Dear Pennies & Pens,
Last week, I had the pleasure of participating in a conference call with Fashion Publicist and Owner the world renowned PR firm, People’s Revolution, Kelly Cutrone to discuss America’s Next Top Model. Kelly Cutrone is who I want to be when I grow up. That’s probably been said a million times by a million different aspiring Fashion Publicists, etc. But it’s the truth. What I feel sets me apart from the others who’ve said that is I’m actually actively working towards that dream. But I don’t plan on doing it the way Kelly did, in fact, quite the opposite.
When I say that I mean I want to be a lifestyle brand and I want my business to be a lifestyle company. As stated on Wikipedia, “A lifestyle brand is a brand that attempts to embody the values and aspirations of a group or culture for purposes of marketing.” While I understand that definition, I’m not so sure I agree. To me, a lifestyle brand teaches people how to live their lives the way the founder of the brand does. And the reason people buy from the brand is because they want to show the world that they support the brand because they identify with it. In essence, the brand leads and the consumer follows. According to the Wikipedia definition it’s the opposite.
For those who’ve been following me for awhile, you know that I love Jay-Z. And that I refer to myself as the “Jay-Z of PR and Blogging.” To me Jay-Z is one of the greatest lifestyle brands ever created. Why? Well, I’ll give you one quick example…his commercial during the NBA Finals. A rapper from Brooklyn, NY has become so successful that another company (Samsung) that he doesn’t currently work for paid for him to star in a commercial that will promote his album. They even paid to purchase one million of his albums. If that’s not some hot shit, I don’t know what is. Jay-Z was able to use his name and influence to broker one of the most lucrative deals of all time. What artist on earth can say they have a commercial that promotes their work that aired during one of the world’s biggest TV events?
And what happened after the commercial aired? Social media went insane. Everyone from Jay-Z fans to Jay-Z haters and those who had no clue who Jay-Z even was were talking about him and his upcoming album. And from the fans, to the haters, to those who didn’t know who he was all wanted to be him. They wouldn’t have bothered talking about him if they didn’t. No one talks about things they don’t care about or want to be like. So if you tweeted, facebooked, instagramed, etc anything about Jay-Z or Magna Carta Holy Grail there is some small part of you that wants to be like Jay-Z and that’s probably why you bought or downloaded the album.
So I know by now you’re thinking, isn’t this a post about Kelly Cutrone and America’s Next Top Model? Why is Pen babbling about Jay-Z? To answer those questions, I am doing so because after the media only conference call with Kelly, I realized she’s one of fashion’s greatest lifestyle brands. In the interview, Kelly cracked jokes, gave advice, answered our questions, and most of all she kept it real. That’s why she has the best designers in the world on her client roster. And from what I hear her New York Fashion Week shows are always top notch.
But what makes people want to be Kelly Cutrone and work with her is the fact that she wrote “If You Have to Cry Go Outside, and Other Things Your Mother Never Told You.” This book is the truth! In it, Kelly tells the story of how she came to be one of the world’s top Fashion Publicists. This is no how to guide but a book about life. In the book, you learn about who Kelly is as a person not just as a Publicist. And that’s why the book is a NY Times Bestseller. She tells the truth and holds nothing back.
During the conference call, each media outlet asked Kelly questions in regards to the upcoming season of America’s Next Top Model which will feature both Guys and Girls. Just in case you didn’t know, Kelly is currently a Judge on the show. I have listed some of my favorite highlights from the call below.
On Why South Florida is a Great Place to Find Models: It’s Jan Brady meets Elle MacPherson in looks. Also they are more comfortable in their bodies since they wear less clothes due to the weather. There’s a sweetness to them and they are not as jaded. Girls who are more comfortable in their bodies exude confidence which translates into their photos.
On How to Be a Top Model: To be a top model, you have to photograph really well. I have seen girls who can only do one pose well which limits them as a model. A top model is someone who brings something interesting and fresh to the table. Also a top model is someone who is nice and easy to work with.
Advice to Aspiring Models: Make sure you take beautiful pictures. Also, if you don’t like being told what to do or having people doing your hair, make-up, etc don’t go into modeling. Additionally, don’t quit your day job and work with a reputable agency. And when approaching an agency, take natural photos — no make-up and a simple white t-shirt and jeans. And note that if you’re only 5’6″ you won’t be able to do runway modeling and if you’re over 26, it won’t happen.
On America’s Next Top Model: America’s Next Top Model is a dream. It provides access to an industry that is very veiled. The show is a way to study the industry and understand that fashion is a reality.
Be sure to check out the America’s Next Top Model Guys and Girls Premiere on Friday, August 2nd on the CW Network at 8PM EST. And keep up with Kelly Cutrone here: www.kellycutrone.net
And there it is. de la Pen…All Pen Everything.
P.S. For All Pen Everything…All the Time — Follow me on Twitter: @LoudPen Foursquare: @LoudPen Instagram: @LoudPen Tumblr: The Blogging PR Girl.
