Matthew Ellenberger
For over 20 years, Matthew Ellenberger has worked among the fashion industry’s top talent to shape and influence the world’s most
iconic brands. He has created an interestingly balanced career successfully making an impact on in-house teams for brands while staying connected to his creative roots as a fashion director for prestigious titles including ITALIAN VOGUE, GQ, ELLE, W, V MAGAZINE, VMAN, ARENA HOMMES +, FLAUNT, MAN ABOUT TOWN, CAP 74024, LES HOMMES PUBLIC and HERO. Matthew’s talent's culminate in a trifecta that combines impeccable creative vision, keen marketing instincts and strategic business foresight that makes him one of the most sought out voices in the industry.
A native New Yorker, Matthew earned his BFA in Design and Textiles at Parsons School of Design and FIT. After graduation, he began his career as a Men’s Product Manager for GAP brand. Over the following 10 years, he went on to hold a variety of roles from design and product development to public relations and marketing, where he became well versed in brand building from industry leaders like Mickey Drexler.
He left GAP as Director of Concept Design for GAPKIDS/BABYGAP to join American Eagle Outfitters as VP of Concept and Brand Development. During his six years at AEO, Matthew collaborated with the Chief Creative Officer and Chief Marketing Officer on the successful re-launch of the brand as the iconic American teen apparel go-to it is today. In addition, Matthew was a key player in the launch of their intimate brand, Aerie.
Matthew was part of the re-brand of Juicy Couture as SVP/Creative Services and Marketing. During his three-plus years at Juicy Couture, he worked directly with the President to modernize the iconic brand through cutting edge creative marketing and advertising, improving store design and customer experience, and innovating all of the brand’s digital efforts, including the successful re-launch of JUICYCOUTURE.COM.
In 2016, he accepted the role of Global Creative Director of Marketing and Brand Development at Steve Madden where he led the strategic and creative execution of innovative global marketing strategies to drive brand awareness, engagement, and sales growth across all channels for 8 years. He oversaw all creative direction and brand messaging ensuring alignment with company objectives, target audience, and market trends. He managed a team of 20+ talented creative professionals, including art directors, copywriters, and multimedia specialists, delivering ground breaking marketing for all domestic and international categories-including ad campaigns, social media and celebrity/influencer collaborations. In addition, he worked directly with Steve Madden himself on his 2017 documentary MADDMAN: The Steve Madden Story and the design and promotion for his 2020 best selling memoir THE COBBLER : How I Disrupted an Industry, Fell From Grace and Came Back Stronger Than Ever.
In 2015, Matthew started MJAE Consulting, a full-service consulting agency that offers expertise in Brand Development, Creative Direction, Styling, Conceptual Design, Trend Analysis, Store Experience, Visual Merchandising, Window and Event Design. Clients and collaborators include TOM FORD, DSQUARED2, CALVIN KLIEN, PHILLIP PLEIN, JESSICA RICH, MOSCOT, AETHERA NYC, LAMOURS NYC, VELVET, 4LAPS filmmakers and photographers STEVEN KLEIN, INEZ & VINHOODH, ELAINE CONSTANTINE, DANIEL JACKSON, JENNIFER LIVINGSTON, JACK WATERLOT ,TERRENCE CONNORS , CLAUDIA KNOEPFEL, MARK LUCAS SAVAGE, SAMUEL HAYES , CARTER SMITH among others.
Matthew resides in the West Village of New York City.