Renee Barletta (Kunst)

*****
Fashion Offices With WhoWhatWear: Renee Barletta Vice President Public Relations, KCD. New York
Here’s another installment, courtesy of Who What Wear Daily, where we peek inside the offices of some of our favorite (and most loved) fashion heroines. Today’s subject, one of the powerhouses over at KCD, Renee Barletta, who is one of the VP’s of PR at the globally recognized public relations firm. She oversees the PR strategy for Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs Accessories, Isabel Marant, Carven and Peter Som’s collection (where she happened to be when we shot Mr. Som at his apartment a few months back). She got her start by assisting our favorite cranky elf (that’s Barneys New York’s Simon Doonan for all you living under a rock) and hands down, Barletta gave us free range throughout the KCD office, letting the TC trio run around the showroom like little kids in a, well, fashion paradise. Her desk is impeccable (especially during Fashion Week…or Fashion Month…depending on how you approach it) and note to all future employees, colleagues, or interns of RB, she values the importance of a hand written note. “I have tons of stationary on my desk, I love writing and receiving hand written notes. I often plaster my mood boards with some of my favorite cards/notes that I have received over the years”. But it’s her self-made inspiration boards that bridge the gap between fashion and family – and with these, it ensures she always has a little taste of home, even at the office. “Speaking of mood boards I have tons of family photos, photos from my favorite fashion shows and ad campaigns that I love, photos of my horse and riding. It’s a collection of all the things I love and I am always adding and editing.”
Digital Inspiration•Vogue•The Coveteur•JAK & JIL•Garance Doré•1stdibs•WhoWhatWear•@KCDworldwide

Want more insight into Renee Barletta’s life at KCD? The PR powerhouse kindly answered a few questions about her career, so read on for details about everything from how she got her start in the business to the key pieces she thinks every working woman should own!

How did you get your job? What did you do before you worked at your current company?
My first career job right out of college was at Barneys, where I was Simon Doonan’s assistant. I got a glimpse of the PR world, working with the department while there and realized that I wanted to be a part of that excitement. I shifted gears and set my sights, eventually joining KCD (11 years ago). I am one of the VP’s in the PR department.

What’s a typical workday like for you?
What I love about my job, is that no two days are alike. Right now, we are right in the middle of fashion week prep—we have about 25 shows/events this season in New York—so today I worked on the seating charts for Marc Jacobs, Marc By Marc Jacobs, and Peter Som, attended a preview, finalized backstage press lists, scheduled post show interviews, met about possible venues for one of the shows we are doing in Paris. It’s never the same and usually there’s something unexpected thrown in the mix this time of the year but you have to be ready for anything and it’s always keep calm and carry on.

What’s your go-to work outfit?
My go-to outfits; I have a seasonal uniform and in spring/summer I am always in a dress and it’s usually colorful and more feminine than my fall/winter go to which is a bit darker and more tomboy-ish: a slim pant, tailored shirt and fitted jacket are my staples.I wear tons of neutrals, beige, navy or grey in the winter. I am pretty much always in heels 99% of the time, but there are ballet flats and oxfords under my desk for a quick change if I’m in a hurry.

What are you wearing today?
Today I am wearing my favorite new ‘70’s flare denim from Marc By Marc Jacobs with a Carven plaid button down and my sky high oxfords from Marc…very Ali McGraw, back to campus, welcome September!

What changes do you make to your look if you have to go to dinner or drinks immediately after work?
If I have to go out for drinks/dinner after work I always change up my accessories. I like a smaller bag or clutch at night, I think it pulls your look together. I’m not into a lot of makeup by day, but recently I’ve discovered and am obsessed with MAC’s lip stain. They have a fantastic red that I like to wear and it makes me feel a bit more polished at night. I usually will change out my shoes into something a bit more festive, like a strappy high sandal or a great stiletto boot. I currently am loving my new Isabel Marant fringe boots and can’t wait to give them a go.

What items do you think every working girl should own (clothing and accessories)?
Items every working girl should own: definitely a seasonless black dress, a tailored white button-down shirt that can be worn alone or under a cashmere sweater with the collar peeking out, a great fitting pair of pants (choose the style that is most flattering and comfortable and you will wear them again and again), a black or navy blazer (tuxedo or school boy…both can really pull a look together), invest in a beautifully tailored trench coat (it’s one of the most versatile pieces in my wardrobe). I think it’s important to have a great pair of classic flats (ballerina or oxfords) and of course a killer heel, like a great black classic pump—they are timeless and you can find good looking styles in a wide range/prices.

Describe your office/work area: are you next to a bunch of other people, secluded in your own office, or something else?
We have a very open office space and so we are always interacting with each other, which is really great especially during fashion week when we are all here very late together. I have tons of photos on my wall most are of my children, runway shots from some of my favorite fashion shows/ad campaigns, photos of my horse and riding, special notes from friends, clients…it’s pretty packed, 11 years of favorite stuff.

How important is having a fashionable/chic work area?
It’s nice to have some of the things you love surround you every day. Some of my favorite things on my desk…a beautiful crystal four leaf clover from Ed Filipowski, pottery from my son Jasper, and a sterling heart shaped box from the Marc Jacobs team.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to emulate your career path?
Best advice I ever received is “do what you love” and I think it is so true in your career and everything else you do in life. I also am a firm believer in anything is possible so long as you put your mind to it and go for it!

Do you use a Mac or a PC?
I use a PC and while I email a lot I still like catching up and talking on the phone quite a bit.

http://www.thecoveteur.com/Renee_Barletta
https://www.facebook.com/renee.barletta.5