As you know I have been around the LA scene — and even covered international and the NYC fashion scene from afar– often with the most incredible luck to cover unique brands for various print and online publications. It didn’t start out that way– luckily I had help from friends along the way and some amazing ways of connecting with people that I needed to reach.
One of the first people I met was Susan J. Ashbrook, the head of Film Fashion, a firm that worked with top-notch designers of fashion, jewelry, bags and shoes. Talk about a heady moment when you see name brand celebrities from TV shows and movies at events you are attending: Susan had the ability to draw an amazing blend of people. Over the years, I continued to work with Susan and her firm because they would pull out some miraculous pieces when I was on critical deadline and even better things when I was able to give them more lead time.
Film Fashion acted as a liaison to exclusive fashion houses, fashion designers and fashion related products in the Hollywood community. Later, Ashbrook sold Film Fashion to the PR powerhouse Rogers & Cowan – owned by the Interpublic Group.
Ashbrook has been involved in “product placement” for 20 years, matchmaking top celebrities with a roster of clients such as: Akris, Lanvin, Chopard Jewelry, Swarovski, Catherine Malandrino, Domenico Vacca, Escada, Isaac Mizrahi, Lela Rose, Jenny Packham, Kenneth Cole, Herve L Leroux, Georges Chakra, Tadashi, A Pea In The Pod and Harry Winston Jewelry. She has consulted for non-fashion brands like Nikon, Hasbro Games, Mastercard, Bellini baby furniture and Hooked On Phonics.
Ashbrook was one of the progenitors of “celebrity product placement” and the Film Fashion office was a PR force to be reckoned with because Susan delivered for her clients (designers, stylists and celebrities) and pulled it off with grace, aplomb and tons of style.
Since Ashbrook left Film Fashion, she has completed a book that is part memoir and part “how-to” book on the business of product placement, entitled “Will Work for Shoes“ When I saw the announcment in the LA Times, I knew I had to “find” Susan and get her on podcast– which has been split into two parts. This isn’t just for fashionistas looking for a fun read but anyone (and I mean anyone who has a product to sell) to use to get their product in the limelight.
Susan J. Ashbrook Podcast, Part 2.
Follow Susan J. Ashbrook on
Facebook.com
You can find “Will Work for Shoes” at all major online booksellers, brick and mortar bookstores in hard cover and e-book
Thank you to Susan J. Ashbrook for her time. You rock!! (We need to have lunch!)
Stevie Wilson,
LA-Story.com
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