Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week saw another outstanding season, as once again the iconic runways of Bryant Park hosted some of the world’s most talented designers.  The Tents featured esteemed veteran designers such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Isaac Mizrahi, Tommy Hilfiger, Anna Sui, Carolina Herrera and Max Azria. Several of the season’s hottest designers like Tory Burch, Doo. Ri and Erin Wasson x RVCA displayed their talent on this global fashion platform alongside Nanette Lepore, Tracy Reese, Custo Barcelona, Nicole Miller, Charlotte Ronson and Phillip Lim.

The global media once again was focused on the business of fashion as well as on reporting on the newest designs and upcoming trends. “The designers worked long and hard to create collections to inspire their customers to once again go shopping,” said Fern Mallis, Senior Vice-President of IMG Fashion, which owns and operates the event.  And this season, our graphic theme of luggage had several subliminal meanings – from the greatest trunk show in fashion to paying homage to all the industry professionals from around the world who packed their bags and traveled to New York to attend Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week – and to also remind everyone it will soon be time to pack up our tents and move to Lincoln Center.

“Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week runway shows continue to be one of most desirable invitations to have during fashion week,” said Lisa Holladay, Brand Experience Marketing Manager at Mercedes-Benz USA.  “Design and fashion are core to the Mercedes-Benz brand so it’s our DNA to create activities that help generate excitement and energy around each season.”

Complementing the runway collections, this season, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week presented a Spring 2010 Accessories Exhibition. It featured collections of handbags, jewelry, watches and more. Each display featured a selection from participating designers such as Alex Soldier, Ambrosi Abrianna, Bindya NY, Carlos Falchi, Isharya,  Judith Ripka, Lisa Kornman, Lulu Frost, Mercedes-Benz Collection, Sharon Van Liempt, Subversive Jewelry and accessories from W Hotels The Store.

Mercedes-Benz affirmed its commitment to excellence in design through Narciso Rodriguez, this season’s Mercedes-Benz Presents designer and a fashion retrospective that was curated by Rodriguez and Dayle Haddon, long-time model and UNICEF Ambassador.   Backstage, the Mercedes-Benz Star lounge created by Maurice Villency was inspired by Bryant Park in the fall, convertible vehicles, and it was the “spot” for celebrity, designer and customer guests looking to network and slow down the pace.   Displayed in the main lobby throughout fashion week for attendees to experience was the new 2010 E Class Coupe and E 63 AMG sedan, this season’s stars from Mercedes-Benz current collection of vehicles.

American Express® proudly returned to the Tents this season, to connect Cardmembers with many of their favorite designers and took them even deeper into the world of fashion. As one of the only opportunities for consumers to experience the excitement at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Platinum Card® and Gold Cardmembers were given an up-close view of runway shows from the Jonathan Adler-designed American Express® Skybox, where designers and industry influencers mingled with Cardmembers and Skybox Host Kate Nobelius to share their personal fashion insights and unique industry perspectives. American Express® partnered with acclaimed fashion designer Phillip Lim this season to present a unique runway experience exclusively for card members on Thursday, September 17, 2009.  The evening featured insights from Lim, and hosts André Leon Talley and Linda Fargo into 3.1 phillip lim looks currently available at retail, followed by an encore presentation of the 3.1 phillip lim Spring/Summer 2010 collection that debuted to press and industry guests the previous day. As a true supporter of the industry, American Express® donated proceeds from the sale of event packages as part of its $250,000 donation to the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, a CFDA program to help emerging American designers succeed in the business of fashion by providing ongoing support.

DHL returned once again be the Official Logistics Provider for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  The focal point of the outer lobby, the DHL Information and Guest Services Desk, provided DHL branded literature bags for guests.

W Hotels Worldwide returned to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week for the 12th consecutive season with its Backstage VIP Lounge, which offered celebrities, designers, models and fashion’s elite the ultimate escape from the runway lights…..a glittering retreat of poolside glam. Designed by ICRAVE, this season the W Backstage VIP Lounge was inspired by W’s existing and upcoming WET pool decks at W Hotels around the globe, from South Beach to Hong Kong, Santiago to Vieques Island, and Doha to Hollywood.

