Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week enjoyed a stellar season, as the runways of Bryant Park once again featured talented designers from all parts of the globe.  The Tents hosted plenty of veteran designers such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Anna Sui, Zac Posen, Carolina Herrera and Max Azria (for three shows), brought their classic elegance and focused designs to the fashion industry throngs. Several of the season’s newcomers, like William Rast (with Justin Timberlake & Trace Ayala in tow), Mackage, Adam and ThisDay/ARISE African Fashion Collective also received their chance to display their talent on the global fashion stage. They, along with others from Nanette Lepore, Tracy Reese and Dennis Basso showed their collections to great praise from the world’s press in Bryant Park. Highlighting the fashion parade were 50 fabulous looks from 50 designers to celebrate Barbie®’s 50th anniversary.

“With all eyes, pens, cameras, microphones on the fashion industry this week, asking and reporting on the economic climate’s affect on fashion, the consensus is very clear that the designers have all worked long and hard to design collections to inspire shoppers to get back in the stores,” said Fern Mallis, Senior Vice-President of IMG Fashion. “From a variety of new basics and investment clothes, to colorful happy looks that lift us all and make it irresistible, the energy in the Tents, around the city, the parties, receptions and attendance throughout week was as good as ever!”

“Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week continues to hold its poll position as the premier fashion event in the United States. Despite ever-changing economic conditions, design and creativity were in abundance this past week on the runways and throughout the Bryant Park Tents,” said Lisa Holladay, Brand Experience Marketing Manager at Mercedes-Benz USA.

Celebrating the link between automotive and fashion design, Mercedes-Benz sponsored the official opening event for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Shang restaurant on Friday, February 13th in New York City’s Lower East Side. The head-turning, limited edition SL65 AMG Black Series was on public display for the first time in New York City at the event. A special acoustic performance by The Virgins rounded out the evening for designer, industry notable and celebrity guests which included Michelle Trachtenberg, Amanda Bynes, Brittany Snow, Christian Siriano, Tyrese, Kellie Pickler, Katie Lee Joel, Camille Guaty, Yigal Azrouël, Ryan Leslie, Jessica Stam, Eugenia Silva, Damien Fahey, Bethany Frankel and Grammy winner Chrisette Michelle.

Connecting with the colorful and optimistic looks seen on the runway, this season’s backstage Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge, was the result of a collaboration with Eric Villency, President and CEO of Maurice Villency on a design that embraced bright colors and whimsical motifs. During the week, the Star Lounge was the backstage destination for celebrities, VIP’s, press and Mercedes-Benz customer guests. Special events in the lounge included a champagne toast for this season’s “Mercedes-Benz Presents” designer Yigal Azrouël. Beyond backstage, two of the newest editions in Mercedes-Benz’s own collection were displayed in the front lobby, the SL63 AMG Edition IWC and the GLK350. Capturing the energy and insider buzz of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Mercedes-Benz has posted behind the scenes content on You Tube, including a backstage interview with the Mercedes-Benz Presents Designer Yigal Azrouël, which is available at www.youtube.com/mbusa.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kicked off the season with The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection 2009, continuing to raise national awareness about women’s risks of heart disease.  After the show, an online auction of the red dresses at clothesoffourback.org raised funds for the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health. The Heart Truth’s Lobby lounge distributed information about the campaign with materials about heart disease, risk factors and how to prevent it. Guests also pinned “VIACTIVâ Promises” to a branded cardboard model.

To celebrate Barbie®’s unparalleled fashion influence on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 50 world-renowned fashion designers came together for the first time ever and showcased real-size Barbie® inspired looks in a fun, fabulous, over the top fashion show in the Tent.  In this monumental fashion celebration, designer looks were organized as the past, present and future of Barbie®.  In addition to the runway show, Barbie® filled the Lobby fountain with a fabulous display of dolls, iconic Barbie® photography and original Rootstein ‘Barbie®’ mannequins.

