Designers Management Agency

Designers Management Agency

Type	Privately Held
Founded	New York, New York USA
Headquarters	New York, New York USA
Website	www.designersmanagement.com

Designers Management Agency (DMA) is the first talent representation agency to provide new business development services to designers and brands within the luxury sector.^[1] The Agency’s global network of business relationships has fueled its growth beyond fashion, into fine jewelry, footwear, handbags, beauty, cultural institutions, home, culinary, sports, fine art, and even pop culture.

The multi-disciplined practice provides a broad range of specialized business and branding services, including product endorsements, multi-media development, licensing, co-branding, DTR, personal appearances, sponsorships, and international franchise expansion.^[1] In 2007, DMA’s management decided to merge its core capabilities with ink&co, a branding and advertising firm. This has proven valuable to clients, as this very modern approach allows for the creation of new revenue streams coupled with comprehensive communications programs borne from the same office.

Marc Beckman and Sam Sohaili founded DMA in 2001. During its salad days, DMA’s clients included several relatively unknown designers at the time: Proenza Schouler, Derek Lam, Alice Roi, and Tara Subkoff/Imitation of Christ.^[2] Presently, a sampling of DMA’s roster consists of Academy Award Winning actor Hilary Swank, MoMA, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Group, Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), Hall-of-Famer Cal Ripken, Jr., Celebrity Chef Lidia Bastianich, QVC, Joy Bauer, Lauren Merkin, Marcella Lindeberg, Jones Apparel Group, Tucker by Gaby Basora, Pamela Love, Sophie Theallet, Nigel Barker, Jay Manuel and the winners of Project Runway.

DMA is currently headquartered in the Soho neighborhood of Manhattan.^[3]

History

In 1998, Marc Beckman hired Sam Sohaili (ink&co) to design a luxury line of cosmetics^[1] that was subsequently launched at Harrods in London and Henri Bendel in New York City.^[4] Synergy between the two existed, as both came from different walks of life: Marc the attorney^[1] and Sam the marketing guru. Shortly thereafter, the two realized that the star of fashion designers was on the rise. Effectively, Marc and Sam set out to develop a new type of celebrity, the fashion designer. Their focus, however, was on the business of fashion.

Notable Client Relationships

Fashion / Design

• Marc Beckman is a member of the Advisory Board for Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Fashion Incubator.^[5]

• DMA has created book-and-television deals for the Council of Fashion Designers of America.^[1]
• DMA partnered the Council of Fashion Designers of America with Nine West to help support the “Fashion Targets Breast Cancer” Cause to create “Runway Relief”.^[6]

• DMA partnered Jones Apparel Group division Anne Klein with its creative director, Isabel Toledo.^[7]
• DMA placed Tara Subkoff, designer of ‘Imitation of Christ’ to create a collection for Easy Spirit.^[1]
• DMA created Jones Apparel Group subsidiary Nine West’s capsule collections by Sophie Theallet^[8] , Giles Deacon^[9] , Vivienne Westwood, Sophia Kokosalaki, and Thakoon.^[1]
• DMA placed Joss Stone and Karen Elson^[10] into Nine West’s Vintage America line as a product collaborators and endorsers.^[11]

• DMA brokered the deal with designer label Tucker by Gaby Basora and Target's Go International designer collaboration program.^[12]

• DMA placed contemporary handbag designer Monica Botkier into a collaboration with Swatch Watches^[13]

• DMA placed designer Alice Roi into a collaboration with Japanese retailer Uniqlo's Designer Invitation Program.^[14]

• DMA has placed over 20 brands on QVC starting with the ‘CFDA presents’ programming in 2002 through Melania Trump in 2010.

• DMA partnered Stella McCartney with Procter & Gamble’s brand, Max Factor, for a sponsorship.^[1]

• DMA created Oscar de la Renta’s expansion deal in the Middle East. With one flagship presently open, Oscar will expand into 7 stores within 4 years.

