Donna F.

Recruited to Lafayette 148 following its 20th Anniversary, to create a strong brand identity, develop the in-house creative agency, emphasize branded content, launch a Marketing Department and build a team inclusive of Social Media, PR, Events, Email Marketing, Retail, Wholesale and Performance Marketing. Select Accomplishments: • Executed an evaluation of the brand to create the identity that totally transformed the women’s fashion label to position it as a global lifestyle brand led by women, for women. • Identified, presented and managed the SOW’s for the agencies, for both the strategic and creative aspects of the rebranding project culminating in the creation of a Brand Bible that includes the brand definition, the brand look and voice, and the execution of brand identity for packaging, advertising, website, email, social and catalog. • Created marketing plans to launch denim and footwear, in addition to apparel and accessories. • Worked in conjunction with the content team to create the UnordinaryWomen project, featuring a partnership with Christy Turlington and the charity she founded, Every Mother Counts. A brand awareness campaign, successfully meeting its objective to transform perception and grow audience.

Joined John Varvatos, 2 years after its launch, to work closely with John, the Chairman and Chief Creative, to define and implement the brand communication strategy and achieve overarching goals. Took the PR Events and Advertising in house and utilized prior experience with three global luxury brands to position and build a newly formed designer brand. Hired and provided executive leadership to a marketing team that participated in company growth of sales from $20MM to $150MM (excluding licensee revenue) amongst retail, wholesale and online channels. Oversaw, for Company and licensees, all marketing, PR, celebrity dressing, events as experiential marketing, traditional and digital marketing, social media and creation of all brand imagery from seasonal ad campaigns to supplemental social media assets. Select Accomplishments: • Collaborated with John and YARD, the external creative agency to develop desirable and aspirational brand rock campaigns and visual content for all aspects of communication (including digital, social media and traditional advertising platforms) that brought relevant consumers to engage with the brand. • Created an identity that pairs an authentic “All American” lifestyle with a marked Rock “N” Roll edge. • Oversaw 26 global fashion shows, during Men’s Fashion Week, 12 in NYC and 14 in Milan. • Launched 21 US based stores, including the famed CBGB location, and 5 international stores: Bangkok, Russia, Mexico, Toronto and London. • Coinciding with the opening of the LA store, created the Annual Stuart House Charity Event, which ran for 14 years, and generated more than $7,000,000 for the cause of children’s sexual abuse. • Developed the brand voice on Social Media and implemented Social Media as central to the brand marketing efforts, with a focus on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. • Launched John Varvatos Rock in Fashion Book with tour in 5 major US cities which included collaborations with wholesalers, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.

Advised newly appointed Executive Director regarding communications and events for not-for-profit organization representing over 250 members. Select Accomplishments: • Produced the CFDA 40th Anniversary Awards at the New York Public Library. • Facilitated the introduction of Parsons School of Design graduates Proenza Schouler to Barneys Fashion Director and initiated the buy of their first collection. • Created the CFDA effort in response to 9/11 entitled, Fashion for America

Directed communications for Paris based YSL men’s and women’s collections, including editorial placement, fashion shows and events, celebrity relations, retail and advertising to launch newly appointed designers Hedi Slimane and Alber Elbaz. Select Accomplishments: • Introduced both designers to the US Press for the first time in their YSL careers, garnering unprecedented coverage in top influential publications that led to star status, including New York Times, Vogue and Vanity Fair. • Worked with both designers to navigate the transition when the company was taken over by Tom Ford.

Created US strategies and directed all aspects of communication for Dolce & Gabbana, D&G, and Dolce & Gabbana Jeans collections, fragrance, and eyewear, for the Italian based designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. Managed the functions of public relations, advertising, celebrity relations and retail marketing. Select Accomplishments: • Opened and managed the first US corporate office, including initial set up, staffing, budgeting, and ongoing operational management for first two years. • Grew Public Relations and Advertising staff from three people to team of ten and coordinated corporate office move from Soho to Upper East Side. • Handled contract negotiation and production of global advertising campaigns, based on strong negotiation skills. • Developed institutional advertising media budgets and support plans for North American market. • Oversaw all printed materials for North American market, including both company boutiques and department stores. • Organized the sponsorship and closing night event for Isabella Rossellini for the 1995 NY Film Festival Tribute to Roberto Rossellini. • Supervised the creation of the Dolce & Gabbana 10 Year Anniversary book with Art Director Fabien Baron. Handled all production and usage rights. • Requested to manage the London store opening.

Oversaw the editorial coverage, events, promotions and special projects for the US Emporio Armani operation, while coordinating efforts cross functionally with advertising, merchandising and visual teams. Select Accomplishments: • More than doubled editorial coverage year over year for the designer’s secondary line. • Created and supervised all press activities, opening parties, fashion shows and local media strategies for each store opening including the Honolulu, San Francisco, Boston and Beverly Hills boutiques. • Managed US media, included seating, photographers and TV crews for Milan Men’s and Women’s Collection fashion shows (four annually). • Emporio Armani Stockholm – Asked to take over the local management for the opening event and fashion show. • GIO Fragrance Launch US – Assisted with star studded NY event. • Screened charity donations and film requests and manage Armani involvement.