The ZonePerfect® Nutrition Bar brand recently introduced its new line of ZonePerfect Indulgence Nutrition Squares during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Bryant Park. As fashion aficionados head to the runways at Bryant Park to indulge in the latest collections, they can satisfy cravings – without fretting over the nutrition label – by unwrapping one of the ZonePerfect brand’s three new decadent nutrition squares.

Like fashion, ZonePerfect Indulgence Nutrition Squares are a tasteful way to enjoy decadence. The ZonePerfect brand’s latest innovation features three classic dessert flavors including Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse, Caramel Toffee and German Chocolate Cheesecake. Each square has a soft, whipped center, 18-19 vitamins and minerals and an excellent source of 10-11 grams of protein.

In its ongoing support of creativity and the arts, the ZonePerfect brand is the official nutrition bar of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

“The ZonePerfect brand is proud to help fuel fashion enthusiasts as they indulge in the latest runway collections at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Whether you’re running from runway to runway in Bryant Park or running to catch the latest film after work, ZonePerfect Indulgence Nutrition Squares give you the satisfaction of taking a stress-free moment for yourself to enjoy a chocolaty treat.”– Julia Stoner, Senior Brand Manager of ZonePerfect Nutrition Bars

A metal bath of vibrant contrasts dazzled New York, courtesy of Custo Barcelona. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York was once again the setting for the presentation of the designer’s new autumn-winter 2010-11 collection.

Sparkling metals melted into pure lines to form new volumes that contrast with the warmth of fur. Bryant Park tent provided the backdrop and an attentive audience of more than 800 people from all over the world, including actresses like Gossip Girl’s Connor Paola, One Life to Live’s Tika Sumper or Miss USA Kristen Dalton and Miss Universe Stefania Fernandez, attended the show.

Under the name ‘Hairy Metal’, Custo Barcelona presented a collection where the indisputable protagonists were metallic sparkles. New York saw a strong, energetic and contemporary collection, in keeping with a new era.  Bronze, steel, gold, black and rust comprise a new colour palette which is mixed with graphics inspired by mercury, melted silver, red hot iron and tin.

The cold of metal is contrasted with fake fur, which has been developed in every imaginable form. Hairs of different lengths and colours have been mixed together to create new graphic effects that are sinuous, geometric or crossed. Different types of furs have also been mixed with wools to match the colour graphics and produce volumes that create new depth.

A primitive looking collection that brings cold and warmth face-to-face. Of contrasting looks.  Of melting metals. A veritable ode to the periodic table of elements. An invitation to experiment. A mysterious and spectacular show courtesy of Custo Barcelona, who has managed to surprise us once again.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is proud to introduce some highlights from this season’s official sponsors. Each of these sponsors will be providing hospitality, services and amenities to make this exciting week of shows as enjoyable and pleasant as possible for all attendees. Detailed below is featured sponsor news for the Fall 2010 Collections.

Mercedes-Benz
·         New York debut of the SLS AMG and the E-Class Cabriolet in the main tent lobby
·         Design team Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams of Mitchell Gold+Bob Williams create a relaxing environment for the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge inspired by a Nick Knight image of supermodel Julia Stegner and the SLS AMG

DHL
For the seventh straight season, DHL is returning to the runways in New York as the official logistics provider of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Keeping its fashion industry customers up to date on the latest trends in transportation and logistics and demonstrating that no one knows the world of fashion like the international shipping and logistics specialists do, DHL is hosting a “Moving Fashion in Style” seminar during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

As the specialists in international, DHL is pleased to support and sponsor this fashion event.  DHL’s global expertise, service excellence and international focus helps customers in the fashion and apparel supply chain operate efficiently and effectively.

American Express®
American Express proudly returns for a sixth season at Bryant Park, providing Cardmembers with access like true industry insiders to more than 40 designer shows under the Tents.  Inside the exclusive American Express Skybox hosted by celebrity stylist Kate Nobelius, Cardmembers will once again have a spectacular view of all the runway excitement in the Tent and Promenade show venues while mingling with the industry’s biggest names to gather personal insights into the world of fashion.

