MONICA PAGANUCCI

Design doyenne. Big picture thinker.
Brand champion. Founder.

Monica is a force to be reckoned with in fashion, luxury, and lifestyle branding. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, she has over 15 years of experience as a creative director in-house and at leading agencies, and deep expertise in advertising, marketing, media, packaging, store design, visual display, creative branding and events. Her work, which has been featured in Adweek and Advertising Age, blends brand integrity and sophisticated strategy with a fresh, forward-thinking look and feel.

Before founding playworkgroup, Monica was the account creative director for GAP worldwide from 2002-2006 at Laird + Partners; prior to that, her principal experience was at Arnell Group. She has also consulted for Lloyd & Co., Interbrand, and McKinsey and Company. Monica’s brand clientele includes many household names: Tiffany, Donna Karan Collection, Gucci, Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, Sephora, Vitamin Water, Swiss Army Brands, Rockport, Cuervo, Nike, Limited Brand Enterprises and Talbots.

JOHN WOLFINGTON

“Branding wizard.” Storyteller.
Journeyman. Founder.

John brings unique heart and soul to the world of brand creation. Dubbed a “branding wizard” by Vogue, he is a storyteller and design enthusiast who brings a carefully honed craft to every endeavor. In his years at many prestigious creative agencies and brands, including his first job at DKNY, John has earned a reputation for bold, boundary-breaking campaigns in fashion, luxury and lifestyle.

Prior to founding playworkgroup, John served as creative director at L Brands. He led the New York office of BASE, where he launched the brand Kiki de Montparnasse, collaborated with Marilyn Minter and re-branded Majorca-based Excellence Hotel Group. Before that, he worked at Lloyd & Co on Estee Lauder and several award-winning issues of BIG Magazine. 

A gifted musician, he has had works featured alongside David Byrne, Susan Sontag, Animal Collective, Fisher Spooner, Sonic Youth, Interpol and Hole.