American Express announced today its “collection” of activities at Bryant Park for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, giving Cardmembers insider access to garner a true insider perspective on this global event. An established partner of the fashion industry, American Express is providing its fashion-savvy Cardmembers with a variety of opportunities to experience the tents with industry designers and influencers, and gain access to insider-only events throughout Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
New this season, fashion industry experts Kate Nobelius and Kate Schelter will serve as hosts of the American Express Skybox, attending all shows and sharing daily perspectives and insights on everything from designers and collections, to emerging trends and shopping tips with guests. Also, famed designer Zac Posen will conclude the week’s events with an encore runway show of his Spring 2009 collection exclusively for Cardmembers. As part of American Express’ continued support of designers and the fashion industry, proceeds from the sale of Cardmember packages will contribute to the $500,000 American Express donation to Council of Fashion Designers of America in support of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.
“Our exclusive Cardmember Skybox packages for access to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week sold out within days and even hours, which reflects how strongly our Cardmembers value these designers and the unparalleled access we provide to their shows,” said Jessica Igoe, Director of Global Sponsorship Marketing for American Express. “From our newly-hosted Skybox experiences to the highly anticipated Cardmember-only Show with Zac Posen, these events will bring compelling new insight and appreciation of the fashion world to the most passionate fashion fans.”
“We appreciate American Express’ dedication to the fashion industry – inside the tents and beyond,” said Fern Mallis, Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion. “Season after season, they demonstrate a true understanding of what designers value from a business perspective; what the industry looks for in terms of nurturing new talent; and the once-in-a-lifetime experiences Cardmembers can only enjoy at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.”
American Express Cardmembers can experience the excitement of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, on-site, through an array of exclusive activities taking place throughout the week. Highlights include:
American Express Skybox: American Express unveils a newly enhanced Skybox this season that provides premium access for American Express Gold Card members, Platinum Card ® members and Centurion ® Card members to experience the runway shows in a truly unique way. Overlooking both the Tent and Promenade but undetectable from the runway, the Skybox features a VIP lounge-style viewing room where Card members can mix and mingle with influencers from the world of fashion and receive designer gifts and retail offers to help them translate runway inspirations in their own wardrobe. This season’s Skybox will be designed by Frank Carfaro, acclaimed founder and creative director of contemporary home furnishings company, DESIRON. Hosted by industry experts Kate Nobelius and Kate Schelter, the Skybox will be the place to be for Card members, designers and celebrities making it an experience not to be missed.
‘By Invitation Only’® Experiences: The American Express “By Invitation Only” Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week packages, available exclusively for Platinum Card ® members and Centurion ® Card members, sold out just hours after they went on sale. These special packages offer full-day access to the Skybox on September 6 and 7, coordinated meet-and-greets with fashion industry insiders, behind-the-scenes tours and a visit with hair and make-up stylists onsite to perfect their red-carpet-ready look.
Cardmember-Only Show: American Express has collaborated with famed designer Zac Posen to present a one-of-a-kind private runway show for American Express® Cardmembers at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. On Friday, September 12 at 9:30 PM, Cardmembers will have access to floor seats normally filled by the top names in fashion and entertainment and have the opportunity to experience the thrill of a live show under the tents at Bryant Park. Known for his strong feminine aesthetic and a favorite with fashion editors and celebrities alike, Zac Posen is one of the most sought-after designers in the fashion industry.
Preceded by an exclusive reception held onsite in the Main Lobby of the tents at Bryant Park, the Cardmember-Only Show will feature Posen’s entire runway presentation for his Spring 2009 Collection. Immediately following this closing event under the tents Posen will return to the spotlight to engage in a conversation about fashion to be overheard only by Cardmembers
“American Express: Three Decades of Fashion, As Seen by Annie Leibovitz” Exhibit: American Express’ connection to fashion and style is often represented through the photography in its iconic advertising and, new this season, American Express will present an exhibit of some of its most recognizable campaigns photographed by Annie Leibovitz. A gallery of Leibovitz’ striking images of Beyoncé, Venus Williams, Diane von Furstenberg and others will be on display at the American Express booth in the main lobby of the tents for Cardmembers and industry insiders alike, creating a visual tableau of the brand’s fashion heritage over the past 40 years.
Project Runway: New this season, American Express partnered with Season Five of Project Runway on Bravo to bring Cardmembers exclusive access after each episode. Cardmembers can log on to www.bravo.com/projectrunway to catch “Watch What Happens: After the Sew,” hosted by Bravo’s Andy Cohen, featuring exclusive interviews with judges, special guests and the latest “auf’d” designers. Cardmembers are invited to submit questions and have them asked live on-camera. Additionally, Diane Von Furstenberg, who was recently featured in an American Express campaign, was featured on the September 3rd episode. Lastly, 24 lucky Cardmembers will have the opportunity to watch the Project Runway finale collection live from the Skybox on September 12. Packages to watch this exciting event quickly sold out.
For more information about American Express and fashion, please visit http://www.americanexpress.com/entertainment.
About American Express
American Express Company is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850. For more information, visit http://www.americanexpress.com.
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York is the largest and strongest centrally organized global fashion event worldwide. Each season it brings over 100,000 industry insiders from around the world, including buyers, retailers, celebrities, VIPs and members of the regional, national and international press, to the Bryant Park Tents in New York City to the exclusive, invitation-only shows, affirming the city's status as a major fashion force.
About CFDA/VOGUE Fashion Fund
The CFDA/VOGUE Fashion Fund (CVFF) is an endowment that was established to help emerging American design talent find continued success in the business of fashion. In addition to business grants of $200,000 to the winner and $50,000 each to the two runners-up, the award includes mentorship from a panel of industry professionals whose expertise is tailored to the designers’ needs and future goals. Since its inception in 2003, the program has granted nearly $1.3 million to twelve different design companies. www.cfda.com
About Project Runway/Bravo
Bravo is a program service of NBC Universal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Bravo has been a NBC Cable Network since December 2002 and was the first television service dedicated to film and the performing arts when it launched in December 1980. For more information visit www.bravotv.com.
PMK/HBH
Greg Maliczyszyn, 212-373-6143
greg.maliczyszyn@pmkhbh.com
or
American
Express
Leslie Berland, 212-640-5142
leslie.a.berland@aexp.com
