KARLA OTTO

In a world saturated with content, how can brands successfully communicate their value and meaningfully add to consumers’ conversations? For many, the answer lies in entertainment. Where content used to be a side-channel, it’s now a core communications strategy, spanning product placement, original storytelling and strategic talent partnerships rooted in pop culture.  From the brands embedding themselves in buzzy films like ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and ‘Frankenstein’ to those enlisting renowned film directors for their campaigns, we highlight the strategies capturing attention in our newsletter. 

Even Realities, the visionary brand behind the first everyday smart glasses, is dedicated to redefining eyewear by seamlessly blending advanced display technology with timeless design and everyday comfort.    Driven by a mission to revolutionise the eyewear industry, Even Realities combines cutting-edge display technology with refined design and everyday comfort. Founder and CEO Will Wang envisions a future where technology enhances daily life rather than distracts from it, empowering people to experience more, not less.      This month, Even Realities unveiled its latest innovations, the Even G2 Display Smart Glasses and the Even R1 Smart Ring. With standout features that enable effortless communication, translation, and navigation, the G2 glasses elevate real-world interaction through subtle prompts and seamless assistance — empowering you to stay present while staying connected.

Could new Indian stars disrupt the APAC landscape? At Insights by Karla Otto, we’re already tracking the next talent wave. Our team has identified the new and the next in APAC, backed by performance data from our partner, Lefty. Discover a shortlist in our latest newsletter – and reach out for bespoke talent services. 

Yukiguma is a premium Japanese Sake, brewed at the foot of Mount Ikoma in the Osaka Province, which captures the essence of Japan’s natural terroir and beauty. Yukiguma, meaning ‘snow bear’, was founded by Nathalie, a visionary and winemaker celebrated for her innovative approach in the storied wine regions of Margaux, Jurançon, and Burgundy. In her dedication to creating exceptional sake, Yukiguma captures the essence of Japan’s natural beauty while preserving a commitment to quality and tradition in the brewing techniques. Yukiguma is now represented by Karla Otto for communications and media relations in the UK.

From art week run clubs and sensorial experiences to book talks: luxury is finding innovative ways to show up at global art fairs. Art season proved fruitful: Frieze saw its strongest opening evening sale in seven years, while Gagosian sold out within hours, and Art Basel Paris also saw promising returns. Yet, the conversation is no longer just about art on walls, but the brands that are claiming their space in and around the fairs. With a plethora of global events set to take place in the coming months, which brands are asserting themselves in the art calendar and what strategies are winning?  We unpack what you might have missed in this week's newsletter. 

WWD features Insights by KARLA OTTO's SS26 Womenswear Report in collaboration with partner agencies at The Independents, Lefty and CTZAR.   The article calls out the rising social commentator cohort which Karla Otto started tracking in 2023: “They are loved by their audiences for their distinctive, non-filtered opinion. In a world where we face constant information overload, audiences are valuing individualism and this is something fashion commentators provide in abundance,” said Lissy von Schwarzkopf, Global Chief Business Officer, Karla Otto. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gsw4WqSy

ARCANE 17, the hottest new bar & restaurant in Paris' Marais district, serving elevated cuisine with Catalan and Basque accents. With Chef Sophie Leger at the helm of the kitchen, guests indulge in creative plates produced with discipline and impeccable technique.    The immersive design of the restaurant by Betyle Studio melds Spanish, French, and contemporary influences, reflective of its perfectly curated menu. From a charcoal-grilled ‘catch of the day’ to a perfect Catalan cream dessert, Arcane 17 is a must-try restaurant.   Arcane 17 is now represented by Karla Otto for Communications in France.

Beyond runway shows and brand activations, a new kind of audience gathered during Fashion Month. ‘La Watch Party’, created by Elias Medini (aka Lyas), brought together thousands of fashion fans to collectively stream some of the season’s best shows. His criteria for these events were clear: community-first, not ticketed, and, most of all, open to all.   Overall, this fanfare of events garnered $3.9 million in Earned Media Value (EMV), according to Lefty data, rivalling the visibility of established fashion houses.   In our latest newsletter, Insights by Karla Otto sat down with Lyas to unpack the story behind La Watch Party, what’s in it for brands and what it means for the future of the industry. 

Founded by Giovanni Fontana in 1937, Valextra is one of Italy’s most renowned and discerning leather goods brands. Taking inspiration from its hometown of Milan, Valextra’s handbags and luggage embody the brand's commitment to engineering beauty and creating meaningful everyday objects of desire.   From the classic Tric Trac wrist bag, first conceived in 1968, and the iconic Iside handbag, designed in 2011, to the Milano handbag introduced in 2023 as the ultimate everyday luxury companion, preservation and innovation go hand in hand in Valextra’s approach to craft and construction. Signature details, such as the black lacquered Costa edging, the fine hand-painted Inchiostro lines, and our exquisitely soft leathers like Millepunte, Palmellato, Sublime and Senso nubuck, have endured as discreet yet distinctive signatures that make Valextra recognisable around the world.   Valextra is now represented by Karla Otto Paris for Communications and Media Relations in France. 

Founded in 2013, Marrakshi Life is brought to you by husband duo Randall Bachner and Nicholas Minucciani with the primary intent of honouring Moroccan handweaving traditions and culture by supporting and preserving its traditional weaving practices. A Marrakech based Brand and Atelier working exclusively with fabrics handwoven by their in-house team of local artisans, Marrakshi Life focuses on zero waste, low impact, sustainable production practices. The brand’s legacy of craftsmanship remains the brand's backbone, reflected in their ongoing commitment to supporting colour, craft and contemporary design.   Marrakshi Life is now represented by Karla Otto for Media Relations, VIP & Influencer Engagement in the US, and providing strategic support for events and presentations globally.