American Express is spreading the excitement under the Tents to fashionistas everywhere this season through a comprehensive network of social media activities. Those convening under the Tents will be able to experience American Express’ innovative multimedia wall in the Lobby highlighting personal tweets from some of fashion’s top designers, Skybox experts and Independent Fashion Bloggers. Fashion enthusiasts are encouraged to join the conversation under the Tents and share their fashionable experiences using Twitter and #amexMBFW to tag their tweets.

To learn more about American Express’ access to fashion, follow @AmericanExpress on Twitter, become a fan of American Express on Facebook and visit www.americanexpress.com/entertainment.

American Express proudly continues its support of emerging designers in the industry with a $250,000 donation to the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund (CVFF), a program of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).

Maybelline New York
Maybelline New York’s Global Makeup Artist, Charlotte Willer, will lead the makeup teams of their sponsored designers’ shows, creating exciting looks translatable from the catwalk to the sidewalk.

Maybelline New York will partner with a selection of well established as well as up-and-coming designers at the Tents including Michael Angel, Custo Barcelona, Carlos Miele, Tracy Reese and Max Azria.

During 3 exclusive special appearances at the Maybelline front of house Lounge at the Bryant Park Tents, come meet and greet with:
-       Global Makeup Artist Charlotte Willer, and hear about the latest makeup trends from the catwalk on Sunday, February 14th from 1pm to 2pm.
-       Maybelline spokesmodel and trendsetter Erin Wasson on Tuesday, February 16th from 12pm to 1pm.
-       Maybelline spokesmodel and artist Kemp Muhl on Wednesday, February 17th from 4pm to 5pm.

For Erin and Kemp’s special appearances, the first ten visitors will get signed copies of Maybelline’s exclusive limited edition 2010 Calendar printed in only 1,300 numbered copies. All the other visitors can get limited edition postcards signed.
To get the insider’s scoop, follow the Maybelline insider on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MNYInsider starting now!

W Hotels Worldwide
To showcase W’s commitment to fashion, the iconic hotel brand will once again host a unique and stylish VIP lounge backstage at Bryant Park during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

As it is each season, the W Hotels Arrivals Lounge will be the most exclusive place for celebrities, socialites and fashion’s elite to mix, mingle and chill out backstage.

This season, the design of the Lounge reflects the sense of arrival and highlights our global growth as we embark upon opening nine properties in 2010 including Hollywood, Koh Samui, Vieques, Bali, London, St. Petersberg, Guangzhou, New York-Downtown and Austin.
Invited guests of the W Hotels Arrivals Lounge will be treated to complimentary champagne and Pop Burgers and have the chance to sample selected skincare products.

As music is a core passion for W, the W Hotels Arrivals Lounge will also feature celebrity DJs spinning hot tracks all week.
W Hotels Worldwide is the fastest growing luxury hotel brand in the world with 36 current properties in the most vibrant cities around the world.

TRESemmé
TRESemmé will proudly sponsor and create hair looks for Tracy Reese, Charlotte Ronson and Brian Reyes. TRESemmé stylists will be on-hand in the TRESemmé Hair Salon and Lounge in the main lobby offering dry styling and touch-ups all week.  To keep tent-goers up-to-date on Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week news, the TRESemmé Hair Salon and Lounge is equipped with a laptop computer, allowing guests to check out exciting posts and exclusive videos on TRESemme.com and on the TRESemmé Facebook page. Exclusive backstage and front row footage from the Charlotte Ronson show will also be available on TRESemme.com. TRESemmé will be sampling their NEW TRESemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo and Naturals Shampoo and Conditioner.

The Heart Truth Campaign
·         The Heart Truth will have several activities happening at its booth under the Tents in Bryant Park. These include:
o   Thursday, February 11 and Friday, February 12 – Diet Coke, presenting sponsor of The Heart Truth’s Red Dress 2010 Collection, will be offering samples of their special edition aluminum bottles of Diet Coke featuring The Heart Truth, along with specially made straws and napkins promoting The Heart Truth campaign and its hearth health messages.  To learn more about Diet Coke’s support of women’s heart health programs, visit www.dietcoke.com.
o   Saturday, February 13 – Columbia University Hospital will provide free heart health screenings and free wallet cards featuring heart health tips for interested visitors.
o   Sunday, February 14 – Free Red Dress Pins will be provided to guests visiting The Heart Truth booth (limited quantities).
o   Monday, February 15 and Tuesday, February 16 – Swarovski, Red Dress Collection 2010 sponsor, will be displaying their special Heart Truth jewelry collection created to raise funds for women’s heart health research. Free dark chocolate samples will be provided to those who visit the display.  To learn more about Swarovski’s Heart Truth collection, visit www.swarovski.com.
o   Wednesday, February 17 and Thursday, February 18 – Tylenol® and St. Joseph® Aspirin, Red Dress Collection 2010 sponsors, will provide free wellness hand and neck massages and free branded pill boxes.

