Quohnos Mitchell, a multifaceted individual whose journey is as diverse as it is inspiring, has carved a remarkable path through life. Born and raised in Detroit, his journey led him from the disciplined ranks of the United States Marine Corps to a dynamic career in fashion and public relations.

Mitchell’s father worked in the Chrysler Car Factory with hopes of seeing his son follow suit; Quohnos on the other hand had a different vision for his future which meant getting out of the Motor City. After Cass Technical High School, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, and upon completion, found himself drawn to the creative realm. He transitioned into entertainment working at Bad Boy Records and then found himself in the fashion industry, joining Tommy Hilfiger followed by Karl Lagerfeld.

The transition from a military career to the world of fashion is a unique and unconventional journey, so how did this happen?

It was a culmination of various factors that led me on my journey. I served in the military for an extended period, beginning as a private first class and progressing in rank to Sergeant. I was enlisted during wartime during the Desert Storm and Desert Shields campaigns. Thanks to the educational benefits offered by the Marine Corps, I was able to attend college while still stationed at Camp Pendleton California. Shortly after graduating, I sold everything I owned, jumped in my red Honda Civic and drove from California to New York City; I was drawn to the city. I crashed on a friend’s couch and immediately started my job hunt, seeking either an internship or a job in the fashion industry.

My path was not straightforward, but the qualities I acquired during my service, such as confidence, punctuality, a problem-solving mindset, and leadership skills, made it relatively easy for me to adapt because there was a shortage of individuals with my skill set.

Okay so you’re now in New York. What kicks off your career?

I would pinpoint two pivotal moments that ignited my fashion career, both in New York City. The first was my time at Bad Boy Entertainment, located in the Bertelsmann building. This was during the post-Biggie era but amidst the success of artists like Total, 112 and Black Rob. I was hired as a Public Relations assistant and became the PR on deck at artists’ photo shoots. I was excited by the wild savvy entrepreneurial entertainment vibe at Bad Boy.

The second moment was a great internship I landed at a top fashion PR agency called In-the-Mix that handled Diesel. It was a baptism by fire. Six months later it dawned on me that I had the potential to excel in this field, so I decided to actively seek out my own clients. I pitched my services and secured clients through connections in the music industry and through Todd Oldham. One of my early clients was Todd Oldham Jeans.

Interesting, so what’s your history with Tommy Hilfiger, and how did you become responsible for the European Headquarters?

A significant turning point came when a fashion director I knew suggested I contact Tommy Hilfiger regarding PR and marketing for Tommy Jeans, because of my experience in music entertainment. I secured an appointment with Andy Hilfiger. On the day of the meeting, I found myself in an elevator with Tommy Hilfiger himself. He asked me what I was doing there, and I explained my purpose in seeing Andy. To my amazement, Tommy invited me to meet with him once I was finished with Andy, ultimately leading to my hiring at Tommy Hilfiger to work on Tommy Jeans. That’s how my career in fashion came together.

 During a Tommy Hilfiger fashion show, I met the international director for Tommy. I expressed my interest in any potential opening in Europe; about a month later, he contacted me, revealing the plans to expand the business overseas. Unbeknownst to me, this expansion included the acquisition of the Karl Lagerfeld brand in 2000.

By the time I left, I had ascended from Director of European PR to Vice President of European PR overseeing 12 markets. Then Vice President of Global Marketing Communications at Karl Lagerfeld. As mentioned, I had both roles as part of my grooming in the company’s expansion.

You oversaw a project involving Beyoncé and Tommy Hilfiger. How did this collaboration come about?

As the European director, I was part of the launch in the European market. This project centered on launching the first fragrance featuring a Black woman, a significant milestone. Tommy Hilfiger took an innovative approach by negotiating a deal with Beyoncé’s management. She participated in a stunning black and white commercial singing “Wishing on a Star.” Iconic still today. I distinctly recall when we presented this commercial during marketing meetings to country managers, she was a showstopper. She is amazing and untouchable now. She immediately resonated with them. That fragrance added equity to the brand. Europeans love strong global American celebrity ambassadors. The goal was to align the brand with global icons, similar to what we did with Iman and David Bowie.

It’s important to note that projects like this had numerous complexities, primarily because they involved licensing agreements. This meant dealing with multiple countries and various key retailers. We held a huge press conference with European beauty press and fragrance retailers in London. Our challenge was to ensure that we maximized the brand’s visibility and leveraged its fame while ensuring the product was readily available in stores. And that the story was told to illuminate the partnership.

