Dough Donuts Soars in Fashion Partnership – WWD
DOUGH RAY ME: On the surface, donuts look like a very simple business: they sell fresh, colorful circular treats that appeal to the masses with quick turnaround. Steven Klein, co-founder of Dough Donuts As he testifies, his area of expertise sounds like the fashion industry.
After spending years manufacturing private-label sportswear on Seventh Avenue, he understands fashion, collaborations, and the ins and outs of the drop before diving into donuts. Last month, Dough donated 100 “X”-shaped turquoise and white donuts to the launch of “Sex and the City” actress Sarah Jessica Parker’s wine brand, Invivo X, SJP. “What happened was a PR firm called us in a panic—as is usual with many of these PR firms—and said, ‘Can you do it? And I said yes. They gave us a couple of days. The chef then has to blend and match the colors with the glaze,” says Klein.
Dough also offered Jimmy Fallon a “Happy Birthday” wish in letter-shaped donuts and donuts to the late-night talk show staff and production team. We sent it to him and they really enjoyed it, which is great for us.”
Dough is interested in using IMG’s talents to promote protein-packed donuts that are still in development. Unperturbed by the fact that models should pay attention to their weight instead of gaining weight, Klein said: And for some products, celebrities and athletes partner with something good,” Klein said. “You can also talk to fashion companies [on their level.] And we have a great presentation. He added that Dough started creating an Instagram-friendly donut wall at a special event a few years ago.
Klein, who is friendly with IMG Models and Fashion president Ivan Bart, described him as “a big donut guy.” Image, who has worked with many professional models for his makers, dismissed the suggestion that it was considered a work hazard, said Klein. Sometimes he does events with him and other times he does tastings with his staff. ”
Wanting to make prosecco-flavored donuts, Klein contacted Bart, who arranged a call with Christie Brinkley and her agent. This model helped Bellissima develop his Prosecco. “Christy loves the idea. We just need to find the time,” Klein said, adding that a few months ago, Dough made a custom yellow donut for her Vera Wang liquor launch. I added that I created (The designer once said her husband, the design director, brought donuts the day before the show, but it became a ritual because of superstition).
Through Vera Wang’s connections, three suitable No. 12 Irish Whiskey-infused donuts were created for a special event with company investor Conor McGregor. Doe also sent two boxes of donuts to Kim Kardashian of the “Saturday Night Live” team and designer Alexander Wang before appearing on the show last year.
Lauren B and Jennifer Fisher are also two jewelry companies that have used Dough. As with fashion, fabrics require samples. “I let everyone taste the donuts before agreeing to do anything so they’re in the same ballpark,” Klein said.
While Klein’s 7th Avenue experience was rooted in affordable apparel, he speaks the language of fashion and understands the need for speed.
“I work with and build relationships with so many PR firms. The minute they come up with an idea, they call us and say, ‘What do you think? And I say, ‘OK, how much time will you give me?'” Klein said.
A partnership with Tom Ford is high on Doe’s wish list. In an interview with InStyle last year, the designer said he eats at least three times a day and counts donuts as a food group. He also credits “his donut diet plan” with keeping him at the same weight he was in his 20s.
Asked if he was still connected to Ford as planned, Klein replied, “No, I’m going to work on Tom Ford.”