Starbucks Frappuccino® Coffee Drink
Starbucks Frappuccino® coffee drinks is proud to be a first-time sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, helping attendees stay light on their feet this year with light options of popular Starbucks Frappuccino®  coffee drinks. As the official coffee sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, we’re celebrating the expanded Starbucks Frappuccino® Light beverage line – introducing new luxuriously sweet Frappuccino® Light Vanilla coffee drink, as well as No. 1 selling Frappuccino®Light Mocha coffee drink. Attendees are invited to visit the Starbucks Frappuccino® Coffee Drink Lounge to enjoy delicious, guilt-free Starbucks Frappuccino® coffee drinks, made with only the finest Arabica beans and high-quality ingredients with just 100 calories per bottle.

Peroni Nastro Azzurro
Peroni Nastro Azzurro is a premium beer with Italian passion and flair, renowned internationally for its exceptional taste. It’s one of the fastest-growing premium beers in the world – hot in London, Tokyo and Sydney.  In 2010, Peroni will build upon this momentum in the U.S. with a sleek, new tap handle, fitting the brand’s fashionable Italian flair.

Chambord
·         Chambord® Black Raspberry Liqueur will be serving up its own version of style with fashionable cocktails as the Official Liqueur of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week for the fourth consecutive year.
·         The cocktails Chambord will feature are the classic Chambord French Martini, the Velvet Elvis (a rocking combination of Chambord and Jack Daniel’s) and the Chambord Manhattan (Chambord and Woodford Reserve bourbon).
·         Guests at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week can enjoy tasty treats and confections at the Chambord booth in addition to the featured cocktails.
·         Chambord will also be unveiling arguably the world’s most expensive spirits container during the week – stay tuned for more information about the unveiling.
·         Chambord is an all-natural liqueur produced in France’s Loire Valley.

Rums of Puerto Rico
Rums of Puerto Rico, the umbrella marketing organization for the collection of the world’s finest rums, will be, for the first time, an official sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

All of the rum brands represented by the program, along with signature cocktails – the “Little Pink Drink” and the “Rum Stiletto”— carefully crafted by Rums of Puerto Rico “rumeliers,” will be showcased at all the official event bars.

The brands that will be showcased during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week are comprised of a wide range of rums that appeal to every palate and include: Bacardi, Don Q, Ron Llave, El Barrilito and Palo Viejo.

At the Bryant Park Tents, guests are able to enjoy these fine products at on-site bars and lounges, as well as during special cocktail passing hours. Guests will be entertained and provided with keepsake souvenirs during the following times:
February 14th, 2010, 7-8pm
February 16th, 2010  7-8pm
February 18th, 2010 6:30-7:30pm
During this week, Rums of Puerto Rico will also be unveiling their new advertising and marketing campaign “Reflections”

O.N.E.™ One Natural Experience
This year marks the first time that Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City is a CarbonNeutral® event.  Working in partnership with The CarbonNeutral Company, a world leading provider of carbon reduction solutions, the event’s carbon footprint has been measured and reduced to net zero through carbon offsetting. The event is supported by Tetra Pak, leading carton manufacturer, who along with natural beverage supplier O.N.E. is entering their second season of partnership with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week to bring environmental responsibility to the event.

By matching CO2 emissions with CO2 savings from verified projects, the result is that the event has a net zero carbon footprint. Purchasing carbon credits help fund long-term forestry management of The Big River/Salmon Creeks Forests in Mendocino, CA, as well as sustainable sourcing of local natural gas at two dairy farms in Idaho.
In September 2009 and again this season, O.N.E. will serve as the official water sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, providing sustainable, carton-packaged water to all guests attending shows, backstage and inside the Tents.

