Maya Harney

Intro Post: Fashion Through a Public Relations Lens

Hello fashion lovers, PR enthusiasts, and everyone in between! Welcome to the first of many blogs where style meets strategy. I’m Maya Harney, a Public Relations student at the University of Oregon, and I am thrilled to embark on this blogging journey that blends my two greatest interests: fashion and strategic communication.

Purpose:
As I navigate the world of fashion through a PR lens, my purpose is clear — to unravel the intricacies behind the glamor to spotlight the strategic communication that shapes the industry. Fashion is all about perception, which is why the strategic communications going into fashion campaigns and events is of utmost importance – from good (or bad) corporate social responsibility, news garnered around certain campaigns, ethics and sustainability efforts going into the fashion itself, and shaping the way a brand is perceived. Through my blogs, I aim to be a primary source for those seeking insights into how PR weaves its magic behind the scenes of fashion events, from the bustling runway shows to the innovative popup shops. 

Topic:
Fashion, with its ever-changing trends and dynamic narratives, is not just about the clothes we wear but is also a powerful language of expression. I’ll be exploring the intersection of fashion and public relations, diving deep into the strategic decisions that go into each spectacle. Special events PR within the fashion realm, including runway shows and popup shops, will be under the spotlight, dissected through a PR aficionado’s lens. Through my blogs, it’ll become Swarovski-crystal-clear how strategic communications behind these campaigns and events can make a complete difference in the way it is perceived by the public. And in an industry where stories are told through garments, making sure your story comes across the right way is crucial. 

Interest:
I’ve loved fashion since I can remember; I used to watch shows like “What Not To Wear” and “America’s Next Top Model” with my mom on Sunday mornings and was mesmerized by the way the human body was being used as the canvas for gorgeous fabrics to drape and shape onto. My fascination with fashion goes beyond the surface trends; to me it’s about unraveling the stories woven into each garment. From the avant-garde designs of Miu Miu to the streetwise chic of Rick Owens, fashion is my canvas for storytelling. My interest lies in understanding how these narratives are communicated to the world, creating a dialogue between brands and their audience.

Experience:
Currently working in E-commerce Marketing, I’ve been able to immerse myself in the digital landscape, honing skills in social media engagement, SMS marketing, and website work and design. Beyond that, I’ve had experience modeling for product photoshoots and helping with set design for shoots which is what initially piqued my interest in things like fashion campaign photoshoots, and fashion special events as well, since I’ve been able to see the behind-the-scenes of shoots and campaigns myself. As I step into the world of fashion blogging, my academic journey and professional experience converge, providing a unique perspective that combines theory with practical insights. 

Stay tuned for my series of blogs that divulge into the world of fashion and PR. This site isn’t about just blogs; it’s a conversation, an exploration, and an ode to the fusion of both style and strategy. I aim to make every post unveil a new layer of the fascinating world that is fashion PR. Here’s to an exciting journey ahead! Learn more about me here.