If you've worked in the fashion industry for awhile now, you've probably had your run-ins with PR people - some of them not so nice and very protective of their clients.  The behavior is understandable since there are some roguish reporters out there waiting to exploit someone by twisting words around...

However, all the PR people I've been in contact with have been pleasant to deal with.  I admit that I've dismissed PR reps and didn't think of them as very important.  I just think it's annoying when you try to contact a designer or company and they brush you off and tell you to talk to their "people".  Well, I've come to realize that public relations is vital.  A PR firm pretty much serves as your marketing team. That said, I recently found out about a new PR firm called The Vanguard, a full service public relations and branding agency serving the fashion and beauty industries.  To stand out from other firms, The Vanguard has a program called The Vanguard Bright Eyes Designer Outreach Program (a.k.a. The BEDOP).  This is a month long program that helps emerging designers:

• how to write a press release
• pick the perfect brand name
• compile a database of industry professionals to connect with

The founders of The Vanguard, Jennifer Smith Tapp and Kristin Ann Janishefski, both have extensive experience in the fashion industry.  They choose clients that have the same vision and passion that they have.  Kristin says, "I believe that with drive and determination, anything is possible.  The world wasn't made overnight, but I can do my best to make a change in a little less time than that."  That's what I like to hear! 

Photo taken from The Vanguard homepage...