Vanessa von Bismarck - Founding Partner at BCPM

Vanessa von Bismarck - Founding Partner at BCPM

Author: the co-lab October 8, 2024 Duration: 14:36

Vanessa is recognized as one of the most established and respected global voices in fashion and luxury PR. In the nearly two decades since founding BPCM, Vanessa has been instrumental in building legacy brands and launching brands that have become household names. ​An expert in navigating the ever-changing landscape, Vanessa often serves as industry insider and ally helping to usher in the latest industry disruption through her ability to anticipate market shifts and upcoming innovations.​

In this episode, Vanessa von Bismarck speaks with her business partner, Carrie Ellen Phillips about her unexpected journey into the PR industry. Vanessa shares her transition from being a commodities trader in London to starting a PR agency in New York. She offers insightful advice on building confidence and taking risks, while emphasizing the importance of connectivity and the joy of watching others grow.


Behind every successful brand, collection, or campaign in the worlds of fashion, beauty, and luxury, there are people with stories that rarely make the front page. The co-lab career stories brings those narratives to the forefront, moving past polished resumes to explore the real, often winding journeys of professionals. This isn't about theoretical advice; it's a series of candid conversations hosted by members of the co-lab community themselves. You'll hear from a CEO reflecting on a pivotal early mistake alongside an assistant buyer navigating their first major season, all within the same episode. The dialogue naturally covers the unexpected detours, the jobs that didn't work out, and the moments of mentorship that changed everything. By focusing on personal experience rather than industry abstraction, this podcast reveals the human texture of creative and commercial fields. It serves as a reminder that a career is rarely a straight line, especially in fast-paced sectors driven by art and aesthetics. Tune in for genuine reflections on building a life in these visually compelling industries, where every story adds a new thread to the broader tapestry.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The co-lab career stories
Podcast Episodes
Kate Carroll - Stylist and Retail Expert [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:29
Kate Carroll is a stylist and retail expert with a background in fashion and apparel design. She thrives on building meaningful relationships, managing projects, and creating seamless experiences. With a keen eye for det…
Fatima Ahmed - Consultant, The øther [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:11
With over 15 years of experience, Fatima Ahmed has developed a career with a strong passion for inclusivity in fashion. Most recently, with Universal Standard, she was part of the team that brought the brand to its curre…
Kamrin Huban - Executive Leadership & Performance Coach [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:32
Kamrin Huban transitioned from 22 years in global fashion operations with adidas, Coach, and Brahmin to launch her leadership coaching business five years ago. Kamrin specializes in guiding seasoned corporate women throu…
Jennifer Cook - Buyer at ONS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:35
Jennifer Cook has spent well over a decade in the fashion industry, working across wholesale, retail, and merchandising functions at companies such as Zac Posen, Suno, and Westerlind. While most of her career has been sp…
Sarah Shapiro - Retail Correspondent for Puck's Line Sheet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:29
Sarah Shapiro is a retail executive with 20 years of experience in merchandising and digital commerce at companies like Bloomingdale’s and Williams-Sonoma. She founded Retail Diary, a newsletter with 10,000+ subscribers,…
Cynthia Kalfa - Founder of Ondine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:33
With over 15 years of experience in high-growth startups within the hospitality industry, including hotels, spas, and food & tech, Cynthia brings a wealth of expertise to her latest venture—an UPF apparel brand, Ondine.…
Tina Yau - Founder of TYVY [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:48
Tina Yau is a retail eCommerce executive with over 25 years of experience in fashion and beauty. Having held leadership roles at global brands such as A|X Armani Exchange, Saks Fifth Avenue, Estée Lauder, and Uniqlo, Tin…
Rivya Sodhi - Fashion Lawyer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:25
Rivya is most recently an x-JPMorgan Chase Governance, Risk, and Compliance Expert searching for her next opportunity. She is a legal and compliance expert with over a decade of experience in regulatory compliance, corpo…
Shraddha Desai - Legal Fellow, OMI Legal LLC [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:06
Shraddha Desai is an attorney from India with an LL.M. in Fashion Law from Fordham University School of Law. She has over three years of legal experience. She specializes in IP protection and startup law at OMI Legal, su…