La Fashion Week

Exclusive Cardmember VIP Packages to Preview Spring 2009 Designer Collections

WHAT: American Express is proud to return as the official card of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Los Angeles and offer Cardmembers enhanced opportunities to exclusively experience the excitement of the runways. All Cardmembers can purchase packages to preview the Spring 2009 designer collections and gain access to insider-only benefits such as VIP receptions with industry influencers, makeup sessions with Pro Smashbox Cosmetics Makeup Artists, accessory styling tips with experts from Judith Ripka jewelry and much more. Additional benefits onsite for Cardmembers include access to a chic hospitality lounge reserved for celebrities and VIPs, complimentary valet parking and a highly sought-after gift bag.

Packages are on sale now at www.americanexpress.com/entertainment. 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.

American Express Company is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850. For more information, visit http://www.americanexpress.com.

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

MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK AT SMASHBOX STUDIOS FEATURES NEW AND CELEBRATED DESIGNERS ON THE RUNWAY

Los Angeles, Calif. (October 7, 2008) – During Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Culver City, designers will reveal their Spring 2009 Collections to press, buyers, stylists, celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike. From October 12th through the 16th, the runways of Smashbox Studios will feature veteran designers from the West Coast and abroad, ready to set the trends for the Spring/Summer 2009 Collections.

This season, several up-and-coming designers who will premiere their collections at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week include: Sheiki Collections, Viridis Luxe, Lana Fuchs, Crispin & Basilio, Leila Hafzi, Nonja McKenzie, Tulle & Cloth Logic and Amelia Toro. Each designer’s unique perspective will be reflected in their runway presentation.

Founded by designer Sheila Marie just over two years ago, Sheiki Collections is a high-end denim company designed for slender women with curves. Already a smashing success, the brand has expanded into daywear and accessories. This debut show at Smashbox Studios will secure Sheila Marie’s mark on the Los Angeles fashion scene.

Viridis Luxe prides itself on being an eco-friendly, sustainable clothing company. (Viridis means “green” in Latin.) The fashion team, comprised of Hala Bahmet and Amadea West, make effortlessly chic clothing composed of a cashmere-hemp blend using natural colors and stylish designs, the brand continues to be a celebrity favorite.

Russian-born Lana Fuchs’ show in Los Angeles is a testament to her growing international success and recognition. Fuchs’ inspiration stems from Imperial Russia and iconic females throughout history and blends fantasy and reality in the collection.

Filipino Danny Barrios named his womenswear line Crispin & Basilio after two characters from a 19^th-century Filipino novel. His clothes combine California sophistication with a laid-back, natural style and have quickly become a favorite among LA fashion followers.

Leila Hafzi is a designer of Norwegian origin with more than ten years of industry experience. Since 1997, she has cultivated her idea of eco-ethical, friendly fashion in all aspects of her design and production. With chic designs and gorgeous color palettes, she continues to amaze fashion critics around the world.

The Nonja McKenzie collection debuted in the world of fashion in 2000 with a bold

design made for Gwen Stefani… then lead singer of the Grammy Award-winning band No Doubt. McKenzie is most known for her eye-catching and fashion-forward styling. Her designs sell exclusively in Croquet Boutique of Beverly Hills and Jeffrey’s of New York City through her Nonja McKenzie showroom based in downtown Los Angeles .

Tulle & Cloth Logic, the former, a womenswear line, and the latter, menswear, were designed to facilitate an everyday fashionable wardrobe for both men and women. They deliver a style that is hip and funky, appealing to a young, fashionable crowd.

Committed to the design of sensual and feminine clothing, Amelia Toro’s collection combines the perfect mix of fashion with social transformation. Colombian-born Toro has previously showed at Fashion Week Mexico and is hoping to take the American runway by storm.

The full Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios schedule kicks off with Kevan Hall and is followed by Suh-Tahn, Sheiki Collections, Whitley Kros, Ed Hardy presents Street Fame by Christian Audigier, Julia Clancey, Beach Bunny Swimwear, Elmer Ave, D’Amore by Marceau, Viridis Luxe, Lana Fuchs, Joseph Domingo, Crispin & Basilio, Lauren Conrad Collection, Eco-Ganik, Debra Davenport, Christian Audigier presents American Lord, Leila Hafzi, Nonja McKenzie, Tulle & Cloth Logic, Samora, Amelia Toro and The Green Initiative Humanitarian Fashion Show.

