Jonathan Waks, a.k.a. Jono, is an independent fashion and lifestyle short-lead publicist specializing in strategic alliances and event marketing. Jono's clients rely on his extensive relationships with other publicists, fashion houses, print and electronic journalists. Often behind the scenes, he is quietly brought on board by other public relations firms, where he works to publicize their clients and create media events.

Jono's life revolves around the fashion seasons. He lives half of the year in Sydney, working as a producer of Australian Fashion Week. There he has organized the attendance, seating plans, and front-of-house for over 50 fashion shows. During New York Fashion Week, he excels at organizing backstage designer interviews and an invitation to his branded events is always a hot commodity. Jono is well known for his celebrity luxury gift bags as noted in publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal to the industry trade Bizbash. In addition, Jono organizes sponsorship for top fashion designers.

Recent events include: The Soap Suds book launch with Finola Hughes and Kelly Ripa, the fashion week kick off party with Kanye West and R&B recording artist John Legend, a gold ticket brunch with Celebrity Chef Bobby Flay, a fashion week dance party featuring disco diva Gloria Gaynor, a knitting party for IMG Models, a benefit performance of the Hunchback of Notre Dame for St. Jude Children's Hospital, a prepared food launch for Chef Emeril Lagasse, and a charity auction for Opera Australia.

Jono is a regular commentator on VH1, E! and has a new show in development for the BRAVO Networks. Currently, Jono is the new product editor for HX Magazine - the largest gay mens weekly in the country.

With over a decade of publicity and promotions work under his belt, Jono is far removed from his academic training. He holds degrees from the University at Albany, NYU, and is a year shy of completing his doctorate at Sydney University in Adolescent Identity Development. Due to the death of his doctoral supervisor, completion of this degree has been put on hold while he pursues these fashionable interests.