KCD And Spring Announce Worldwide Strategic Partnership

NEW YORK, July 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading fashion PR and events agency KCD and studio complex and multichannel creative agency Spring have announced today the companies have entered an exclusive worldwide strategic partnership designed to bring together the strengths and expertise of both companies in an unprecedented combined range of innovative global fashion communication services. 

Spearheading the strategic partnership are Spring CEO and Founder Mark Loy, Spring Chairman Francesco Costa and KCD Presidents Julie Mannion and Ed Filipowski.

"With our mutual high creative standards and decades of combined fashion expertise, this partnership seemed a natural way for our agency and Spring to define the next generation of brand communications by jointly finding solutions and opportunities for our clients," said Ed Filipowski.  "The landscape of the fashion and luxury industry is filled with more messaging possibilities than ever and aggregating services is the way to move forward."

Said Mark Loy: "The list of things a brand needs is now longer than the list of things an agency can supply. We have reached a tipping point, technology has come of age and is now capable of delivering brand experiences at a myriad of new touch points. Brands need to manage multiple brand channels, but executed to the same distinction a brand has historically achieved for its fashion advertising, shows, etc. Spring and KCD, working in collaboration as an integrated approach, will help brands understand and harness the power of this new complex landscape."

The two powerhouse companies will focus the strategic partnership on expanding beyond core business into collaborating in the following new ways:

SPRING NEW YORK
Scheduled to open in March 2013 on St. John Lane at Varick Street, the 120,000 square foot complex will be a center of creativity like the Spring London counterpart with state of the art studio spaces, production, post production, extensive digital and creative services, two director's cinemas, world class catering, event and collection presentation spaces including a 20,000 sq. foot roofdeck.  KCD will be the exclusive New York consultant for the opening of Spring New York and its ongoing programming.

SPRING CREATIVE
Spring Creative is the advertising and creative division of Spring London. Employing 100 staff, with the creative teams being led by Robin Derrick, ex-Creative Director of UK Vogue and Armani and Robin Harvey, ex-Creative Director of Rimmel, Max Factor and the founding Creative Director of Net-a-Porter. Client services is headed by Camilla Simpson, previously Head of Client services at David Lipman. Offices are in London and Milan and opening in NY in September.

Spring Creative is multi-channel approach to brand communications, developing exceptional content, campaigns and digital platforms including some of the most successful ecommerce platforms globally. Clients include Louis Vuitton, Target, Versace, Max Factor and editorials British Vogue and the recent redesign of US Harpers Bazaar. Spring and KCD will now work together to collectively offer full-service brand communication programs to clients as applicable.

KCD LONDON AT SPRING
The new KCD London at Spring, a satellite PR and events office opening late July, will bring the strategic expertise of KCD NY and Paris to the UK and additionally focus on digital and other ventures with Spring.

KCD DIGITAL AND SPRING CREATIVE
Spring Creative is the official development partner of KCD Digital on creating digital projects for its clients.

All of KCD's and Spring's businesses will remain independent, including KCD's headquarters in NY and European base in Paris and Spring's London headquarters and Milan satellite office. Management and employees will benefit from a cross-synergy of expertise and services for the clients, particularly in the partnership areas identified above.

About KCD New York and KCD Paris:
New York is the international headquarters of the PR and events agency founded in 1984.  Its European subsidiary of 12 years is KCD Paris.  The agency launched KCD Digital in 2010 and has received recognition in the industry for respectfully addressing the traditional needs of fashion within the digital world.  The company has 60 employees worldwide with over 75 clients ranging from top luxury houses, established and emerging designers, accessories companies and leading mass retailers and lifestyle brands. KCD is also recognized for its support of the international fashion industries, specifically through its work with the CFDA and BFC and support of international new talent. 

About Spring London and Spring Milan:
Since its founding 15 years ago, Spring's 44,000 square foot headquarters in London has been at the forefront of the creative industries with its two divisions, Spring Creative and Spring Creative Services. The five-story complex providing studio spaces, stills and moving image production, post-production facilities, and 360 creative and digital services.  Spring is expanding globally with a space in Milan, a US flagship complex launching in NY in March 2013. Spring has over 220 employees and has worked with all leading international photographers, art directors, fashion houses, beauty companies, magazines, models and stylists. 

SOURCE KCD