Title sponsor Mercedes-Benz is joined by Smashbox Cosmetics, American Express, DHL, Judith Ripka, The Hollywood Roosevelt, BlackBerry ® and T-Mobile USA INC., V Australia, RevitaLash, Panera Bread, Peroni, Rose’s Cocktail Infusions, Flor de Caña® Rum, BAWLS Guarana, and Hint Essence Water, as well as media sponsors The Los Angeles Times IMAGE, California Apparel News, Full Frontal Fashion, ULTRA HD, The Insider, Domino and Getty Images.

Who: JMARY, Jesse Kamm and Les Sang des Bets by Trang Chau, Liz Goldwyn, Clint Catalyst, Dree Hemingway, Stephanie Pratt, Elizabeth Kieselstein, Maite Schwartz, Autumn Reeser, Vanessa Marcil, Christina Milian, Josh Feinman, Elle Travis, Nick Verreos, Reid Scott, Beau Garrett, Teddy Sears,

Kal Penn, Dina Meyer, Bonnie Summerville, Josh Radin, Jonah Hill, Marley Shelton, Jesse Hart

What: Gen Art's "The New Garde: A Celebration of Innovative Los Angeles Fashion," is a spring fashion week event dedicated to showcasing three innovative new LA designers. This year’s designers, JMARY, Jesse Kamm and Le Sang des Betes by Trang Chau will present their latest collections in a unique installation, shown on models in large-scale vignettes. The fashion presentations will be followed by an after-party at the same location with Music by DJ Whiteshadow and The Schoenecker Brothers.

GREEN IS GLAMOROUS AGAIN AT MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK AT SMASHBOX STUDIOS

Los Angeles, Calif. (March 6, 2008) – Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios returns this week with a new look, a new exciting season and new collections from designers from the West Coast and around the world. Reminiscent of the Hollywood glamour of yesteryear, this season's graphic theme will reflect a time when many careers were launched on the movie sets in Culver City and now the careers of designers are being created on the runways.

“We are very pleased with the look and theme for this season’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios,” said SVP of IMG Fashion, Fern Mallis. “It echoes back to a time when the fashion was focused, the personalities were bold, personal style was sophisticated and very glamorous.”

Green is Glam this season as the event’s green initiative evolves. It will be apparent in the event’s production, sponsor activations and the sustainable fashions on the runway of The Green Initiative Humanitarian Fashion Show. This show will be presented by The Gallery Los Angeles and will feature designs by Vintage China, M the Movement, Andira Rain T’s, Rene Geneva, Lilikoi and Lady Muse. With larger-than-life Hollywood style, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios will show how a smaller ecological footprint can make the biggest impression.

Fashion turns eco-fabulous, with the event’s production motto of reduce, reuse and recycle! REDUCE: To reduce consumption, production materials will be transported to Culver City aboard a fuel-efficient locomotive. REUSE: The production team will build out tents at Smashbox Studios using materials and staging structures that are be reused for future events. RECYCLE: From interior design elements to the official event program, recycling will be the buzz word. When the shows are over and the attendees have gone home, the vinyl signage materials from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios featuring the “Studio Gates,” will be donated to the William Good Company to be recycled and turned into fashionable accessories, proceeds which will benefit Goodwill.

"Dean and I feel very strongly about raising awareness for the environment. In addition to the designers who are involved that speak to this message, we see the overall event as a great vehicle to support eco initiatives. Moving forward we hope to see many more green events in Los Angeles and around the world." - Davis Factor, Co-Founder of Smashbox Studios

"Mercedes-Benz is committed to green initiatives and environmentally responsible products,” said Lisa Holladay, National Events Manager, Mercedes-Benz USA , LLC. “Just as last season we focused on the launch of our clean diesel car, this season’s focus on our high performance AMG brand demonstrates that technological advancements continuously improve efficiency and our engineers in Germany are constantly pushing the boundaries.”

