INDUSTRY PROFILES
Damien Woolnough - Media
Q.
Give us a snapshot of your career to date and an overview of your current role:
I have been a Journalist, Editor and Columnist for more than 20 years. Following my time as the first Editor of vogue.com.au I was Fashion Editor of The Australian newspaper and Deputy Editor of Elle Australia. Luxury is not my life but talking about it is.
Q.
What do you hope to achieve with Marry The Man?
It’s exciting to be tapping into the new acceptance of equality. I want to create a space for gay men to be inspired and encouraged around ideas of gay romance. It’s not just about the wedding day. Marry The Man is also for single men still dreaming of their happy ever after and gay couples wanting to continue lessons by a life more fabulous.
Marry The Man is also a place that’s not too political nor overtly sexual (that’s what Tumblr is for). I want luxury advertisers to have an environment that engages seamlessly with their aspirational audience.
Marry The Man is also a place that’s not too political nor overtly sexual (that’s what Tumblr is for). I want luxury advertisers to have an environment that engages seamlessly with their aspirational audience.
Q.
Do you attend many media events and if so, what kind?
Launches are a great opportunity to learn about new products and meet with the people running the business, not just ambassadors. I want to talk to people about collaborations, not just take selfies.
Q.
What are you looking for from PRs for your new venture?
Marry The Man talks about style, grooming, travel, entertaining as well as wedding planning. So I want to talk to people interested in talking to a gay audience through the flattering, soft filter of romance.
Q.
Do you prefer email or phone pitches, and what is the best time of day/day of the week to catch you?
The 9 to 5 working week is dead. Contact me anytime, except Sunday morning... you have to leave some time for gay romance. Email is best unless your name shows up in my phone. Always try to personalise the email. Get the name right (I’m not Glynis) and know what Marry The Man is about.
Q.
During your career, what has your experience been like working with PRs?
I owe part of my success to people such as Adam Worling, Nikki Andrews, Sally Burleigh, Marie Claude Mallat, Naomi Parry, Camille Thioulouse, Maria Farmer, Emma Van Haandel, Roxy Jacenko... and most of all Marguerite Julien. These people understand that we are all in the same business and what our jobs are, not on sides of the mythical Mexican wall.
Q.
What do you love about your job?
The storytelling. Whether it’s new trends or the new frontier of gay marriage I love to share stories. Cold French Champagne at events is just a bonus.
Q.
What's the downside?
Long hours and having your professional and personal lives merge. Also high calorie canapés.
Q.
Describe a typical day:
There is no such thing, especially with fashion week approaching. It’s a clash of interviews, advertiser meetings, writing, showings and coffee.
At 2.30pm I always phone Mum.
At 2.30pm I always phone Mum.
Q.
If you weren't doing what you do now… what would you be doing?
My dream was once to edit a magazine for a big brand. It almost happened with L’Officiel Australia but that was not a dream... When I left L’Officiel my friend Kirstie Clements (former editor of Vogue) said that it’s a new world and we have to create our own brands. She was right, and in September we will launch the print version of Marry The Man. There is nowhere else I’d rather be. Why be Meghan, Melania or even Harry when you can make your own dream come true.
Q.
Your Instagram:
@marry_the_man