Tetra Pak is the world leader in aseptic processing and carton packaging systems for food products. The benefits of this technology are also measured in terms of environmental sustainability and convenience. Last season, the company facilitated on-site recycling at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York. This season, Tetra Pak will underwrite the event’s CarbonNeutral® initiative and also fulfill the recycling commitment similar to September 2009.

Vevant
·         Vevant is a unique new online fashion magazine that offers cutting-edge style coverage along with professional social networking and e-commerce that lets emerging designers directly reach a targeted audience of consumers.
·         Vevant is an online media sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and will be generating comprehensive video coverage of the shows, including exclusive backstage and behind-the-scenes footage as well as designer interviews and show reviews.
·         Inside the Lobby, show guests are invited to stop by the Vevant lounge to post their own video blogs, receive complimentary massages, tea and hot chocolate, gift bags featuring a 3-day pass to Pure Yoga, as well as amazing daily giveaways.
·         In addition, Vevant has partnered with New York-based street graffiti artist, Phetus, to create fashion-inspired installations which will be on display and auctioned off for charity at the end of the week.

AOL, Inc.
·         AOL’s media lounge will be a one-of-a kind environment for the editorial community, serving as an environment committed to empowering the working press to share their coverage of the events of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week with the world’s fashion enthusiasts.
AOL Inc. is a leading global Web services company with an extensive suite of online content brands, products and services that the company offers to consumers, publishers, and advertisers.

Showing in Bryant Park this season, and Associate Member shows on Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week ’s schedule are:  Mackage, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Richard Chai, Duckie Brown, Toni Maticevski, Ports 1961, La Perla, Farah Angsana, The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection 2010, Mik Cire by Eric Kim, Cynthia Steffe, Project Runway, Yigal Azrou?l, Michael Angel, Christian Siriano, Nicole Miller, Charlotte Ronson, Venexiana, Lacoste, Georges Chakra, Andy & Debb, ADAM, Academy of Art University, Prabal Gurung, Twinkle by Wenlan, Irina Shabayeva, ARISE Magazine African Collective – Part III, Lela Rose, Luca Luca, Malandrino, DKNY, Rebecca Taylor, Calvin Klein Collection Men’s, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Diane Von Furstenberg, TonyCohen, Y-3, Custo Barcelona, Vassilios Kostetsos, Zac Posen, Carolina Herrera, Carlos Miele, Jill Stuart, Tracy Reese, Donna Karan Collection, Monique Lhuillier, Yeohlee, Tadashi Shoji, Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation, Perry Ellis, Elie Tahari, Badgley Mischka, Vera Wang, Mímkho, Pamella Roland, Max Azria, Dennis Basso, Diesel Black Gold, Thuy, Tibi, Narciso Rodriguez, Toni Francesc, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Milly by Michelle Smith, Reed Krakoff, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Anna Sui, Brian Reyes, Ralph Lauren, Isaac Mizrahi, Trias, Davidelfin, Calvin Klein Collection Women’s, Leifsdottir, J. Mendel, Naeem Khan and Tommy Hilfiger.

We are proud to announce that Fashion For Relief™-Haiti NYC, 2010 will take center stage at this year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on the evening of February 12th. This spectacular runway show and auction will be held in aid of CARE to raise crucial funds towards rebuilding Haiti’s healthcare system for mothers and children. It will be hosted by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and feature internationally recognized designers, celebrities and VIPs. The donation is tax deductible and 100% of the event ticket sales will benefit CARE.

CARE is a leading humanitarian organization, fighting global poverty with a special focus on working with poor women. CARE, with a long time presence in Haiti, and now after the earthquake, is the leading agency working with new mothers to help them with breastfeeding and making sure no babies die from mixing powdered milk with dirty water. It also delivers emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters, and helps people rebuild their lives.

Fashion For Relief™ began five years ago as a way to galvanize the fashion community and its generosity in times of need. Fashion For Relief’s™ first show, in 2005, was held during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City and raised $1 million for the Hurricane Katrina relief. In 2007, over £1 million was raised for the Rotary Flood & Disaster and in 2008, Sarah Brown helped us to raise thousands for the White Ribbon Alliance. Last year Fashion For Relief™ was presented during Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai, India and raised funds after the 26/11 bombings. Additional Fashion For Relief™ events were held in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

Proceeds raised this year will go directly to saving lives of women, children and newborns across the recently earthquake stricken Haiti.

