His career has taken him around the world and back again. In less than six years, Alcindor has turned the once unknown Ports 1961 into a household name that has attracted the attention of everyone from Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour to Olivia Palermo.
Given Alcindor’s regarded position in the fashion world, we thought it would be a great idea to pick the vivacious fashionisto’s brain about what it takes to be a publicist, what it’s like to work Fashion Week from a PR perspective, the future of luxury, and so much more…
The Fashion Spot: Did you always know you wanted to work in the fashion industry?
Tony Alcindor: Yes. I was always fascinated by the glamorous images I saw in magazines, and I loved beautiful clothes from a very young age.
I went to school for fashion design and was in the industry for almost 25 years. I designed women’s, men’s, and children’s wear. I even did interiors.
tFS: Where you always interested in PR?
TA: I had never thought of doing PR, but Tia and Fiona Cibani of Ports 1961 saw great potential, and took a chance with me that changed the course of my life. I am forever grateful.
tFS: What do you think makes a great publicist?
TA: Integrity, honesty, hard work, loyalty, caring, passion….the same qualities that any other job requires. I also do not believe in the publicists rhetoric of “circling back, out-sourcing and up streaming” it does not make much sense to me. Also no one is more important than the client – no one.
