American Express Reveals Exclusive Card Member Experiences under the Tents at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York

American Express announced today unique experiences at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week that will connect Card members with many of their favorite designers and take them deep into the world of fashion through unforgettable events and activities under the tents at Bryant Park. Through American Express’ Premium Access program, Platinum Card® and Gold Card members will be able to view the runway shows from the highly popular and newly-designed American Express® Skybox, providing an up-close view of the runways; packages are available today at www.americanexpress.com/entertainment. Throughout the week, designers and industry influencers will meet with Card members in the Skybox to share fashion insights and perspectives that will help them to translate the looks they’re seeing on the runway and shape their personal style and shopping decisions.

In addition to the Card member activities, American Express also announces its continued support of designers and the fashion industry with a $250,000 donation to the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund (CVFF), a program of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). The CVFF program helps emerging American design talent find continued success in the business of fashion by providing ongoing support. As part of the relationship, American Express executives will work with the CFDA to share business expertise and best practices with CVFF recipients to help further enhance and build their businesses. Proceeds from the sale of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week event packages will go towards the American Express donation.

"American Express is a valued partner of the CFDA and this level of involvement stands as a true testament of its commitment to the fashion industry,” added Steven Kolb, Executive Director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. "Its support is a great example of a company taking a leadership role by helping to guide future fashion leaders and helping to ensure the growth and health of the industry.”

American Express Skybox Creates Memorable Moments

American Express has brought back the Skybox to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week this season seeking unique ways to innovate and bring new elements to the Skybox experiences.

"Through all of our partnerships, we look to generate great value and unique experiences tied to the things our Card members love," said Jessica Igoe, Director of Global Sponsorship Marketing, American Express. "Under the tents at Bryant Park, our Card members create unforgettable memories with family and friends, and walk away with new perspectives and appreciation for all things fashion."

This Season’s New Look

Back for the fourth season, the American Express Skybox will get a whole new look and feel from Jonathan Adler, design expert and lead judge on Bravo TV’s Top Design. Adler will bring his unique aesthetic to create a stylish environment that blends runway trends with home décor.

Insider Insights and Experiences

Celebrity stylist and fashion expert Kate Nobelius will host this season’s Skybox, attending all shows from the Skybox and providing Card members with an insider perspective on the ins-and-outs of the event. Joining Nobelius will be key experts from the world of fashion, who will stop by the Skybox to surprise Card members and share their insightful knowledge. In addition, American Express has invited top-tier designers to showcase their latest items, available exclusively for Card members to order. This unique experience will give Card members access to personally meet the designer and get their hands on must-have accessories to complete their look.

Extended Access

To round out their fashionable experiences and full VIP treatment during Fashion Week, Card members will have access to highly-coveted reservations at a selection of New York’s most-buzzed about restaurants, providing additional entrée into the destinations and venues they love.

By Invitation Only®

In addition to the Premium Access packages for Platinum Card and Gold Card members on sale today, By Invitation Only® Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week packages, available exclusively for Platinum Card members, were offered earlier this month and sold out in one day. These packages provide full-day access to the Skybox on February 14 and 15, coordinated meet-and-greets with fashion industry insiders, a behind-the-scenes tour and hair and make-up touch-ups so Card members can perfect their own personal runway look.

"Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week would not be the same without the innovative encounters that American Express provides to Card members at the event,” said Fern Mallis, Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion. "Now more than ever, we appreciate American Express’ unwavering support and commitment to raising the awareness of what it means to be a part of this dynamic industry.”

American Express will be unveiling surprise details about the Skybox activities and new events taking place at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in the days to come. To learn more 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 and travel company founded in 1850. For more information, visit http://www.americanexpress.com.

About IMG Fashion

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 includes Mercedes-Benz Fashion Weeks in New York and Miami. Internationally, IMG Fashion produces Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin, Fashion Fringe at Covent Garden in London, Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai, Rosemount Australian Fashion Week and Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival in Sydney, SWIM FASHION WEEK at Sanctuary Cove on Australia’s Gold Coast, MasterCard Luxury Week Hong Kong and The Earth Awards. IMG Fashion also represents the international commercial rights of Milan Fashion Week, Moscow Fashion Week presented by VISA, ENK International and LG Fashion Week in Toronto.

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, 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 $1.5 million to fifteen different design companies. www.cfda.com