Major fashion PRs Modus and BCPM merge

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Sep 6, 2017

Two major names in fashion PR, strategy and marketing have merged with Modus and BCPM London becoming ModusBCPM.

The deal has been in the making for several months with CEO of the combined firm Julian Vogel telling Fashion Network: “We have long shared a vision, clients and culture, so it made sense for us to cement our relationship and bolster the capabilities and services we offer.

“The merging of our London offices and strategic alliance with BPCM NY and BPCM LA will enable the combined business to forge into new territories. Our combined strength in digital strategy, influencer marketing, brand strategy and integrated communications will create a platform for brands to have a strong strategic partner across Europe and the US.”

Catherine Bowman, the managing director of BPCM London, who was also previously Modus fashion director and head of global public relations for Net-a-Porter, becomes managing director of the new company in London.

BPCM founders Carrie Ellen Phillips and Vanessa von Bismarck will continue to be based in New York and work alongside Vogel to build the business in Europe. BPCM NY and BPCM LA remain entities of BPCM Worldwide.

The changes come as, after 30 years, Modus founder Diana Hall is leaving the business and it was an opportune time for Vogel to look for synergies within an international network, to expand the company’s reach and scope.

“Vanessa, Julian and I all agree that the old ways of doing PR are becoming obsolete,” said Phillips. “Our business model has already moved away from pure publicity and we are instead using traditional media as one piece of an overall strategy that combines experiential, digital, influencer and customer acquisition strategies. For years Julian, Vanessa and I have acted as a sounding board for one another and merging feels like a natural evolution for our businesses and our teams.”  

The combined company handles publicity for brands including Aldo, Bally, Calvin Klein, Etro, Hobbs, QVC Beauty and Sergio Rossi.