But what exactly is a publicist?
The word publicist carries a hint of intrigue.
It takes us back to a time when this profession unfolded behind the scenes, long before the internet, social media, and influencer marketing.
In fashion, beauty, or design, publicists---often called press agents---were key figures.
They were recognized as true experts, and their role went far beyond sharing information.
They shaped careers. They created events. And they knew how to captivate the media.
Take Eleanor Lambert.
She founded the Fashion Calendar.
She invented... New York Fashion Week!
Thanks to her, American designers like Oscar de la Renta and Calvin Klein gained international recognition.
Lambert wasn't just a publicist---she was a visionary.
In Hollywood, there was Lois Smith.
She had a gift for turning an actress into an icon.
Marilyn Monroe owed her a lot.
Smith knew how to orchestrate public appearances, manage relationships with journalists, and build a story around a personality.
Being a publicist back then meant having a precious contact book, an intimate knowledge of the industry, and above all, an unfailing instinct for storytelling.
Their influence was built on trust, respect, and professional rigor.
Today, the profession has evolved.
PR agencies have taken over.
They juggle journalists, influencers, social media, visual content, digital partnerships... and even paid advertising.
Results are measured differently: reach, engagement, conversions.
Yet despite these sophisticated tools, the essence of the job remains the same.
Whether it's a journalist in the 1950s or a content creator today, strong stories, authentic narratives, and genuine human connections remain the key to building awareness for a product or personality.
The word publicist is still widely searched online.
And yesterday's publicists and today's agencies share one thing in common: lasting visibility is built on storytelling and human relationships.
The very term publicist continues to fascinate.
It evokes elegance, subtlety, and the boldness of those pioneers who turned communication into an art form.
Their legacy lives on in every press release, every event, every strategy designed to bring a story to life.
In the end, no matter the tools.
No matter the era.
Our profession remains the same: weaving stories, creating connections, and building visibility that lasts.
This is what PR professionals continue to do today, still inspired by those who shaped the history of the craft.
I'm also taking this opportunity to announce our next free workshop on the #1 PR tool: the press release.
Reserve your spot even if you can't join us live. The session will be recorded, and a replay link will be sent to all registrants after October 15, 2025.
FREE WORKSHOP ➤ https://event.webinarjam.com/register/43/xkqx7cm6
Don't miss one of our last cohort of the year to learn how to:
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- November 10, 2025
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