Even the most talented artists or designers need help if they hope to share their gifts with the masses and make a career for themselves. Enter the Public Relations firm. The job of the PR firm is to bring success to someone else, and how well the firm manages to do that can pay huge dividends to both the client and the firm.

To gain a better perspective of the PR firm's inner workings, Topcoat Magazine decided to pick the brain of Mirella Afonso, the Founder and CEO of BlaBlaBla Public Relations. BlaBlaBla has worked with such fashion designers as Carlos Miele and Geova, as well as cutting edge artists like Coco Dolle. Afonso, a native of Brazil, attended FIT and soon after began working for Vogue. Her attraction to the industry naturally drew her to start her own PR agency. During all the craziness of Fashion Week, we were still able to catch up with Afonso.

TCM:  When looking to represent an artist or designer, what do you look for that draws you to want to represent them?

MA:  I look first for creativity. I really love when people can generate new ideas or concepts. Originality is a must for me. As a visual and artistic person, I admire colors, shapes, and nature itself. Every time a client approaches me I tend to look at the overall ideas they present and trust in my instinct and PR skills to judge and make sure that they share a similar direction as BlaBlaBla.

TCM:  What do you see as the role of the PR firm in fashion and art?

MA:  PR is not just about sending gifts to editors. It is about image enhancing. It is very important to show the world/press/buyers what the designer or artist is truly about. Of course the focus of the PR firm should be to meet the client's needs whatever they might be. Some people look for status, others for money and sales...and we are here to help with all.

TCM:  There is definitely a Brazilian flavor to some of your clients and you are also from Brazil. Is that coincidental or does your culture play a role in who you work with or how you work?

MA:  I do believe that the fact that I am Brazilian plays an important role in how I work and who I work for. Brazilians tend to be vary passionate about what they do and my clients can sense that from me. If they like it, they will go for it. BlaBlaBla has also been working with great Brazilian clients and, because of our exposure in Brazil, more of them seem to come our way.

by EJ Jacobs