Legendary fashion photographer Nick Knight continues to push the paradigm shift in fashion show presentation by collaborating with designers Alexander Wang and Rodarte, digitally presenting their Collections on his ground breaking website SHOWstudio in an initiative supported by Mercedes-Benz.  Alexander Wang’s show will be presented on February 13 at 5:00 PM EST and Rodarte on February 16 at 12:00 PM EST.

“I see the future of fashion weeks around the world as not only a physical schedule of shows, but also as a digital calendar of fashion experiences online, which bridge the industry and consumer experience,” said Nick Knight, Director of SHOWstudio.  “When the industry talks about the ‘future of fashion weeks’ this is ultimately where they will arrive.”

The fashion shows, live on SHOWstudio.com and viewable after the presentations, continue an increasing trend which sees more and more designers digitally capturing their fashion shows and presenting them either live online, or as film vignettes.  Mercedes-Benz, along with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week organizer IMG Fashion, plans to promote the digital experiences on their calendars and via their web properties.

“Working with Nick Knight and SHOWstudio is truly an honor. We are so excited to bring our show to a new platform, and to do something truly innovative in the way it is presented to our audience,” said Alexander Wang.

“With each Rodarte show, we aim to create a visual and experiential immersion for the audience. Working with Nick Knight to bring our next show environment to a wider audience is a thrilling opportunity,” said Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte.

“Karl Benz experimented with the first gas engine almost 125 years ago resulting in the invention of the automobile. Access provides new experiences and Nick Knight is at the forefront of pushing the fashion industry deeper into the digital realm.  The fashion world is transforming,” said Lisa Holladay, manager brand experience marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA.  “Alexander Wang and Rodarte are innovative designers and supporting them within this type of digital movement personifies our heritage and the cutting-edge technology that goes into every Mercedes-Benz vehicle,” added Holladay.

From February 11-18, 2010, during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (MBFW), thousands of fashion industry professionals will come together in Bryant Park’s iconic Tents for one last week before MBFW re-locates to Lincoln Center in September.

Starting off a New Year and new global fashion cycle, the retailers, reporters and editors are eager to see the Collections from the world’s established and up-and-coming designers, and how this creative community sets the tones and trends for what we will wear in Fall/Winter 2010.

“As we close a chapter in the history of our event, IMG is excited to be working with Lincoln Center, the CFDA and the City to create a new home for the fashion industry at Lincoln Center,” said Peter Levy, SVP and Managing Director of IMG Fashion Worldwide. “We are looking forward, with our partners, to rolling out our plans in the coming months.”

“All of us at IMG Fashion are excited about the outstanding and stellar lineup which has come together from around the world to share in this historic Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week,” said Fern Mallis, SVP of IMG Fashion. “This will be a significant season, as we reflect on 17 years, 31 seasons and close to 2,500 fashion shows in Bryant Park that have launched many careers….from Designers to Editors, Models, Producers, Celebrities, TV Commentators and Reality Shows. We all also look forward to the change - and September’s move to Damrosch Park in Lincoln Center.”

Saluting and showing in Bryant Park, and Associate Member shows on Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week ’s schedule are:  BCBGMAXAZRIA, Richard Chai, Duckie Brown, Toni Maticevski, Ports 1961, Anne Bowen, La Perla, Farah Angsana, The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection 2010, Cynthia Steffe, Project Runway, Yigal Azrou?l, Michael Angel, Christian Siriano, Nicole Miller, Charlotte Ronson, Venexiana, Lacoste, Georges Chakra, Andy & Debb, Adam, Academy of Art University, Prabal Gurung, ARISE Magazine African Collective - III, Lela Rose, Luca Luca, Malandrino, DKNY, Rebecca Taylor, Calvin Klein Men’s Collection, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Diane Von Furstenberg, TonyCohen, Y-3, Tuleh, Custo Barcelona, Vassilios Kostetsos, Carolina Herrera, Carlos Miele, Jill Stuart, Donna Karan Collection, Tracy Reese, Monique Lhuillier, Yeohlee, Tadashi Shoji, Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation, Perry Ellis, Elie Tahari, Badgley Mischka, Vera Wang, Pamella Roland, Max Azria, Dennis Basso, Diesel Black Gold, Thuy, Tibi, Narciso Rodriguez, Toni Francesc, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Milly by Michelle Smith, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Anna Sui, Brian Reyes, Ralph Lauren, Isaac Mizrahi, Trias, Calvin Klein Women’s Collection, Naeem Khan, J. Mendel and Tommy Hilfiger.

