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.

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!

To see Pictures of Models click here

To see Runway Model Galleries click here

Legendary luxury handbag and accessories designer Carlos Falchi is participating in the 7th annual “Art & Sole Celebrity Auction” to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.   Mr. Falchi will be lending his support by designing a custom pair of UGG boots in his graffiti style to be auctioned for St. Jude’s.  With over $200,000 dollars raised to date, the nationwide program uses the artistic collaborative skills of both celebrities and designers, creating one-of-a-kind pairs of UGG Australia signature boots. Carlos will be lending his support to St. Jude’s along with other celebrity designers including: Manolo Blahnik, Betsey Johnson, Christian Siriano and Stewart Weitzman.

The online event, from December 1st through 14th, prides itself on the unique partnerships formed, reflecting the artists’ personalities and dedication to the charity. With 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the boots will be auctioned off to support the hard work and dedication to patients, families and hospital staff alike.

Carlos Falchi is notorious for his unique exotic skin and fine leather handbags and accessories. For over thirty years he has led the industry in innovative design and unparalleled product quality; in 1980 Women’s Wear Daily declared his Buffalo Satchel, “the most copied bag in the industry.”  Mr. Falchi focuses his attention on the lining and compartments to make each handbag beautiful as well as functional, from the inside out.   His new collaboration, the Graffiti Collection, consists of tiger snake handbags hand painted with graffiti designs.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases.

Founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tennessee, St.
Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization.

To see Fashion Model Galleries click here

On Friday, November 13th from 10 am-5 pm, Bergdorf Goodman in New York welcomes Carlos Falchi, famed handbag and accessories designer. Mr. Falchi will be signing handbags for all who attend.

Carlos Falchi is notorious for his unique exotic skin and fine leather handbags and accessories. For over thirty years he has led the industry in innovative design and unparalleled product quality; in 1980 Women’s Wear Daily declared his Buffalo Satchel, “the most copied bag in the industry.”  Mr. Falchi focuses his attention on the lining and compartments to make each handbag beautiful as well as functional, from the inside out.

Today, Mr. Falchi’s world is ever expanding, launching successful lines for Target and the Home Shopping Network, designing runway accessories for designers such as Donna Karan, and Vera Wang and catering to his loyal celebrity clientele including Brooke Shields, Sarah Jessica Parker, Madonna, Sienna Miller and many more.  Falchi has also designed handbags for the entertainment industry, seen in Ugly Betty, The Devil Wears Prada, and Sex & the City.  In addition to his business successes, Mr. Falchi has also received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Accessories Council of America in 2004 and 2006, CFDA Award Nominations in both 2002 and 2003 and permanent collection items on display at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The speciality retailer, Bergdorf Goodman is located at the corner of 58th street and 5th Avenue, and is part of the Neiman Marcus Group.

From the signature crest to bold colors and prints, tailored fit and innovative design, CAVI, the hot, trend-setting lifestyle fashion line has re-conceptualized the standard for contemporary sportswear this season, continuing to develop a lifestyle fashion brand that embraces luxury while reflecting class. Favored by celebrity clients, such as music industry heavyweights Jay-Z, Ne-Yo, Fabolous, Nas, 50 Cent, T.I., Black Eyed Peas, John Legend and NFL stars Reggie Bush, Clinton Portis, and Jeremy Shockey, CAVI has crafted a Holiday 2009 Menswear Collection that is sure to complement the winter wardrobe of any style-savvy gentleman.

The 2009 Holiday Menswear Collection seamlessly blends casual chic with masculine elegance, telling the story of the CAVI gentleman and his day-to-day journey. The collection is a glimpse into a day in his life, embracing the theme, When Day Becomes Night.

The designs, which work flawlessly for both daytime and nighttime occasions – ideal for the man on-the-go – range from the chic, fitted shape of the Herringbone Vespa Track Jacket, exuding a sense of refined masculinity, to the classic, to the tailored cut of the Williamsburg Pullover that evokes an unexpected hint of edge with bold color details, to the Commando Crew that blends a relaxed look with such sophisticated detailing as suede patchwork. The collection emanates a classic undertone with contemporary details, from the CAVI crest, CAVI logo plate and intricate gold buttons to grosgrain stripe lining and epaulets.

