American Marketer

Events/Causes

American Express connects affluent customers with luxury designers at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

January 31, 2011

American Express gives cardmember-only show

 

As part of its ongoing commitment to its fashion-savvy cardmembers, American Express is giving affluent customers unique access to various experiences during Mercedes-Benz Fashion week.

American Express will present The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund (CVFF) Cardmember Only Show hosted by who’s who in the fashion industry.

"At American Express, we understand our cardmembers passion points whether it be fashion, music, film, sports, etc., and we strive to create these unforgettable experiences that bring them closer to their passions than ever before," said Jessica Igoe, vice president of global sponsorship and marketing at American Express, New York. "We want to provide unparalleled access and create long lasting memories for our cardmembers.

"This year’s The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund (CVFF) Cardmember Only Show is another way we’re demonstrating our fashion forward thinking and industry commitment by bringing our cardmembers a unique, first-ever fashion runway event," Ms. Igoe said.

For the first time ever, American Express is bringing together the winning and finalist designers of the CVFF over the past seven years. They will be showcasing more than 60 looks from the alumnus’ current collections.

Looks from luxury designers such as Jason Wu, Prabal Gurung, Joesph Altuzarra and Derek Lamb will kick-off this runway spectacular.

Platinum and Centurion Card Members that buy packages to sit front-row will have the opportunity to attend a backstage cocktail reception following the runway show.

The CDFA/Vogue Fashion Fund (CVFF) is an endowment that was established to help emerging American design talent find continued success in the business of fashion.

Partnership

As part of its ongoing strategy to provide its cardmembers access to the fashion industry, American Express has partnered with MAC & Milk to display a wide variety of runway shows and presentations.

Consumers can preview the Fall/Winter 2011 designer collections at NYC’s Milk Studios.

VIP packages includes a backstage designer meet-and-greet, intimate dinners, make up how-to’s with MAC specialty artists and styling sessions.

Cardmembers can purchase packages at http://www.americanexpress.com/entertainment to experience firsthand unforgettable fashion moments.

Consumers can learn more about this special access opportunity by following American Express on Twitter and become a fan of American Express on Facebook.

"We have dedicated newsletters that go out to our cardmembers announcing these experiences and exclusive access when they go on sale," Ms. Igoe said. "Also, through our social media channels, including Facebook and @AmericanExpress on Twitter, we’re able to connect with cardmembers in real time and keep everyone updated on our latest fashion happenings year round.

"We will also be giving our cardmembers who are not able to join us at the tents with behind-the-scenes look at what happens inside the Skybox with the Skybox Report," she said.

Service with style

American Express is giving fashion-savvy cardholders access to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week via The American Express Skybox, and invitation-only VIP lounge overlooking the event (see story).

For cardholders that can’t make it to the Skybox, American Express is connecting fashion lovers everywhere through an innovative and engaging multimedia experience.

Starting Feb. 10, consumers can receive daily updates on American Express’ access to fashion at http://www.amexskyboxreport.com

"We know that our cardmembers have a passion for fashion," Ms Igoe said. "And this season in particular, our cardmembers displayed a very real demonstration of that passion. Our Skybox packages for access on-site during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week sold out in record time.

"It’s important to us that we continue to innovate and provide this unique industry access for our cardmembers, she said. "Through our various fashion partnerships, our cardmembers have access to the most buzzed about shows, get to meet and mingle with the who’s who of the industry, all during one of fashion’s most important events: New York Fashion Week.

"We know our cardmembers love fashion and it’s imperative that we offer these experiences that allow them to connect with the industry in unique and exclusive way," Ms. Igoe said.

Final take

Tory Burch private cardmember presentation