The Bryant Park Tents’ three venues include the Salon, the Promenade and the Tent. Over the course of eight days, the runway venues, lobby and backstage sponsor lounges will be bustling from 9 AM to 9 PM, when approximately 100,000 people come to attend shows, meet and greet the media, retailers and fashion professionals.

Title sponsor Mercedes-Benz is joined by DHL, American Express®, Maybelline New York, W Hotels Worldwide, TRESemmé, The Heart Truth Campaign, Starbucks Frappuccino® Coffee Drink, Peroni, Chambord, Martini Gold Mixers and O.N.E.™ One Natural Experience as well as the following media outlets The New York Times, Vevant, Women’s Wear Daily and Getty Images. Each of these sponsors will be providing hospitality, services and amenities to make the hectic week of shows as effortless and pleasurable as possible for all attendees.

For the second year in a row, Cynthia Rowley wins LAB Theater Co’s Celebrity Charades charity event!  Opposite a large group of actors including Oscar winners Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Julia Roberts, Cynthia was able to out act them all and take home the coveted championship belt.

You can go to www.duracellmediacenter.com/smart-power-lab for images and video.

Some of the celebrities that attended included: Bobby Cannavale, Billy Crudup, John Krasinski, Sam Rockwell, Cynthia Rowley, Daphne Rubin-Vega, David Zayas, Kristen Wiig, Lonny Ross, Shannon Elizabeth, Adam Rodriguez, Yul Vasquez and host/auctioneer John Patrick Shanley.

Last fall,  the Muppets introduced fans to the world of the Whatnots at FAO Schwartz 5th Avenue in New York City.  What’s a Whatnot, you ask?   Whatnots are the extras of the Muppet world - the background characters, creatures, monsters and other assorted weirdoes who add extra mayhem and madness to every Muppet production.

And this season, the fun continues over at The Muppet Whatnot Workshop at the FAO flagship store.   People of all ages can come in and create their very own Whatnot. Your Whatnot can be whatever you want. It can look like you…like a friend…a family member…. or, who knows, even like your favorite celebrity.

This year the Muppets have introduced an additional clothing line for your Whatnots and facial pieces including mustaches, beards and more!  There will be a few new folks to the Whatnot line-up – a football player option – a pretty princess and (drum roll please) new MONTSTER Whatnots! AND for the first time ever, a selection of Whatnot outfits will be sold separately, each in its own Muppet-size garment bag.

Celebrities including Brooke Shields, Bobby Flay, Victoria and David Beckham and Kristen Chenoweth are huge fans and have all been to the workshop to create their very own Whatnot.

For fans who can’t make it to New York’s FAO Schwarz,  the Muppet Whatnot Workshop is available online at FAO.com.  Each Whatnot retails for $129.99 and comes in a clear vinyl bag - perfect for you to show off your unique creation!

Mango and J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP) today announced their intention to enter into an agreement under which JCPenney will become Mango’s exclusive department store retailer in the United States for the “MNG by Mango” brand.  Mango, one of the world’s top international “fast fashion” retailers with more than 1,300 stores in 94 countries, is known for rapidly delivering European runway fashion at affordable prices. As JCPenney’s largest contemporary brand, MNG by Mango will bring a representation of Mango to JCPenney, and will dramatically expand the brand’s presence in the United States where there are currently 12 Mango stores.

The MNG by Mango brand will include a full lifestyle offering of career and casual sportswear as well as accessories sold only at JCPenney.  Additional highlights of the agreement include:

Known for its highly defined brand concept, centered on original design for the modern woman, quality product and a unified brand image, the partnership will utilize Mango’s talented design team and fast fashion sourcing with JCPenney’s sophisticated logistics network and industry leading planning and allocation tools to deliver compelling assortments twice monthly.

Planned to be the largest rollout ever of any fast fashion concept, MNG by Mango will be a specialty store within JCPenney and the centerpiece of a newly designed contemporary area in the core of JCPenney stores.