ABOUT CAVI: Having recently introduced an inspired style to the world of motorsports through an unprecedented partnership with NASCAR racecar driver Chase Austin, CAVI is taking on the realm of surfing, infusing a new sense of style in the sport with the exclusive pre-launch of CAVI Sport. Hitting stores in spring 2010, the CAVI Sport Surf Capsule is a compilation of the inventive, forward thinking styling of the CAVI Contemporary Sportswear Division, blended with the inspiration of the colorful and free-spirited surf lifestyle. Comprised of board shorts, pima cotton tees, layered jackets and hoodies, this capsule holds true to many of the technical needs of the core surf community while expressing compelling fashion appeal.

From season-to-season CAVI and its creative team set the trend for what is hot in contemporary menswear and will soon do the same for chic fashionistas with their upcoming women’s wear line, set to premiere its inaugural collection in stores January 2010. CAVI is available at Macy’s department stores and selected fine boutiques throughout the country.

Meet Navoh, a novel brand of handbags designed in New York for the independent spirit. From the streets of SoHo to the rues de Rive Gauche, Navoh channels across-the-world trends into sleek and affordable conversation pieces. This versatile collection of bags keeps New York City women, and the fabulous places they go in mind with oversized carryalls.
Navoh’s debut collection, launching in Fall 2009, boasts 16 styles, which include shoulder, messenger, satchel, tote and clutch in a variety of color ways.  Colors range from winter whites and ivories, to grays and blacks, to fall brights of apple and eco greens, burnt orange, mustard yellow and fuchsia. All at under $100, fashionistas will scramble for a deal like this. Navoh mixes the best material from all over the globe into a “value price point” because despite the economic reality, “people need retail therapy.”

Navoh is dedicated to the consumer’s happiness. Inside each bag lies a different surprise: smile-inducing, wildly printed lining. Convenience is essential, as each piece is adjustable in one way or another. The versatility that comes with Navoh is refreshing; hidden pockets, sneaky closures, and adjustable/removable shoulder straps make these purses with a purpose.

The young eco-conscious customer can feel good carrying Navoh. The company’s dedication to sustainability shows in its use of high-grade, animal-friendly synthetic leather, and also in the high ethical standards of production. These bags are made with love, and it shows.

Navoh is giving press and consumers a lot to look forward to. In a reverent nod to starving artists and going-broke fashionistas, “Dust” bags will feature a different artist’s work each season at guilt-free prices. Starting in September, artists can submit their work on Navoh’s website for a chance to collaborate with the design team and have their work exclusively featured for that season’s “Dust” bag. Navoh’s agenda is to get NYC’s under-represented, hyper-talented artists noticed in a way that benefits all parties involved.

To find out more about Navoh please visit the website at www.navoh.com

Mo Bros it’s time to grow it back. Movember has kicked off and is asking men to put the razor down and grow those moustaches any way you deem fit to raise awareness for men’s health issues, prostate and testicular cancer.  From the silver screen hero’s, to the East Village hipsters the moustache has been the men’s style choice, raising mystery, chuckles and glances from afar and the now everyone from the All American Rejects to your own boss are growing out their own facial hair for the good of our health.  For men who prefer the clean shaven look or girls who want to support their guys, Demistache, a collection of unisex sculptural necklaces featuring the iconic “stache” motif, can be purchased with proceeds going to Movember. So we beg you to grow it, trim it, shape it or wear it for the men’s cause this month.

Demistache is the official sponsor of Movember and $8.00 from Urban Stache purchased from November 1st – January 1st, 2010 at www.demitassejewelry.com will go to charity.   The Urban Stache retails for $38.00.

The women behind the men, were the ones that walked away with the true prizes at the President’s cup this year. The wives of the entire US President’s Cup Team including those of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Steve Stricker were recipients of the classic Sydney Evan’s beaded bracelet. Sydney Evans has transcended the Hollywood scene, creating classic jewelry styles with a bohemian edge. Her beaded bracelets and jewelry collection is coveted by actors, socialites, athletes, fashionistas and entertainment moguls. Sydney Evan designer, Rosanne Karmes, was commissioned to created the beaded bracelet for the October 6th President’s Cup. Inspired by the trophy, itself, she recreated it with 14 karat white gold and approximately ¼ carat of pave diamonds, strung on 6mm Sodalite beads. Each piece was engraved on the backside to commemorate the occasion. Recipients included Elin Woods, Amy Michelson, Nicki Stricker, Sandy Perry, Kim Johnson, Lisa Cink, Jackie O’Hair, Tabitha Furyk, Amanda Leonard, and Jennifer Glover. The bracelet values at $875.

To see more content like this click here