By Marc Karimzadeh

 

NEW YORK — Kim Vernon has spent much time honing her skills in marketing and advertising, which she is now channeling into Vernon Co.

 

The consultancy is less traditional public relations and more media strategy and brand building. The former Calvin Klein Inc. executive, who launched her firm last October, is taking a multipronged approach: marketing, branding and communication; licensing and alternative distribution channels, and working directly with private equity firms on investment opportunities in the fashion and luxury sectors.

 

"I love brands and products, as long as they have integrity," she said. "And I am not only interested in fashion. I want to help people grow their brands, or help tarnished brands."

 

Until October 2005, Vernon was senior vice president of global advertising and communications at Calvin Klein Inc., where she managed a $250 million marketing budget for the company, which at the time had 35 licensees and a staff of more than 60 in advertising and public relations. 

 

Vernon has spent time casually meeting with young designers over the past few months to try to help them raise capital with equity firms.