in public relations everyone usually does an internship. We carefully select our employees and within six months we can see who would be perfect for the job. Afterwards you continue working as a trainee for 1,5 years.

Silk Relations is a Berlin-based Communications Agency. Focusing strongly on Fashion, Music and Lifestyle, the core strengths are: 360° communication concepts, public relations / media cooperation, social media campaigns, sponsoring, events, showroom handling, seeding / endorsement.

Also interesting: the Silk Talent Support.
More information and job offers on their website.