building global brands from concept to consumer

Forstenzer Consulting Group is a global branding and product development consulting company led by Debra Forstenzer, and supported by a group of senior partners.

Debra owns a rare combination of creating and reinventing global brands with deep experience in taking those brands to market to drive revenue growth. Established and start-up clients hire Debra because she thinks macro and acts micro. No detail from global brand integration to manufacturing outsourcing to point of sale promotion escapes her attention.

She has success stories for DKNY, Movado, Cole Haan, Lantis Eyewear, Joseph Abboud and other blue chip brands. 

the woman behind the brands

While grounded in best business practices (some of which she has pioneered), Debra is known for her outstanding creative vision directing teams to produce successful products for eyewear, jewelry, watches and travel accessories brands. Clients value Debra as a strategist who capitalizes on emerging trends to create and drive consumer demand. 

She has the uncanny ability to develop products that are well designed, technologically advanced, profitable to manufacture and appealing to both retailers and consumers.

Clients and colleagues describe Debra as a trendspotter, a global connector, a team leader and collaborator, and a dynamic presenter. She is passionate about learning from and educating her peers, and passing on her knowledge to young people. As a thought leader she is recognized for her impactful training programs, seminars and speaking engagements. She has served as Director at FashionCampNYC, Board Member at Optical Women's Association (OWA), Board Member/Marketing Lead at Parents in Action, and is currently Marketing Chair at the Hamilton Business Alliance.

services 

forstenzer consulting group is a global leader in BRANDING AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

success stories 

helping real companies earn real results

• Reinventing Movado’s iconic museum dial into today’s sleek fashion and sports product, reinvigorating their global luxury category. 

• Introducing an innovative new line of eyewear and comprehensive marketing plan for high-end optical and department stores including Saks, Barney’s and Neiman Marcus.

• Creating a new $50 million annual revenue stream by updating design and creating new merchandising strategies for Donna Karan eyewear with many of the original designs still selling over 20 years later.

• Partnering with scientists and chemists at NASA to create a new sunglass lens for eyewear and Kevlar-enhanced material for Movado watchbands, both of which remain in use today.

• Furthering skills in assisting business leaders tasked with retooling and revitalizing their enterprises through Stanford University's Innovation Masters Series - Design Thinking and the Art of Innovation.

clients

• Adidas
• B+D Fashion Accessories
• Bolle Performance Eyewear
• Cole Haan Eyewear
• Donna Karan & DKNY
• Essilor International
• European Sunglass Association
• Fabris Lane Ltd.
• Fada Industries - Watches
• Fedon American - Giorgio Fedon Leather Goods