Beginning Fall 2010, MNG by Mango will launch in up to 75 stores and on jcp.com, with plans to expand to approximately 600 stores by Fall 2011.

“Fast fashion for the young, modern woman is our highest-potential business opportunity. We have long been intrigued with fast fashion, and through the recent launches of our own private brands, she said® and City Streets®, we’ve experienced great success and confidence in expanding this offering to our customers,” said Myron E. (Mike) Ullman, III, chairman and chief executive officer.  “We’ve definitely been ’stepping up our style’ over the last several years, and having MNG by Mango exclusively will further establish JCPenney as a first choice destination for the best, affordable contemporary fast fashion in the U.S. The Mango name has become synonymous with fashion at a moderate price and for innovation in creating quality merchandise at enormous speed.  We look forward to working with the Mango team to bring this same excitement to U.S. consumers, and to helping Mango build on the incredible success it has achieved around the world.”

“Every time we bring Mango to a new international market, it has driven immediate, strong demand, and we have only begun to capitalize on the great desire for Mango in the U.S.,” said Enric Casi, Mango’s CEO. “JCPenney is the perfect match for us to take advantage of the opportunity we see for the MNG by Mango brand in this market. JCPenney is increasingly known as a leader in affordable, style and has an exceptional track record in merchandising and marketing contemporary brands for the U.S. customer.  We are thrilled to see that come to life with our MNG by Mango brand.”

The MNG by Mango brand will be showcased in a compelling, unique store environment that will encompass approximately 1,000 square feet in JCPenney stores, and will anchor a new contemporary merchandise area located in the center core of the women’s apparel department, which is JCPenney’s top-performing division. This new contemporary area will also feature other leading JCPenney private and exclusive brands, including she said®, Bisou Bisou®, I Heart Ronson® and ALLEN B®, and will be on the floor adjacent to Sephora inside JCPenney. JCPenney will market the MNG by Mango brand aggressively through its integrated marketing campaigns, including online, digital, television, direct mail and preprint.  MNG by Mango will also be part of JCPenney’s promotional merchandise cadence.

“MNG by Mango brings a European runway aesthetic with mass appeal to JCPenney through a unique partnership that capitalizes on the strengths of each of our businesses to deliver clear benefits,” said Liz Sweney, executive vice president and general merchandise manager of women’s apparel at JCPenney.  “MNG by Mango will resonate strongly with our fastest-growing customer segments, as well as with the younger customers who we have attracted through the major enhancements we have made in our contemporary assortment. We look forward to working with the exceptionally talented team at Mango and to bring their extraordinary brand to our customers.”

About JCPenney
JCPenney is one of America’s leading retailers, operating 1,109 department stores throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as one of the largest apparel and home furnishing sites on the Internet, jcp.com, and the nation’s largest general merchandise catalog business. Through these integrated channels, JCPenney offers a wide array of national, private and exclusive brands which reflect the Company’s commitment to providing customers with style and quality at a smart price. Traded as “JCP” on the New York Stock Exchange, the Company posted revenue of $18.5 billion in 2008 and is executing its strategic plan to be the growth leader in the retail industry. Key to this strategy is JCPenney’s “Every Day Matters” brand positioning, intended to generate deeper, more emotionally driven relationships with customers by fully engaging the Company’s approximately 150,000 Associates to offer encouragement, provide ideas and inspire customers every time they shop with JCPenney.

About Mango
MANGO is an international brand dedicated to the design and commercialization of fashion, is aimed at urban women aged 18 to 40 and is one of Spain’s top two exporters in the textile sector.
The firm began its international expansion in 1992 with the opening of two franchises in Portugal. Today, it is present in 94 countries in all five continents with more than 1,300 stores. Thanks to its rapid international expansion, the company has fulfilled its aim: to have a store in every major city in the world.
MANGO ended the 2008 financial year with a turnover of 1.44 billion euros, a figure that corresponds to R.R.P. sales excluding VAT for both company and franchise-owned stores. This represents an increase in turnover of 8% over the previous financial year.
Furthermore the MANGO/MNG Consolidated Group turnover was 1.15 billion euros, a figure that corresponds to R.R.P. sales excluding VAT for company-owned stores, plus wholesale sales to franchises. This represents an increase in turnover of 5% over the previous financial year.

To see Pictures of Models click here