AMERICAN EXPRESS BRINGS CARD MEMBER ACCESS TO STYLISH NEW HEIGHTS IN THE SKYBOX AT MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK IN NEW YORK
Exclusive Card member Packages Offer Unforgettable "Behind-the-Seams" Experiences
NEW YORK, August 14, 2008 -- American Express announced today the return of its eagerly anticipated Card member experiences at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, providing special access to the glamorous events under the tents at Bryant Park in New York City. Starting today, American Express Gold Card members, Platinum(R) Card members and Centurion(R) members can choose from a variety of experiential packages to watch runway shows from the exclusive American Express® Skybox where they can speak with industry insiders and experience the world of fashion like never before. As a part of American Express' continued support of designers and the fashion industry, proceeds from the sale of event packages will contribute to the $500,000 American Express donation to the Council of Fashion Designers of America Vogue Fashion Fund which helps emerging American designers find continued success in the business of fashion.
"This season, American Express Card members will have access to Fashion Week like never before with memorable experiences under the tents that offer an up-close, multifaceted look into the world of fashion and key fashion influencers," said Jessica Igoe, Director of Marketing and Sponsorships, American Express. "New to the Skybox this season, we will have an exciting roster of fashion insiders who will join Card members during the shows and provide personal insights into the runway action that won't be available anywhere else."
On sale August 13, American Express is giving Card members a selection of packages to experience the world of fashion in a dynamic and meaningful way:
- American Express Skybox: American Express unveils a newly enhanced Skybox this season that provides premium access for American Express Gold
Card members, Platinum(R) Card members and Centurion(R) members to experience the runway shows in a truly unique way. Overlooking both the Tent and Promenade venues but undetectable from the runway, the Skybox features a VIP lounge-style viewing room where
Card members can mix and mingle over great refreshments and premium beverages, and converse with influencers from the world of fashion. This season's Skybox will be designed by American Express OPEN(SM)
Card member Frank Carfaro, acclaimed founder and creative director of contemporary home furnishings company, DESIRON. Special guests and other surprises are in store for guests of the Skybox, making this an experience not to be missed. To purchase, visit www.americanexpress.com/entertainment.
- 'By Invitation Only'® Experiences: The American Express "By Invitation Only" Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week packages, available exclusively for Platinum and Centurion members, 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. To purchase, visit www.americanexpress.com/platinum.
"It is exciting to see how American Express continues to raise the bar each season and offer innovative, one-of-a-kind experiences for their Card members at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week," added Fern Mallis, Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion. "This season's activities will take the electricity in the tents to new heights, and we are thrilled to once again welcome American Express Card members to Bryant Park."
To learn about American Express' special access to the world of fashion and other entertainment offers, visit 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.
About IMG Fashion (US)
IMG Fashion, a division of international sports, entertainment and media company IMG, is the global leader in the management and production of fashion weeks and designer fashion events. Its portfolio of events in the United States includes Mercedes-Benz Fashion Weeks in New York, Los Angeles and Miami. Internationally, IMG Fashion produces, manages and/or represents Rosemount Australian Fashion Week in Sydney twice a year, Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai, Fashion Fringe at Convent Garden in London and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin. IMG Fashion also represents the international commercial rights of Milan Fashion Week, Moscow Fashion Week presented by VISA and ENK International.
IMG Fashion's The Daily Group publishes The Daily Front Row, the bi-monthly Fashion Mini, The Daily Front Row Extra and www.fashionweekdaily.com, all content that is also syndicated to newspapers and magazines across the globe.
The division's network also includes IMG Models, the world's number one modeling agency with offices in New York, London, Paris and Milan and Art + Commerce, and the world's leading agency for photographers, art directors, stylists and makeup artists.
For more information on IMG and its business visit www.imgworld.com.
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
