Susan J. Ashbrook is a trailblazing entrepreneur and author whose multifaceted career bridged the worlds of fashion and celebrity marketing. She began her journey in the fashion industry as Director of Marketing and Public Relations for designer, Richard Tyler, working with high-profile clients such as Julia Roberts and Mick Jagger. Recognizing the power of celebrity influence, Susan founded Film Fashion, Los Angeles’ first fashion product placement agency. The agency’s inaugural client was Ralph Lauren, and it quickly expanded to represent luxury brands like Chopard, Escada, Lanvin, Swarovski, and Harry Winston, pairing them with A-list celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron, Halle Berry, and Jennifer Lopez. Ashbrook’s capabilities to selectively pair the “right” celebrity with client products on the hottest red carpets and events helped clients save money, time and effort.
After selling Film Fashion to PR and Advertising powerhouse Rogers & Cowan/Interpublic Group, Ashbrook took time to write her first book “Will Work For Shoes: The Business Behind Red Carpet Product Placement” a guide offering insights into leveraging celebrity endorsements for brand promotion. The Wall Street Journal called the book, “a voyeuristic peek behind the curtain”.
Ashbrook is currently working on her next book, bringing the same sharp insight and enthusiasm for celebrity culture. In the meantime, she travels the world while actively managing the production and marketing of her own gold metal-winning wine label, El Rey Wine.