Reaffirming their love affair with fashion, The world’s leading journalists, editors, producers and retailers shared the front row with celebrities such as Heidi Klum, Lucy Liu, Alicia Keys, Grace Jones, Kanye West, Kate Bosworth, Selma Blair, Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, Claire Danes, Natasha Bedingfield, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Rachel Bilson, Taylor Momsen, Michelle Trachtenberg, Zoe Saldana, Lindsay Lohan, Samantha Ronson, Eva Longoria-Parker, Beth Ostrosky Stern, Emile Hirsch, Kim Raver, Diane Kruger, Estelle, Joshua Jackson, Aisha Tyler, Mary J. Blige, Monica, Ryan Lochte, Common, Coco Rocha, Keisha Whitaker, Molly Simms, Brittany Snow, Julia Stiles, LeAnn Marshall, Fonzworth Bently, January Jones, Emmy Rossum, Becki Newton, Eric Mabius, Matthew Settle, Minka Kelly, Kristen Bell, Sophia Bush, Akon, Paris Hilton, Nicky Hilton, Jamie Lynn Sigler, Rufus Wainwright, Annalynne McCord, Danielle Panabaker, Forest Whittaker, Amanda Bynes, Jessica Stroup, Mischa Barton, Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Tim Gunn, JC Chasez, Damien Fahey, Solange Knowles, Aubrey O’Day, Dean McDermott, Tori Spelling, Mario, Joy Bryant, Kat deLuna, Kelly Pickler, Kellan Lutz, Rex Lee, Christopher Meloni, Calvin Pace, Carolina Bacardi, Derek Watkins, Faune Chambers, Kiera Chaplin, Leigh Lezark, Lily Collins, Veronica Webb, Alexie Gilmore, Camille Gauty, May Anderson, Vernon Davis, Mark Idelicato, Erin Lucas, Dayana Mendoza, Gretta Monahan, Ovie Mughelli, Darrelle Revis, Crystal Stewart, Tamara Feldman, Irina Pantaeva, Joanne DeGuardiola, Lydia Finet, Suzanne Johnson, Eva Amurri, Rob and Marisol Thomas, Alison Brie, Casey Spooner, Terence Koh, Alexandra Richards, Marky Ramone, Leven Rambin, Alexie Gilmore, Camille Guaty, Katrina Bowden, Mickey Rourke, Shane Grimes, Tamara Feldman, Rufus Wainwright, Laura Albert, Nicole Richie, Diana Ross, Katherine McPhee, Zoe Kravitz, Reggie Bush, Rosin Murphy, Julianne Margulies, Cheyenne Jackson, Jane Krakowski, Nastia Lukin, Sandra Bernhard, among others.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors.  The hospitality, services, products, samples and amenities the sponsors provided contributed to make an exciting week of shows as enjoyable and pleasant as possible for all attendees.

American Express hosted Gold, Platinum and Centurion Cardmembers in their exclusive Skybox overlooking the Tent and the Promenade. They viewed runway shows with a level of access like no other in a space designed by Jonathan Adler, design expert and lead judge on Bravo TV’s Top Design. This season, the Skybox host, Kate Nobelius, provided Cardmembers with her personal insight into the runway action and VIP players.  Cardmembers also had exclusive access to a consultation with a Bergdorf Goodman personal shopper, who was in attendance during each Skybox session.

As if viewing the latest fashions wasn’t enough, Chambord was back in the Tents as the Official Liqueur sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  Their products and signature cocktails were featured at all of the event bars and hospitality lounges.  This season they showcased the Chambord French Martini, Chambord Lemonade and the Velvet Elvis.  Celebrating this year’s theme, “the art of the fashion illustration”, Chambord’s artists in residence at the Chambord booth personalized a 5-7 minute digital fashion portrait and memorialize editors, celebrities and industry guests in their favorite fashion frocks and finery.  All portraits were downloadable and could be used for stationery, Facebook updates and more.