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week will be held at Smashbox Studios featuring shows by IMASU by Kelly Nishimoto, Orthodox, Julia Clancey, Whitley Kros, Alexis Lamontagna, Octavio Carlin, Joseph Domingo, Suh-Tahn, Veronika Jeanvie, Falguni & Shane Peacock, Bow & Arrow by Alan Del Rosario, Lauren Conrad Collection, Maggie Barry for Xubáz, Nicholai, The Green Initiative Humanitarian Fashion Show, Jenny Han, Elmer Ave, Samora, Farah Angsana, Monarchy Collection, Ashley Paige and Pussycat Dolls.

Title sponsor Mercedes-Benz is joined by Smashbox Cosmetics, American Express, DHL, LYCRA®, Judith Ripka, YKK, The Hollywood Roosevelt, Valadon Hotel, Gilt Groupe, Panera Bread, CITRUS at Social, Peroni, Imperia Vodka, BAWLS Guarana, Rose’s Cocktail Infusions, smartwater, Los Angeles Times IMAGE, California Apparel News, Full Frontal Fashion, ULTRA HD, 944 Magazine and Getty Images that will provide hospitality, services and amenities to all attendees.

Mercedes-Benz 'Reflections of Beauty' Collection by Davis Factor to be Featured at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios

LOS ANGELES, March 5 -- Mercedes-Benz has been connected with artists for decades -- Andy Warhol in the 80's, Hiro Yamagata in the 90's, Georgio Armani earlier this century -- and whether the work is commissioned or simply inspired, the outcome is always unique and memorable. When Mercedes- Benz committed to all three major fashion shows in the US, Davis Factor, noted fashion photographer, Chief Creative Officer and co-founder of Smashbox Cosmetics and Studio Services, was selected to combine the Mercedes-Benz silhouette with that of high fashion.

"Davis was the natural choice for the Mercedes-Benz fashion campaign," says Lisa Holladay, Manager of Brand Experience Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. "He's a celebrated photographer, is passionate about the fashion community, and has been familiar with our vehicles for many years."

The collection is comprised of stunning visuals that have become the backdrop for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Newsgroup Web site (www.newsgroup.mbusa.com), as well as the online and direct marketing materials. "Reflections of Beauty" will be displayed at all five fashion weeks in New York (February and September), Miami Swim (July) and Smashbox Studios/Los Angeles (March and October), with different images to compliment each event's designers, styles and vehicles.

"I am truly honored to be the official photographer of the 'Reflections of Beauty' series for Mercedes-Benz," says Davis. "Based on the theme, I really wanted to blend beauty and fashion with the automobiles using reflective surfaces and light to create a modern feel."

Touted by many as a leading fashion and celebrity photographer, Davis considers this collection to be the best work of his career, due in part to the technical aspects of the shoot. The portfolio was shot in Factor's Smashbox Studios in December 2007 and aptly compliments this season's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios Fall/Winter 2008 theme, Hollywood Glamour. Factor photographed stylish models draped in finely tailored suits and sparkling magenta dresses as they seemingly moved swiftly past Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the background, creating streams of color and blended images.

For more information about Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios Fall 2008 Collections and for show schedules, press releases, and complimentary photography, accredited journalists may visit and register at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Newsgroup at www.newsgroup.mbusa.com. Consumers are invited to visit www.mbusa.com/runway.

Smashbox Photo Studios and Smashbox Cosmetics were founded by the great- grandsons of makeup legend Max Factor, Dean and Davis Factor. Smashbox cosmetics knows beauty. The world-famous makeup artists and the Hollywood faces that frequent Smashbox studios are the inspirations in the development of the professional makeup line. Dean and Davis are carrying on their heritage by establishing the world of photography, magazine editorial shoots and world- class beauty products in their hometown of Los Angeles.

Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. Beginning in 2007, Mercedes-Benz USA became the title sponsor of IMG's New York, Los Angeles and Miami Fashion Weeks, signifying the first time all three properties have been united under a single sponsor. In 2007, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 253,433 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 14 consecutive years of sales growth. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.

