Rachna Shah is partner and managing director at KCD, the pioneering fashion public relations firm founded by Kezia Keeble, John Duka and Paul Cavaco in 1984, and which built its reputation in the early days by working with top designers including Gianni Versace and Tom Ford at Yves Saint Laurent.
Following the passing of co-chairman Ed Filipowski in 2020, Shah has stepped up into a growing leadership role. Her approach to the evolving media landscape, combined with her expertise in event management and building brand experiences, has maintained KCD’s position as the industry's go-to firm for runway shows and major global events, including the CFDA Awards and The Met Gala.
Shah joined KCD over 25 years ago, just after graduating from New York University. Over the next 25-plus years, she has managed relationships with Givenchy, Tom Ford, Valentino and Gucci.
Recognising the seismic shift in the media landscape, Shah spearheaded the launch of KCD’s full-scale digital arm, becoming one of the first fashion PR firms to do so. Her purview extended beyond traditional PR; she saw the potential of integrating digital, social, influencer marketing and partnerships with global luxury and fashion brands.
"I love my clients. I love the work, which is what keeps me motivated. I love putting together an event. I love putting together a strategy. I still get excited when a story comes out about a brand; I love seeing the fashion credit,” she told Fashionista in 2018.