DHL, the Official International Express Delivery and Logistics Provider for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, sponsored the DHL Information and Guest Services Desk, and provided DHL branded literature and bags for guests.  DHL hawkers distributed The Daily Front Row from branded messenger bags and DHL runners also assisted with sponsor seating.  DHL also provided branded luggage tags for the official event gift bag.

Just in time for spring, Havaianas brought back their popular “Spin the Wheel” game in their Lobby space.  Guests had the chance to spin for a prize which included various types of candy and branded premiums.  Havaianas will also hosted “Make Your Own Havaianas” exclusively for guests of IMG Fashion and American Express in the American Express Skybox and the IMG Lounge.

Judith Ripka hosted their elegant “boutique-style” space in the Lobby to display their season’s 18k Couture jewelry collection.  Their VIP guests tried on pieces in between attending runway shows.  Judith Ripka also hosted a reception in the IMG Lounge to celebrate their new ad campaign featuring Shoshanna Lonstein Gruss.  Reception guests will include Shoshanna, her close friends and invited press.

Who doesn’t like a little make over? M?A?C Cosmetics, the Official Cosmetics sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, entertained show-goers in the Lobby with an artist demonstrating the latest make-up trends, and they gave away face charts and pens.  Guests enjoyed water and wireless access from the M?A?C Cosmetics booth as well as today’s music.  Backstage the M?A?C Cosmetics
lounge was the hub of the beauty editor world, providing a quiet place to do interviews or speak to the fashion world through their metv video booth.  Here, editors, designers and fashion’s elite video taped themselves with their messages which were uploaded to style.com.  After 24 hours, the videos were uploaded M?A?C Cosmetics’ youtube site and distributed to industry bloggers.

This season’s attendees had TRESemmé fix their winded hair as the Official Hair Care Sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week returned to the Tents.  Not only did TRESemmé create beautiful looks on the runway at the Tracy Reese and William Rast shows, but it also created chic looks on Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week guests in the TRESemmé Hair Salon and Lounge in the Lobby.  Stylists provided touch-ups and TRESemmé ambassadors sampled their fabulous hair care products to guests throughout the week.

Through its “Style and Strength for Life” campaign, the VIACTIVâ Brand, in partnership with breakout fashion designer Ashleigh Verrier and her mother and business partner Jude Verrier, launched a year-long initiative during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week to educate women.  VIACTIVâ samples were available in the Lobby throughout the week and VIACTIVâ girls, wearing Verrier designs, interacted with guests to promote its benefits.

YKK zipper lanyards were the necklace of choice for all Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week staff and press. YKK branded Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week pocket schedule cards were available for all attendees at the DHL Information & Guest Services Desk. And to hold all your goodies from your favorite shows, YKK eco-friendly bags were distributed in the lobby, at the Café and at the Press Office for all attendees.

Always the “happening lounge”, W Hotels Worldwide returned as the Official Hotel Partner of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  The W Hotels Worldwide backstage lounge was the hottest destination for VIPs and celebrities seeking some “Wuv” before and after shows.  W Hotels invited guests to groove to the live DJ and sip cocktails provided by their in-house mixologist.

Several signature cocktails and beverages served throughout the week included Peroni, Martini Gold Chocolate and Martini Gold Lemon Drop as well as Martini Gold Signature Cocktails – the Raspberry Truffle-tini and the Passionista, Coca-Cola and refreshing SmartWater. Coca-Cola and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week joined together to create a recycling program for the Event to make the Tents “green”.  Co-branded recycling bins could be found everywhere and multiple daily pickups were made for recyclable materials including glass, plastic, aluminum and cardboard.

DHL, the world’s leading express delivery and logistics company, following two successful years working with IMG Fashion, returns for its third year as sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York.  The annual designer fashion event introduces the 2009 fall fashion collections and highlights DHL’s role in delivering the latest fashions to runways and customers across the globe.