TRESemmé returned for its third season as the Official Hair Care Sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  TRESemmé proudly sponsored and created hair looks for the Tracy Reese, Whitney Eve, Mara Hoffman, Nicholas K. and Brian Reyes shows. Also, this season, TRESemmé partnered with Conde Nast for an exciting new “Steal the Show” campaign with Rachel Bilson, giving readers the inside scoop on hair-to-toe trends, which debuts in November. Rachel Bilson was LIVE on Tuesday, September 15th before the Brian Reyes show at the TRESemmé Hair Salon and Lounge. Additionally, throughout the week, TRESemmé stylists were on-hand in the TRESemmé Hair Salon and Lounge in the main lobby offering dry styling and touch-ups all week.

The official “Chic Little Biscuit” of this year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, LU Biscuits, best known for its delicious imported French cookies, released an ultra-chic and limited edition tin designed by fashion designer Erin Fetherston. The exclusive design provided a modern twist to the timeless LU Biscuit iconography and brought Fetherston’s passion for the brand to life.

Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur served up its own version of style as the official liqueur of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. The all-natural liqueur, produced in France’s Loire Valley, was on the scene for the fourth consecutive year in the Tents at Bryant Park, maintaining its reputation for producing chic cocktails. Three signature Chambord cocktails, the Chambord Lemonade, the French Martini, and the Velvet Elvis were poured for event guests throughout the week at all of the event bars and hospitality lounges.  The bars featured Chambord bottle displays and branded collateral including napkins, condiment trays and napkin caddies to showcase their presence at the Event.  Chambord models also served the classically chic cocktails in the lobby.

As the #1 makeup brand worldwide, available in 128 countries, Maybelline New York came aboard as the exclusive makeup sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and brought their vast beauty expertise and inspired creativity to the world’s most respected fashion platform. Maybelline New York’s Global Makeup Artist, Charlotte Willer, lead the makeup teams at their sponsored designers’ shows, created exciting looks which easily translated from the catwalk to the sidewalk. Maybelline New York partnered with a selection of well established, as well as up-and-coming, designers and included Tracy Reese, Charlotte Ronson, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Erin Wasson x RVCA, and Michael Angel.

One Natural Experience (O.N.E.), offered water in Tetra Pak cartons to all guests frequenting the shows, backstage and throughout the Tents. This sponsorship marks the first time that carton water was featured as an official water sponsor.  O.N.E. is dedicated to the belief that access to clean water is a fundamental human right and therefore donates 100% of the profits from O.N.E Water (after operating expenses) to non-profit organizations, selecting 10-15 non-profits annually to receive funds from the sales. Tetra Pak, www.tetrapakusa.com, the company behind this modern sustainable alternative packaging, utilized by numerous brands for a variety of food products, will also made their debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, and facilitated on-site recycling.

McDonald’s McCafé returned to the Tents for a second season as the Official Coffee of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, continuing their successful launch of the McCafé premium brand. As the official coffee of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, the McCafé Lounge was the place for show attendees to refresh and treat themselves to the full line of beverages, including espresso-based coffees such as cappuccinos, lattes, mochas, iced lattes and iced mochas, as well as Premium Roast brewed coffees and hot chocolate.

Palm, Inc., the maker of the new Palm®, Pre™ phone and groundbreaking Palm webOS™ platform, was excited to be a first-time sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  All Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week attendees were invited to stop by the Palm Gallery, located in the Main Lobby, to experience Palm’s blend of design and innovation in their must-see space, inspired by the artistry of one of California’s most promising designers.
MyGoodDeed.org and the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance partnered to promote an online Designer Auction.  They were on-site on Friday, September 11th in the Center Deck Space to raise awareness about their initiatives and encourage guests to sign up for MyGoodDeed.org. Fashionistas can still log on to bid for items from some of their favorite designers. .

Peroni returned as the official Beer of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and was poured for event guests throughout the week at all the event bars and hospitality lounges.  Each bar featured prominently displayed Peroni bottles and other collateral to showcase their presence at the Event.  Chicly dressed Peroni models roamed the Lobby and served guests ice cold and refreshing Peroni.

Rowenta, as the Official Garment Care, provided products for use backstage in the Tent, Promenade and Salon.  Rowenta also offered designers a personal garment care consultation at their studios in advance of the Event and included a premium product in the Official Gift Bag to keep guests looking sharp throughout the week.

