CATCHING SOME FLACK: Dylan Lauren was the special guest at Monday night’s kickoff event for the networking site Czardom at The Skylark Lounge. Started by Jennifer DeMarchi, the group’s first gathering brought together 300 publicists, media types and marketing executives. She said, “The thing that really sets Czardom apart is the overall fraternal nature and support members give each other — freely opening their Rolodexes, volunteering help and support on many levels and the general good will. This is a breath of fresh air in an industry perceived as mean-spirited, competitive and to be blunt- bitchy. We are dedicated to nurturing talent and connecting talented people. In essence we are publicists that actually like other publicists.”
From the pr side, Howard Bragman Carol Bell, Shawn Sachs and Stephanie Smirov are among the 8,500 publicists who are part of this closed Facebook group. Sheryl Sandberg, Dany Levy, Christina Greeven Cuomo, Aaron Hicklin, Lucy Danziger and Teri Agins are among the media-minded members. Fashion ones include Lisa Smilor, Andy Cohen, Sally Hershberger, Adam Lippes, Bonobos’ Andy Dunn and Tory Burch’s Honor Brodie. Czardom aims to connect journalists and publicists in order to help find sources for stories, recommendations for vendors, stylists, photographers, Web designers, job recruiting or professional advice.
Czardom’s senior executive team includes DeMarchi’s husband John, who is chief operating officer, chief marketing officer Cassin Donn Duncan, Robert Zimmerman and photographer Jennifer Graylock.