• DMA placed celebrity stylist Leslie Fremar into a collaboration with Fruit of the Loom to create a collection of tees under the label "Leslie Fremar for Fruit of the Loom".^[15]

• DMA brokered the deal with Pamela Love and Topshop to create an exclusive five-part jewelry collection. ^[16]

• DMA placed designer Jeff Staple into a sneaker collaboration with Airwalk to celebrate the 2009 film release of Star Trek with a limited edition sneaker.^[17]

• DMA placed super models Carolyn Murphy and Veronica Webb and stylist Kendall Farr into curator positions on the social shopping site OpenSky.^[18]

• DMA brokered the deal that helped Christian Siriano debut his fist ever shoe collection with Payless ShoeSource.^[19]
• DMA hosted Christian Siriano’s Fall ’09 Ready to Wear Collection showcase at their NYC office.^[20]
• DMA forged a deal between Christian Siriano and LG to promote its LG Lotus (LX600) phone.^[21]

• DMA represents Irina Shabayeva after she won Project Runway Season 6.^[22]

• Seth Aaron Henderson signed with DMA after his win on Project Runway in order to expand his brand.^[23]

• DMA partnered Chloe Dao with Pacific Design to create a line of electronic accessories, including iPod cases.^[1]
• DMA partnered Chloe Dao with QVC to create and sell the “Simply Chloe Dao” Collection.^[24]
• Chloe Dao designed an eyewear line for LensCrafters. DMA brokered the deal.^[25]

• Jeffrey Sebelia is represented by DMA after his win on Project Runway.^[26]

Sports

• DMA placed Puma into Woolworths (South Africa) (the continent’s largest retailer) for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

• DMA represents Cal Ripken, Jr.^[27]
• DMA created the partnership between Cal Ripkin, Jr. and Major League Baseball Advanced Media for the baseball legend's online baseball educational tool called Get Great.

• DMA placed athlete Amar'e Stoudemire with designer Rachel Roy to create a sports influenced collection for the Rachel Rachel Roy label^[28]

• DMA partnered athlete Amar'e Stoudemire with the popular independent online sports property, Big Lead Sports to become shareholder, adviser and regular contributor.^[29]

• DMA secured the children's book series publishing deal for athlete Amar'e Stoudemire with Scholastic.^[30]

Entertainment

• DMA placed Nigel Barker into Sony Electronics as an endorser for a 2-year term

• DMA placed Jay Manuel into Sears Canada as the Creative Director for ATTITUDE Jay Manuel, a Sears Canada exclusive ^[31]

Interior Design / Home

• DMA created the bath and body product collaboration between Conran and Kokomo^[32]

• DMA placed interior designer Michele Varian into a curator position on the social shopping site OpenSky.^[33]

Culinary / Nutrition

• DMA helped launch Lidia Bastianich cookware and servingware line with QVC^[34]

• DMA placed Nutritionist Joy Bauer into Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants to educate travelers on how to eat healthy through a "Travel Healthy" program^[35]

• DMA placed chefs Lidia Bastianich and The Lee Brothers into curator positions on the social shopping site OpenSky.^[36]