Tenjune created the Café Bar, which was branded with the EMM Group logo in addition to their properties: Tenjune, SL, Abe & Arthurs and The Chandelier Room.

The celebrities in attendance at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week included Bruce Willis and wife Emma Willis, Lucy Liu, Taylor Swift, Martha Stewart, Sarah Ferguson, Leighton Meester, Blake Lively, Rachel Bilson, Mischa Barton, Amanda Bynes, Tyson Beckford, Penn Badgley, Mickey Rourke, Michael Douglas, P. Diddy, Naomi Watts, Gabrielle Union, Taylor Momsen, Shannon Elizabeth, Solange Knowles, Mary-Louise Parker, Rosario Dawson,  January Jones, Mena Suvari, Tiffani Amber Thiessen, Diana Ross, Ciara, Kim Kardashian, Alexa Chung, Lauren Conrad, Kelly Rutherford, Amerie, Estelle, Ivana Trump, Joy Bryant, Emily Blunt, Mariska Hargitay, Allesandra Ambrosio, Marissa Miller, Nicki Hilton, Melania Trump, Tim Gunn,J Alexander, Nigel Barker, Rachel Zoe, Kelly Rowland, Stephanie March, Olivia Thirlby, Kathy Griffin, Whitney Port, Tori Spelling, Jessica Stroup, Anna-Lynn McCord, Kellan Lutz, Alexa Chung, Alison Brie, Fran Drescher, Katrina Bowden, Mark Ronson, Samantha Ronson, Jennifer Esposito, Olivia Palermo, Anastasija Kondratjeva, Anna Cleveland, Carmen Kass, Charlotte Hoyer, Christina Carey, Constance Jablonski, Daul Kim, Lakshmi Menon, Veronica Webb, among many others.

The official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week schedule kicked off with Michael Angel and was followed by BCBGMAXAZRIA, Davidelfin, Duckie Brown, Mara Hoffman, Nicholas K, Whitney Eve, Ports 1961, Rosa Chà, Cesar Galindo, Cynthia Steffe, Yigal Azrou?l, Twinkle by Wenlan, Charlotte Ronson, Monarchy Collection, Leifsdottir, Nicole Miller, ARISE African Promise Collective, Erin Wasson x RVCA, Venexiana, Lacoste, Georges Chakra, Andy & Debb, Academy of Art University, Christian Siriano, Chado Ralph Rucci, Vivienne Tam, Lela Rose, Derek Lam, Toni Maticevski, DKNY, Thuy, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Diane Von Furstenberg, Rebecca Taylor, Y-3, Tuleh, Custo Barcelona, Vassilios Kostetsos, Carolina Herrera, Carlos Miele, Jill Stuart, Tracy Reese, Donna Karan New York, Yeohlee, Tadashi Shoji, TonyCohen, Gottex, Badgley Mischka, Brian Reyes, Pamella Roland, MAX AZRIA, Dennis Basso, Willow, Tibi, Mercedes-Benz presents Designer – Narciso Rodriguez, Toni Francesc, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Milly by Michelle Smith, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Anna Sui, Maria Pinto, Doo.Ri, Ralph Lauren, Allude, Isaac Mizrahi, Trias, Calvin Klein Collection, Chocheng, Argentine Designer Collections and Tommy Hilfiger.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is all about the fabulous clothes on the runway, but what makes these clothes really work…and makes them personal is how they are accessorized! The most important element to a flawless ensemble is the bold necklace, the earrings…the all important handbag.

This season Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is pleased to present an exclusive preview to all the hot new trends in accessories for Spring/Summer 2010. Visit the ‘Accessories Exhibit’ in the main lobby tent to see and celebrate these irresistible elements of fashion.

Featured designers include accessory veterans and some fresh new faces such as…

Ambrosi Abrianna
Blending Ambrosi and Abrianna’s individual tastes and creativity, their first handbag collection presents quality products built from a range of truly distinctive designs and materials, including crocodile, python and ostrich leathers that are collected from around the world and sent to Paris and Milan for handmade construction.