Fashion is a $250 billion global industry that moves quickly and relies on time-sensitive shipping and logistics. With its logistics leadership position in Asia, Europe and Central and South America — all markets that are important to the fashion industry — DHL is the premier provider of express services to the fashion industry and has the global resources to provide tailor-made transport solutions that address the latest trends in the fashion world and meet the specific needs of individual customers.

DHL’s regular services cover the entire logistics value chain of the fashion industry – from material purchasing to quality control of production and direct delivery to the boutiques of international fashion companies.  DHL’s commitment to the fashion sector also includes sample room management and consolidation services, and overnight door-to-door service from Asia with five flights to New York City with the latest pickup and the earliest delivery times into the city.

“Our Fashion Week sponsorship allows DHL to demonstrate our commitment to the industry and expertise in helping the fashion industry maximize sales, reduce risk and operate the entire supply chain expertly and efficiently,” said Charles Brewer, Senior Vice President & General Manager Northeast for DHL Express. “Fashion is an extremely time sensitive business, and now more than ever the choice of express delivery and logistics provider plays a vital role in meeting the industry’s success factors of cost efficiency and timeliness. That is why DHL maintains dedicated international shipping specialists at our Manhattan service center to support the fashion industry and offers the earliest delivery times into New York.”

DHL has also worked closely with customers in the fashion industry and other sectors to customize a helicopter service that provides quick transportation to and from Manhattan for international shipments.  After early morning arrival from direct flights to its international gateway at JFK, the helicopter service brings shipments directly to Manhattan in less than 10 minutes, cutting as much as a day off the time in transit for shipments – a feat unmatched by the competition.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York is presented annually in tents at Bryant Park in New York City. The invitation-only event, which runs this year February 13th – 20th, provides designers’ fall fashion collections to the national and international media, and industry insiders.

The New York sponsorship is part of an expanded relationship with DHL as the official express delivery and logistics partner for IMG’s Fashion Weeks around the world announced in 2008.   DHL also sponsors fashion events in Milan, London, Mexico City, Moscow, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Miami and Sydney.

Following the success of their US debut on Melrose Place, Designer Tia Cibani gets ready to open Ports 1961’s second boutique in the center of New York City’s Historic Meatpacking District.

Designed by architect Michael Gabellini, Ports interior unfolds as a meandering animated narrative of movement, a layered backdrop of translucent scrims and veils reflecting projected imagery.

The inherent qualities of twisted nickel bars and  floating lucite shelves provide understated elegance and sculptural balance. American walnut floors and handmade carpets add natural warmth. The space is open and intimate, creating an environment of modern refinement with a spirited casualness.

Illumination and color infuse the space with a sense of place and atmosphere. The lighting concept combines filtered light veils, saturated luminescent planes and rhythmic lines of direct light.

An open floor to ceiling skylight exposes the center room to various gradations of natural daylight to moonlight, emphasizing various aspects of the collections cut, color and form.

Outside great importance was given to preserving the quality of the local historic neighborhood by restoring Ports 3 9th Avenue building to introduce a modern wedge of Zink and glass into the landscape, expanding the interior space.

The retail level will present the seasonal collection as well as a gallery of limited edition items including, collectable books, music and object art collected from Cibani’s multi cultural travels. Tia draws her inspiration from a vast source of historic and ethnic references, resulting in a collection of richly colored and uniquely textured fabrics. Designing sensual shapes that are ethereal yet modern.  The intimate setting of this historic building’s second floor will host local artist events and the third floor will serve as Tia’s design studio.

Ports 1961 3 Ninth Avenue New York, NY 10014 T. 917.475.1022

With Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week less than one week away, preparations are in full swing. Show producers, sponsors, designers, members of the press, models and fashion followers from around the world will convene in New York City as the Fall 2009 Collections are presented. This season’s line up includes a number of established favorites alongside emerging designers, who come together to let the fashion world know what they are up to.