Cardmembers to View Fall 2008 Designer Collections and Get Full VIP Treatment

WHAT: American Express® provides exclusive access for Gold Card members, Platinum Card® members and Centurion® Card members to experience Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios. Cardmembers are invited to preview the Fall 2008 designer collections next to industry insiders and enjoy access to a VIP hospitality area for celebrities and VIPs, that offers cocktails in a private, relaxing environment. Cardmembers will also have access to complimentary valet parking and a gift bag.

Packages are on sale now at www.americanexpress.com\entertainment. All proceeds from the sale of event packages are donated to the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.

WHEN: March 9-13, 2008 – Packages are available for all evening runway shows

American Express unveiled exclusive Cardmember access at this year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, and continues to provide unprecedented access by connecting fashion designers and influencers with Cardmembers who are passionate about fashion and style. In support of fashion designers and the future of the industry, American Express has also become a supporter of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) with a $500,000 donation to the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund (CVFF). The CVFF was established to help emerging American design talent find continued success in the business of fashion.

American Express Company is a leading global payments and travel company founded in 1850. For more information, visit http://www.americanexpress.com.

Elvis Presley’s Granddaughter Joins Ryan Cabrera and Nelson at Music by Design Auction

VH1 and Gibson/Baldwin Music Education kicked off the VH1 Save the Music Foundations MUSIC BY DESIGN auction with intimate performances by Ryan Cabrera and Bad Boy recording artist Nelson. The first-ever Music by Design Auction was held during Fashion Week Los Angeles earlier this evening at the Gibson showroom in Beverly Hills .

When Nelson “The Prince of Bad Boy” performed, I heard one of the female fans remark, “he’s so sweet I think I have a cavity.” Nelson’s set included Potential, Stop Fighting, I Won’t, One Day at a Time, Always Indeed, and Sorrow (AIDS).

Ryan Cabrera, was joined on stage with Andy. Joining Cabrera offstage was Elvis Presley’s granddaughter, Riley Keough, who according to elvispresleynews.com, is officially dating Cabrera. Previously unknown to many, Keough has been seen in runway shows at Fashion Week in Milan for designers Dolce & Gabbana and is currently promoting Christian Dior and Victoria ’s Secret. She was allowed to enjoy her evening with Cabrera partly anonymous until the end when you could hear people whisper, “that’s Elvis Presley’s grand daughter, she has his eyes” and then they just smiled. Her eyes, quiet intensity.

Celebrities and musicians which came to support the VH1 Save the Music Foundation included Kelly Harper, Amy Raasch, Cockpit and Dirty Harry and Brendon Small (Metalocalypse).

Benefitting VH1 Save the Music Foundation, designers and boutiques customized Gibson guitars for the Music by Design program. Each guitar, a work of art, were on display by participating designers which include AG Adriano Goldschmied, G-Star RAW, Horn, justsweet (Creative Director, Jennifer Lopez), Kiehl’s, Lisa Kline, M.A.C. Cosmetics, Nanette Lopore, Poleci, Starbucks, Vionnet, Von Dutch, WESC, Yellowman and Etnies.

A range of styles for every fan of guitars can be found for the heavy metal with G-Star RAW’s lead wrapped instrument, 70s glam rock with Nanette Lepore’s sequins and sparkling crystals, the coffee drinker with Starbucks’ favorites, tattoo art with Yellowman’s featuring Tim Lehi, nightlife energy with justsweet’s cutting edge, and the denim spirit with AG Adriano Goldschmied’s rivets and studs.

Starting bids for the guitars is $300 and continues until March 30^th at www.vh1auctions.com. The VH1 Save the Music Foundation helps to fill the gap left by many schools which have cut back on their music departments. The idea that Music Brings Endless Possibilities is evident with their mission’s dedication to restoring instrumental music education in America’s public schools and raising awareness about the importance of music as a part of each child’s complete education. Since 1997, the VH1 Save the Music Foundation has provided more than $34 million in new musical instruments, affecting the lives of more than 800,000 children in 1400 public schools in 80 communities across the country.