American Express and 3.1 phillip lim Present Exclusive Runway Experience for Cardmembers under the Tents at Bryant Park

American Express announced today its partnership with acclaimed fashion designer Phillip Lim to present a unique runway experience exclusively for Cardmembers on Thursday, September 17 at 10:00 PM during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Preceded by an exclusive cocktail reception for Cardmembers in the Lobby, Lim and American Express will create a one-of-a-kind runway event by offering unique insight into his collection currently at retail in addition to an exclusive encore presentation of his 3.1 phillip lim Spring 2010 Collection.

Hosted by André Leon Talley, editor-at-large for Vogue magazine, and Linda Fargo, Senior Vice President, Fashion Office and Store Presentation for Bergdorf Goodman, the event will provide Cardmembers access to the coveted floor seats to be up close and personal with these icons of the industry. Along with Lim, the evening’s hosts will open the event by offering expert insights from their respective designer, editorial and retail perspectives on a selection of 3.1 phillip lim looks currently available at retail. Following the discussion will be an encore presentation of the 3.1 phillip lim Spring 2010 Collection that debuted to press and industry guests the previous day. Invitations to this memorable event are on sale now at www.americanexpress.com/entertainment.¹

"With consumers becoming increasingly savvy about the world of fashion, I am always challenging myself to create new and authentic ways for customers to experience my collections,” said Phillip Lim. "By partnering with American Express, I am able to provide Cardmembers insight beyond the traditional runway show and offer them a one-of-a-kind experience into my design process.”

The 3.1 phillip lim Cardmember-only show is part of the enhanced experiences American Express provides at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and across the broader fashion community during this season’s runway shows. Over the past five seasons, American Express has established an authentic partnership with the industry that connects Cardmembers to their favorite designers, provides exclusive retail experiences at the stores they love and offers deep insight into the world of fashion through unforgettable events and activities.

"American Express is proud to return to the Tents at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, while also connecting with the fashion community beyond our activities at Bryant Park,” said Jessica Igoe, Director of Global Sponsorship Marketing, American Express. "We are continually looking to create deeper, more authentic experiences that our Cardmembers love and to support the industry. American Express strives to connect our Cardmembers with the fashion world through on and off-site activities, expert insights and unparalleled moments.”

This season, American Express will provide access into the world of fashion through a variety of authentic offerings:

• Skybox Offers Fresh Look and Experiences: Sporting a newly-enhanced design by Jonathan Adler and hosted by celebrity stylist and fashion expert Kate Nobelius, the American Express Skybox will offer Platinum Card® and Gold Card members an up-close view of some of the season’s hottest collections.
• Insider Insights and Fashion Advice: A full slate of experts from the world of fashion and design will interact with Card members and share their personal insights into the world of fashion. American Express will also offer new activities this season such as hosting a top designer to come to the Skybox with selected looks, seen minutes prior on the runway, and offer Card members the opportunity to pre-order before anyone else.
• Extended Access: To round out the fashionable experience for Card members in attendance and full VIP, an American Express onsite concierge will be available in the Lobby to assist Card members throughout the week with access to highly-coveted reservations at a selection of New York’s most-buzzed about restaurants across all five boroughs, as well as transportation and additional hospitality needs.
• By Invitation Only®: Having sold out in August to fashion-savvy Platinum Card members, By Invitation Only experiences provide an even deeper look into the world of fashion via coordinated meet-and-greets with elite insiders, a behind-the-scenes tour of the Tents at Bryant Park and hair and make-up touch-ups done by industry professionals who work backstage with the designers and models throughout the week.
• Supporter of the CFDA: Showcasing their true dedication to the industry, American Express will donate proceeds from the sale of event invitations as part of its $250,000 donation to the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund (CVFF), a CFDA program intended to help emerging American designers succeed in the business of fashion by providing ongoing support.

To learn more about American Express’ special access to the world of fashion and other entertainment offers, visit www.americanexpress.com/entertainment.

About American Express

American Express Company is a leading global payments and travel company founded in 1850. For more information, visit http://www.americanexpress.com.

About Phillip Lim

Phillip Lim debuted his eponymous collection, 3.1 phillip lim, in the fall of 2005 to instant success, both critically and commercially. Approaching its fifth year, the luxury designer collection is represented in 45 countries and available at nearly 400 boutiques and department stores worldwide including Barney’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and specialty stores like Colette , Restir and Joseph . In addition 3.1 phillip lim flagship stores in New York, L.A. and Tokyo carry the complete line of RTW women’s, men’s, kid’s, the organic Go Green Go collection and accessories including handbags and eyewear. Continuing in the brand’s success , 2009 has seen an expansion into shoes and underpinnings and a new flagship store opening in Seoul, Korea rounds up this momentous year for Phillip Lim. See www.31philliplim.com

About IMG Fashion

IMG Fashion is dedicated to facilitating a gateway to the fashion world - from creation to consumer. We offer solutions that seamlessly connect and associate fashion’s key constituents and corporate brands using IMG’s global resources, influence and expertise.

Within the fashion industry IMG represents the world’s top models, leading designers and the most influential photographers, art directors and stylists. The division produces the leading fashion events around the globe and represents many of the industry’s top organizations and federations as well as works with various local and national governments, creating regional and international fashion platforms.

For more information on IMG and its business visit www.imgworld.com.

About CFDA/VOGUE Fashion Fund

The CFDA/VOGUE Fashion Fund (CVFF) is an endowment that was established to help emerging American design talent find continued success in the business of fashion. In addition to business grants of $200,000 to the winner and $50,000 each to the two runners-up, the award includes mentorship from a panel of industry professionals whose expertise is tailored to the designers’ needs and future goals. Since its inception in 2003, the program has granted nearly $1.3 million to twelve different design companies. www.cfda.com

¹ There is a limit of four invitations per Cardmember account.