“I believe Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week will bring some positive energy and activity to the industry,” said Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion, Fern Mallis. “It’s the creativity that we now need to celebrate more than ever. Our schedule is full and despite the constant focus of the economy, we will be back to business…almost as usual.”

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kicks off with the 7th edition of The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection 2009 and is followed by  Yigal Azrou?l, this season’s Mercedes-Benz Presents designer, Duckie Brown, Charlotte Ronson, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Nicole Miller, THISDAY/Arise Magazine: African Fashion Collective 2009, Academy of Art University, Venexiana, Lacoste, Georges Chakra, Andy & Debb, ADAM, Barbie™ Runway Show, Verrier, Monarchy Collection, Lela Rose, Mara Hoffman, Nicholas K, Sergio Davila, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Thuy, Diane Von Furstenberg, Akiko Ogawa., Erin Fetherston, Miss Sixty, E.Y. Wada, Farah Angsana, Carolina Herrera, Carlos Miele, Tracy Reese, Tony Cohen, Terexov, William Rast, Cynthia Steffe, Badgley Mischka, Matthew Williamson, Pamella Roland, Diesel Black Gold, Dennis Basso, CHOCHENG, MAX AZRIA, Tibi, Domenico Vacca, Narciso Rodriguez, J. Mendel, Nanette Lepore, Michael Kors, Richard Chai, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Milly by Michelle Smith, Anna Sui, Mackage, Tommy Hilfiger, Brian Reyes, Rebecca Taylor, Ports 1961, Christian Siriano, Custo Barcelona, Zac Posen, Project Runway, Tadashi Shoji and Chado Ralph Rucci. Walter, DKNY, Calvin Klein Men’s Collection, Y-3, Jill Stuart, Donna Karan New York, Yeohlee, Z Zegna, 1909 Victorinox, Calvin Klein Women’s Collection, Leifsdottir and Ralph Lauren are associate members on the official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week calendar with shows off site. Further details and announcements on this event will follow.

The iconic Bryant Park Tents offer three venues this season: the Promenade, the Salon and the Tent. Over the course of 8 days, approximately 100,000 people will pass through the Tents to attend shows, meet and greet, do interviews and see the business of fashion continue from morning to night.

Title sponsor Mercedes-Benz is joined by DHL, American Express, M?A?C Cosmetics, Judith Ripka, YKK, W Hotels Worldwide, Havaianas, TRESemmé, Barbie®, The Heart Truth Campaign, VIACTIV®, Peroni, Chambord and Martini Gold Mixers as well as the following media outlets The New York Times, 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.

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IMG Models, a division of global sports and entertainment company IMG today announced that six models from the renowned agency will be featured in the current Swimsuit issue of Sports Illustrated (on newsstands today).  IMG Models will lead the roster of beauties with six girls included in the book, more than any other agency and a record for IMG Models.

“We couldn’t be more proud of our line-up of clients in this years Swimsuit Issue,” said Ivan Bart, Senior Vice President of IMG Models.  “IMG has always been proud of our participation in this career making issue and congratulate Daniella Sarahyba, Esti Ginzberg, Hilary Rhoda, Jarah Mariano, Jessica Gomes and Tori Pravers on their inclusion.”

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue – This issue is published annually by SI and features top fashion models wearing designer swimwear in exotic locales. The first issue was published in 1964 and has featured such famous models as Kathy Ireland, Christie Brinkley, Elle Macpherson, Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell. The current issue will mark the 45th annual issue of the famous magazine.
Daniella Sarahyba – Brazilian stunner Sarahyba was born into the industry, her mother was a famous model as well. Daniella has been in TV ads for Olympus and print ads for H&M, Gap and Michael Stars. She was recently shot in Rio de Janeiro by Mario Testino for his upcoming shoot.

