Most designers and merchandisers that have an established name have been working for a while in the retailing, manufacturing, or design industry. Identify someone you feel reflects the type of fashion brand you would develop and write a 750 word essay on his/her career. How has each of that person's experiences helped them develop s successful brand? What do you think the future of their brand will be?
Max Piere
In the world of fashion, achieving recognition doesn’t come along with a phenomenal collection, an amazing publicist, or a catchy ad campaign. Leading Designers and Merchandisers from all audience levels have admirable success stories behind its organizations or its participants. With the purpose to avoid repetitiveness on our widely discussed leading players, I would like to take this opportunity and introduce a personal favorite.
This individual has been more than an inspiration and role model to me. I have also gain a better understanding of the dynamics that surround this industry and its consumers.
Max Pierre (36) , is CEO of Gorillas Lifestyle Marketing, a boutique firm that has clients such as Soho House, Moet Hennessy, MOCA, The Setai, Adrienne Arsht Center, Lexus, Sean John, and Microsoft. Most recently Pierre founded AE District, a concept gallery in the Miami Design District that showcases new and emerging talent. He is also the Partner & Chief Marketing Director of two menswear lines, Public School distributed at Barney's New York and Black Apple found at Urban Outfitters. In 2005 Pierre launched Arrive a retail boutique that was named by L'UOMO Vogue as one of the world premier lifestyle retailers
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I had the opportunity to work with him on several different projects during ‘09 and ‘10 in addition to a six month internship for Public School, Black Apple, and AE District. During this time, I had the pleasure to befriend him, exchange visions and ideas, work as a team, but import more importantly, learn from him, his system, and how did he get there.
It happens that for many years, Max, had an active participation in the nightclub industry as a well known promoter through the identity of Gorillas Lifestyle Marketing, while also being the man behind Arrive, a moderate priced boutique in the heart of South Beach. In 2009, I held a leading position at a nightclub inside the Seminol Hardrock Hotel and Casino, which was owned by the Opium Group. Max had been assigned as Marketing Director of this particular venue by the Opium Group. What stood out to me first was his personality. Easy going, assertive, driven, and with a great sense of style. As we started collaborating, I noted his impeccable working method and leadership approach.
The internship involvement under Public School and Black Apple entailed the development of a “friends and family” style membership program under his direction and supervision which not only offered wholesale prices and a bi-monthly newsletter with numerous features to its members but it also cultivated an emotional attachment and sense of belonging to all its participants, including ourselves. This was my initial introduction to “hyperreality behind the scenes”. He highlighted the importance of connecting with your audience on a personal level and the means in which this could be achieved. I learned that a successful hyperreality isn’t only about a visual projection or a written statement, but also about the company’s philosophy and actions.
Public School
Public School
Hailing from the mean streets (and private schools) of Westchester, Sean "Diddy" Combs sells people on his street cred by hiring bona fide New York City kids to design his clothes for him, appropriating their urban angst in the process. But Dao-Yi Chow, the former creative director of Diddy's Sean John line, decided he'd be better off doing his own thing, which is what we call real street smarts. Chow and Max Pierre, a fellow veteran of both Diddy's design studio and the dog-eat-dog New York City public school system, launched their own label—aptly titled "Public School"—in two short months on "pure instinct."
It's an instinct that has served the two men well since their school days, and it translates here into rugged, multi-purpose garments that manage to fuse attitude with attractiveness and attention to detail. Their signature piece for Spring/Summer '08 is a faux-layered embroidered-leather jacket with a cotton hood, chevron detailing and hidden pockets. Some items are branded with a black apple and feather logo, signifying both rebellion and a thirst for knowledge. "We hold a sword in one hand and a pen in the other," is how the duo themselves put it.
It's an instinct that has served the two men well since their school days, and it translates here into rugged, multi-purpose garments that manage to fuse attitude with attractiveness and attention to detail. Their signature piece for Spring/Summer '08 is a faux-layered embroidered-leather jacket with a cotton hood, chevron detailing and hidden pockets. Some items are branded with a black apple and feather logo, signifying both rebellion and a thirst for knowledge. "We hold a sword in one hand and a pen in the other," is how the duo themselves put it.
My experience under his organization was ground breaking and it is clear to me that the formula for his success it’s exactly what I was exposed to during my involvement. He now continues to expand and each branch of his organization explores new ideas. The most recent project underlines a online radio station which features and manages new upcoming artists, promotes his projects, and advertises his events. Personally, I see nothing but more success coming his way. Such a diverse individual with a self starter attitude and passion for what he does has nowhere to go but up
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