Tell me about your experience as the Global Vice President of Global Communication for Karl Lagerfeld.

My appointment to this role was primarily based on my proven track record. Tommy Hilfiger acquired Karl Lagerfeld. I had spent a significant portion of the past decade working abroad in Europe, most of that time dedicated to Tommy Hilfiger, then focused on Karl Lagerfeld. The Karl Lagerfeld brand was essentially all licensing arrangements with brand manufacturing partners, as Karl Lagerfeld was still involved with Chanel and Fendi.

The unique challenge was that the licensing teams from Karl Lagerfeld had never previously interacted. The Lagerfeld men’s line was based in Germany, while Karl Lagerfeld denim was launched in collaboration with Dutch partners. KL eyewear was with Marchon Eyewear in the US. KL Fragrances was in Paris. One of my initial projects was to bring all the licensees from different countries together because it seemed counterproductive for us to work in isolation without knowing each other.

You stated, “The fact is, King Karl Lagerfeld saw me, Black and all.” How so?

My experience with Karl Lagerfeld was markedly different. I was advised not to let my ego swell, considering I was heading to Paris to work with him and his team. I had the privilege of spending moments in Coco Chanel’s apartment and gaining access to the studio, which was filled with an extensive collection of books. Still, I often felt like an outsider due to the language barrier, as fluency in French was essential for full immersion and carried a unique cultural significance.

One incident left a lasting impression: I oversaw an advertising shoot in Karl’s Paris studio, meticulously reviewing the line sheets. This task was crucial because I was responsible for conveying all the details back to the Tommy Hilfiger team, bearing in mind that the Karl Lagerfeld brand was now under Tommy’s ownership. During this moment of complete silence, Karl Lagerfeld entered the room. It was the CD era; he adjusted his glasses, briefly pulled them down, and grabbed a CD before departing. To my surprise, he had chosen to play some hardcore rap and I couldn’t help but think, “What do you know about that, Karl?.” I think he was trying to connect. Yet, his choice of music may have shown that he had a deep understanding and appreciation for the zeitgeist and the cultural significance of that music. It was a remarkable moment.

Then you start your own private consultancy agency, AGENTQ; why?

Having worked with Tommy and Karl, I acquired a diverse skillset that allowed me to undertake various projects, including fragrances, books, and store openings. With additional training in digital marketing and media, I felt confident in tackling any project. When I eventually left those high-profile positions, I was at a crossroads, wondering about my next steps. It was at this point that I began pitching myself to potential clients.

One of my early clients was Dita Eyewear, for whom I orchestrated the global launch of Thom Browne’s eyewear collection. I took on these projects because they allowed me to apply my skills and expertise more independently and creatively instead of adhering to the corporate structure. Creating my path and pursuing my own ventures became increasingly important at that juncture.

Through AGENTQ, you’ve spearheaded The Cube at South Street Seaport, the global launch of Thom Browne Eyewear, and the Chloé boutique launch at Bal Harbour Shops. What are you working on now that you can discuss?

AGENTQ operates as an independent consultant. I actively engage with various clients and event agencies where I partner with organizations to execute for-profit or non-profit events. In the consultancy aspect, I offer strategic guidance and consultation on a wide range of projects, earning a fee for my expertise. For instance, I contribute to initiatives like the “African American Institute Gala” by bringing in a press line and coordinating invitations for fashion editors, enhancing the event’s visibility.

Similarly, for projects such as those in collaboration with the NAACP for National Women’s Month or the Power for Women Luncheon with United Way, my role extends beyond managing behind-the-scenes logistics and overseeing press-related activities and digital media efforts. Additionally, I work with Glow Global Events, and one of our notable endeavors was hosting a 400-person seated event at Cipriani with Trevor Noah as the host.

We all have moments or stories we may never discuss without being asked. So, what do you want to say about your achievements in the industry? 

It’s incredibly significant for the public to recognize that behind the glitz and glamour of the fashion industry, it is still a business. There are many heroes who play pivotal roles in in PR, marketing, sales, and production making it all come together. Before social media, there were individuals working tirelessly to get celebrities on the front row of fashion shows, building brands, making ambassador deals with designers, and negotiating placements in top-tier publications like Vogue and GQ. I proudly count myself among the legendary old-school who have contributed significantly to the industry’s success.

IG (Personal): @agentq