Esti Ginzberg-Israeli native, Esti has established herself as one of the new “it” girls, having worked with world renown photographers such as Bruce Weber, Blaise and Kenneth Willard and appearing in advertisement campaigns for Tommy Hilfiger, Burburry, Clarins, among others. As well as a talented singer, she was recently awarded the role as lead actress in the upcoming film, Twelve.

Hilary Rhoda- An All American Girl, Hilary Rhoda is currently the face of Estee Lauder and was recently named one of the highest paid models by Forbes magazine.

Jarah Mariano – American born Mariano’s distinct features can be tribute to her Hawaiian, Korean and Chinese descent. She has been featured in ad campaigns for MAC Cosmetics, Old Navy and A&F as well as in a music video for Jay Z. She will also appear in an upcoming episode of Chuck.

Jessica Gomes – Australian born Gomes is the youngest of four siblings. She has been featured in campaigns for DKNY, Adidas and Old Navy as well as appeared on The Today Show and Project Runway. Her acting career includes not only an appearance in an upcoming episode of Chuck but also is the star of her own Korean TV show titled, My Name is Jessica Gomes.

Tori Praver – Tori Praver, born in California and raised in Hawaii.  Noted for her big break as the face of Guess, she has worked with some of the industry’s most renowned photographers, magazines and recently designed her own swimwear line, Tori Praver Swimwear, which is featured in the current issue.

About IMG Models

IMG Models, a division of global sports and entertainment company IMG, is the world’s number one model management firm with offices in New York, London, Paris and Milan.

This Monday February 9th through Friday February 20th 2009 there will be a sample showroom spring sampler. Being held at 263 11th Avenue – between 27th & 28th Streets on the 3rd floor from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM – the following designers will be show casing their work: Orla Kiely, Erickson Beamon, Issa London, Tony Cohen, Charlotte Ronson, A & G Cashmere, Sharon Wauchob, & so much more!!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Whether you’re shopping for someone you give a “hoot” about, or heck just yourself, here   are   a few great Valentine’s Day gift ideas available at OwlsLab.com.

1.) Date Outfit: Tibi Dress; Backless Ruffle Shift Dress, $434

Celebrities including Diane Kruger and Hilary Duff are fans of the line.

2.) Pretty in KEP jewelry: necklace and earrings:

a.)KEP Red Coral Necklace $375

b.) KEP Gold Necklace $220

c.) KEP Flower Stud Earrings, $55

d.) KEP $130 – hot pink long necklace

Celebrities including Eva Longoria and Reese Witherspoon have been spotted wearing the line on numerous red carpets! Check out www.OwlsLab.com <http://www.OwlsLab.com> for additional Valentine’s Day gift ideas!

Agreement to Host Biannual Events at Larger Space in Damrosch Park Area Starting Fall 2010 Will Allow Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week to Continue to Grow in New York City

New York’s Fashion Week Generates $773 Million in Economic Activity, Supporting the City’s Fashion Industry and its 175,000 Jobs

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced an agreement to move New York City’s biannual Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week events to Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center. The agreement between IMG Fashion and Lincoln Center, Inc. will allow the shows to relocate from Bryant Park to Damrosch Park beginning in September 2010. Until then, the event will take place at Bryant Park, including the Fall 2009 collections which begin February 13. The City, through the Office of First Deputy Mayor Patricia E. Harris, worked with IMG Fashion and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) to identify a new location as it became clear the shows would soon outgrow the facilities at Bryant Park. The Mayor made the announcement at a conference about the future of New York City hosted by Crain’s New York Business and the Partnership for New York City, and he was joined by Council of Fashion Designers of America President Diane von Furstenberg, IMG Fashion Senior Vice President Fern Mallis, Lincoln Center President Reynold Levy, Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe, New York City Economic Development Corporation President Seth W. Pinsky and Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate D. Levin.