W Hotels The Store
Inspired by the design of five new international watches, these new W boutiques present a unique collection which exemplifies the fashionable spirit of the W Hotel franchise around the world. It features exclusive items from such acclaimed designers as Rachel Leigh, Lauren Merkin, Alex and Ani, and Foley & Corrina.

Lisa Kornman Luxe
Lisa Kornman’s collection began in 2000, crafting handbags from the finest Italian vegetable tanned leathers, exotic skins and unique hardware. Each piece evokes both individuality and a ladylike sensibility with its signature clutches and satchels.

Subversive Jewelry
Subversive introduces the new diffusion line inspired by the New-Dadaist Memphis Design movement of the 1980′s and created for those with an eye for proportion and balance. The collection explores a wide variety of materials such as gold toned metals, semi-precious stones and rhinestone chains.

Isharya
The hot up-and-coming designer draws influence from the Indian royalty and the International Art Nouveau style of the early 20th century. Every season the sister-in-law duo never fails to create luxurious collections with original materials and global appeal.

Bindya NY
Bindya NY’s effortlessly chic and luxurious wearable art is styled for every personality and inspired by the designer’s trips to Paris and India. The collection is most famous for their tie-dyed cashmere scarves, gauzy shawls and fabulous wraps made from the finest quality blends of cashmere, wool and silk.

Judith Ripka
This line of fine jewelry makes a woman feel beautiful in either blue jeans or a little black dress. Two distinct collections, the 19k Couture Collection and Silver Collection are celebrated by the red carpet elite for it modern elegance and sophistication.

Lulu Frost
This fashion forward collection presents a fusion of old and new. Lulu searches for one-of-a-kind period antiques and reinterprets these rare finds by combining them with unexpected modern elements and stylistic treatments to create the most interesting and beautiful collection possible.

Alex Soldier
This magnificent collection is a work of art, representing a constantly evolving combination of shape, color and texture. His designs reveal a true passion for distinction and introduce innovative techniques for decorating metal surfaces and pushing the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship.

Carlos Falchi
In 1979 Carlos Falchi made his first deconstructed bag, the unlined buffalo satchel, that launched his career as a distinctive and detail oriented designer dedicated to the quality of the products and how the colors, styles and shapes make a woman feel. His revolution in handbag making has catapulted his career into the big leagues, designing for runway collections, celebrities, television, and major motion pictures.

Mercedes-Benz Lifestyle Collection
For over a decade, Mercedes-Benz has offered an exclusive collection for the vehicle enthusiast. The collection includes fashionable women’s and men’s apparel, accessories, luggage and watches designed by Tourneau. Signature pieces include the “Seatbelt Bag”, made from genuine seatbelt material and Mercedes-Benz pedal cars. Beginning fall 2009 they will also be partnering with Nike Golf for a series of new accessories.

In addition to the world’s leading accessories partners, the official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week schedule includes a fill line up of runway shows from Michael Angel, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Davidelfin, Duckie Brown, Mara Hoffman, Nicholas K, Whitney Eve, Ports 1961, Rosa Chà, Cesar Galindo, Cynthia Steffe, Yigal Azrou?l, Twinkle by Wenlan, Charlotte Ronson, Monarchy Collection, Leifsdottir, Nicole Miller, ARISE African Promise Collective, Erin Wasson x RVCA, Venexiana, Lacoste, Georges Chakra, Andy & Debb, Academy of Art University, Christian Siriano, Chado Ralph Rucci, Vivienne Tam, Lela Rose, Derek Lam, Toni Maticevski, DKNY, Thuy, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Diane Von Furstenberg, Rebecca Taylor, Y-3, Tuleh, Custo Barcelona, Vassilios Kostetsos, Carolina Herrera, Carlos Miele, Jill Stuart, Tracy Reese, Donna Karan New York, Yeohlee, Tadashi Shoji, TonyCohen, Gottex, Badgley Mischka, Brian Reyes, Pamella Roland, MAX AZRIA, Dennis Basso, Willow, Tibi, Narciso Rodriguez, Toni Francesc, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Milly by Michelle Smith, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Anna Sui, Maria Pinto, Doo.Ri, Ralph Lauren, Allude, Isaac Mizrahi, Trias, Calvin Klein Collection, Chocheng, Argentine Designer Collections and Tommy Hilfiger.