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d e f g h i} Dodes, Rachel (6 February 2007). "For the Fashion Designers, Agents Are the Hot Trend". Wall Street Journal. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB117072155988598963-search.html?KEYWORDS=rachel+dodes&COLLECTION=wsjie/6month. Retrieved 24 September 2010. 
2. ^ Lee, Linda (19 June 2005). "Alice Roi and Marc Beckman". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/glogin?URI=http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/19/fashion/weddings/19VOWS.html&OQ=_rQ3D1&OP=395c34a5Q2FZQ7CKQ7EZT9Ofx99Q5DQ2BZQ2B55RZ5Q20ZQ26Q3CZMgfQ3Bu9FZQ7CKTTuFdfZQ26Q3C@Q5BQ7B_GQ3BQ5D0Q60. Retrieved 24 September 2010. 
3. ^ Addo, Catherine; Mau, Dhani (27 May 2009). "A Night in With Christian". The Supermelon. http://www.thesupermelon.com/juicy/a-night-in-with-christian/. Retrieved 24 September 2010. 
4. ^ Dunham, Alison Blackman. ""What Works" - SAFE, SUMMER BEAUTY". The Advice Sisters. http://www.advicesisters.net/WWarchives/wwarcsumbeauty3.html. Retrieved 24 September 2010. 
5. ^ "New York City Economic Development Corporation & the CFDA Welcome the First 12 Designers to the CFDA Fashion Incubator". The CFDA. 19 May 2010. http://www.cfda.com/new-york-city-economic-development-corporation-the-cfda-welcome-the-first-12-designers-to-the-cfda-fashion-incubator/. Retrieved 24 September 2010. 
6. ^ Geana, Alex (18 August 2010). "Nine West Teams up With Famous Models to Fight Breast Cancer". Textile Global. http://www.textileglobal.com/2010/08/alex-geana-nine-west-teams-up-with-famous-models-to-fight-breast-cancer-photos.html. Retrieved 24 September 2010. 
7. ^ Wilson, Eric (30 September 2006). "Jones Apparel Hires Designer to Revamp Anne Klein Line". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/glogin?URI=http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/30/business/30jones.html&OQ=_rQ3D1&OP=3fe2ecdbQ2F0NwQ600GQ51Q5CQ27cQ51Q51Q3CQ7B0Q7B,,e0,X08,0Q60Q7CQ27Q2AVwQ27Q2708,UQ51VwQ27Q20vQ3Cki. Retrieved 24 September 2010. 
8. ^ Lo, Danica. "Sophie Theallet Kicks off Nine West's Shoelaborations Designer Series". Racked. http://racked.com/archives/2011/02/01/sophie-theallet-kicks-off-nine-wests-shoelaborations-designer-series.php. Retrieved 1 February 2011. 
9. ^ "Nine West Introduces "Shoelaborations" Collection with Giles Deacon". MSN. http://money.msn.com/business-news/article.aspx?feed=PR&Date=20110511&ID=13616688. Retrieved 11 May 2011. 
10. ^ Alcala, Natalie. "Editor". Black Book. http://www.blackbookmag.com/article/karen-elsons-nine-west-vintage-america-collection-is-here/26918. Retrieved 1 September 2011. 
11. ^ Noble, Melissa (8 July 2010). "Joss Stone Designing A Line Of Shoes For Nine West". Mark Pasetsky's Cover Awards. http://coverawards.com/2010/07/08/joss-stone-designing-a-line-of-shoes-for-nine-west/. Retrieved 24 September 2010. 
12. ^ "Tucker for Target GO International Collection". 7 September 2010. http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com/archive/tucker-for-target/. 
13. ^ Wilson, Eric. "A Marriage of Economic Convenience". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/17/fashion/designer-retailer-union-remains-lucrative.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=marc%20beckman&st=cse. Retrieved 16 November 2011. 
14. ^ "UNIQLO snags Cloak, Phillip Lim, Alice Roi and More for Exclusives". The Shophound. http://www.theshophound.typepad.com/the_shophound/2006/10/uniqlo_snags_cl.html. Retrieved 30 September 2011. 
15. ^ Hyland, Veronique. "Editor". Harper's Bazaar. http://www.harpersbazaar.com/bazaar-blog/leslie-fremar-fruit-of-the-loom-051911. 
16. ^ Pinson, Laurel. "Pamela Love to Create Jewelry for Topshop". NBC New York. http://www.nbcnewyork.com/blogs/threadny/THREAD-Pamela-Love-to-Create-Jewelry-for-Topshop-118111364.html. Retrieved 16 March 2011. 
17. ^ "Star Trek x Staple x Airwalk Sneaker". The Shoe Game. http://theshoegame.com/articles/star-trek-x-staple-x-airwalk-sneaker.html. Retrieved 08 May 2009. 