“The fashion industry is a vital part of our City’s economy, providing more than 175,000 jobs and generating billions of dollars in wages for New Yorkers annually,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Ensuring the industry’s long-term success and promoting Fashion Week – the industry’s greatest showcase – is more important than ever as we work to retain and create jobs during these difficult times and diversify the City’s economy. We were determined to work with the Council of Fashion Designers of America and IMG Fashion to identify a location for Fashion Week that would allow it to grow and thrive in New York City, and we could not have arrived at more ideal location than Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center.”

The new venue at Damrosch Park, which is managed by Lincoln Center, will provide about 87,000 square feet of space for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week shows, compared to the roughly 70,000 square feet available at Bryant Park – a 25 percent increase. The agreement between IMG Fashion and Lincoln Center is for five years. In addition to providing more space in Damrosch Park, Lincoln Center provides ample opportunity for its iconic indoor locations to be used for special events during the shows.

The collections, which began being shown in New York City’s Bryant Park in 1993 with about 35 shows, have grown dramatically to about 70 shows per season, showcasing the leading American and international designers. Last year, the two annual events drew 232,000 attendees, generated $466 million in direct visitor spending, and resulted in an overall economic impact on New York City of $773 million. New York City’s fashion industry provides 175,000 jobs, $1.6 billion in annual tax revenue and $10 billion in total wages. More than 800 fashion companies are headquartered in New York City, more than double the number headquartered in Paris, its next closest competitor.

“The CFDA is so pleased that the fashion show tents are moving to Lincoln Center. The shows are the main showcase for American fashion and to be part of this cultural center is exciting,” said CFDA President Diane von Furstenberg. “The proximity and visibility of Lincoln Center ensures the industry remains at the forefront of worldwide fashion. Without the centralized location and additional venues provided by Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center it would be impossible to accommodate the almost 250 designers who show in New York City.”

“As our society is embracing the concept of change, the time has come for us too to change,” said IMG Fashion Senior Vice President Fern Mallis. “With our new home at Lincoln Center, we can re-invent, invigorate and reinforce fashion’s rightful place alongside the many creative disciplines, from music and dance, to opera and film, which also call world renowned Lincoln Center home.”

“We are extremely grateful to the Mayor, not only for his leadership in facilitating Fashion Week’s move to Lincoln Center, but also for his strong commitment to Lincoln Center and the arts,” said Lincoln Center President Reynold Levy. “Fashion Week will be an outstanding addition to our newly transformed campus making Lincoln Center more welcoming, more accessible and transparent. All of us are delighted that the fashion industry will be a part of Lincoln Center’s annual calendar. We warmly welcome its leadership, and we pledge to deliver the highest standard of customer service to all its members.”

The move will coincide with enhancements to Damrosch Park in conjunction with the reconstruction underway at Lincoln Center which is being transformed with revitalized performance, educational and public spaces designed by world class architects. The dramatic entrance at Josie Robertson Plaza will provide easy access to events at the performing arts organizations of Lincoln Center. It will have one of the largest underground parking garages in New York City and feature convenient drop off locations. With more green spaces, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week’s almost 10,000 daily guests will be able to linger and enjoy any number of dining facilities at various price points. The move will also mean that Bryant Park, one of the few green spaces in midtown, can better meet the increasing demand for public programming.

“We’re excited to host Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at its new home in Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center,” said Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe. “Fashion Week at Damrosch Park is sure to continue New York City’s status as the epicenter of the fashion world. Not only is Damrosch Park a larger site, the park’s hard-surface plaza is better suited for tented events, thus freeing up the lawn at Bryant Park for more passive recreational use.”

“This agreement is wonderful news for the City, the fashion industry and Lincoln Center,” said NYCEDC President Seth W. Pinsky. “It clearly underscores this Administration’s commitment to this vital component of our economy and reinforces New York City’s place as the Fashion Capital of the World. I am pleased that EDC had a role in negotiating this important agreement, which will provide the shows with a new and glamorous home in the City for the foreseeable future.”