18. ^ "OpenSky Launches, Making Online Shopping Personal and Social". PR Newswire. April 18, 2011. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/opensky-launches-making-online-shopping-personal-and-social-120064234.html. Retrieved 30 September 2011. 
19. ^ Covert, James (1 December 2008). "'Runway' Winner Finds a Good Fit With Payless". New York Post. http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/item_ic9aDZeAZcyYnRJTqP1cyK. Retrieved 24 September 2010. 
20. ^ "Christian Siriano: Fall 09 Ready To Wear Preview – Up Close & Personal!". Progressive Pulse. 20 May 2009. http://progressivepulse.com/blog2/2009/05/20/christian-siriano-fall-09-ready-to-wear-preview-up-close-personal/. Retrieved 24 September 2010. 
21. ^ Dodes, Rachel (25 October 2008). "Project Siriano". The Wall Street Journal. http://online.wsj.com/article/NA_WSJ_PUB:SB122488903880468479.html#articleTabs%3Darticle. Retrieved 24 September 2010. 
22. ^ Gomez, Jay (20 November 2009). "Irina Shabayeva wins Project Runway Season 6". The Next Reporter. http://thenextreporter.com/jg/irina-shabayeva-wins-project-runway-season-6/082949/. Retrieved 24 September 2010. 
23. ^ "Vancouver designer Seth Aaron Henderson featured in Marie Claire". The Columbian. 11 July 2010. http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/jul/11/vancouver-designer-sethaaron-henderson-featured-in/. Retrieved 24 September 2010. 
24. ^ Park, Jeannette (23 April 2007). ""Project Runway" Winner Designs Her Next Challenge". Fashion Wire Daily. http://www.fashionwiredaily.com/first_word/fashion/article.weml?id=1106. Retrieved 24 September 2010. 
25. ^ Beckett, Whitney (31 January 2007). "Chloe Dao Partners with QVC". Women's Wear Daily (New York, NY: Fairchild Publications, Inc.) 193 (22): 6. http://www.wwd.com/fashion-news/chloe-dao-partners-with-qvc-509223. Retrieved 24 September 2010. 
26. ^ Peden, Lauren David (22 October 2006). "A NIGHT OUT WITH -- Jeffrey Sebelia; Project Now What Happens?". The New York Times. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A0CEEDC163FF931A15753C1A9609C8B63. Retrieved 24 September 2010. 
27. ^ "DMA Signs Cal Ripken, Jr.". Business Wire. 16 April 2007. http://www.allbusiness.com/services/business-services/4319494-1.html. Retrieved 24 September 2010. 
28. ^ Karimzadeh, Marc. "Amar'e Stoudemire Jumps Into Fashion". Womens Wear Daily. http://www.wwd.com/menswear-news/amares-fashion-focus-3581512?browsets=1305068827180. Retrieved 13 April 2011. 
29. ^ Zwerling, Jared. "Editor". ESPN. http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/knicks/post/_/id/5891/amare-stoudemire-the-sportswriter. Retrieved 27 July 2011. 
30. ^ "NBA Superstar Amar'e Stoudemire Signs with Scholastic to Publish New Children's Book Series". Scholastic. http://mediaroom.scholastic.com/node/487. Retrieved 11 August 2011. 
31. ^ Romoff, Audrey. "Sears Canada Announces "Top Model" Personality Jay Manuel as Creative Director for Private Label Attitude Collections". NewsWire. http://www.wwd.com/menswear-news/amares-fashion-focus-3581512?browsets=1305068827180. Retrieved 1 March 2011. 
32. ^ "Conran Bath & Body". Conran and Company. http://www.conranandcompany.com/partners/kokomo. Retrieved 12 May 2011. 
33. ^ "OpenSky Launches, Making Online Shopping Personal and Social". PR Newswire. April 18, 2011. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/opensky-launches-making-online-shopping-personal-and-social-120064234.html. Retrieved 30 September 2011. 
34. ^ "QVC Announces TV Cooking Show Host Lidia Bastianich’s Debut Date As This Sunday". Homeshoppingista. http://homeshoppingista.wordpress.com/2010/10/23/qvc-announces-tv-cooking-show-host-lidia-bastianichs-debut-date-as-this-sunday/. Retrieved 23 October 2010. 
35. ^ "Kimpton Launches 'Travel Healthy' Offerings With Joy Bauer". PR Newswire. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kimpton-launches-travel-healthy-offerings-with-joy-bauer-114146709.html. Retrieved 18 January 2011. 
36. ^ "OpenSky Launches, Making Online Shopping Personal and Social". PR Newswire. April 18, 2011. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/opensky-launches-making-online-shopping-personal-and-social-120064234.html. Retrieved 30 September 2011.