American Express to Launch Innovative Online Fashion Network Bringing Unprecedented Access to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York Both on the Runway and Throughout the Tents

Business Wire, Jan 31, 2008

By Invitation Only([R]) Experiences: In December, the By Invitation Only Fashion Week packages, available exclusively for Platinum Card and Centurion Card members, were sold out in a matter of days. These packages give Card members full-day access to the Skybox on February 2nd and 3rd, and a true behind-the-scenes experience, including back-stage tours, hair and make-up by stylists on-site and meet-and-greets with fashion industry insiders.

"We are connecting designers, buyers and other industry insiders to consumers who are passionate about fashion," said Claire Bennett, Senior Vice President of Advertising, Marketing and Media for American Express. "If we are able to generate great value to the industry through unparalleled and unforgettable experiences for consumers, we have realized our vision."

*All proceeds from the sale of event packages contribute to the $500,000 American Express donation to the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.

American Express Supports the Future of Fashion

To demonstrate their commitment to the Fashion industry, American Express is a partner of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), a not-for-profit trade association of over 300 of America's foremost fashion and accessory designers. American Express will donate $500,000 to the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund (CVFF), committing to nurture the development of the fashion industry's future designers. The CVFF was established to help emerging American design talent find continued success in the business of fashion.

About American Express

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

About IMG Fashion (US)

IMG Fashion, a division of international sports, entertainment and media giant IMG, is the global leader in the management and production of fashion weeks and designer fashion events. Its portfolio of events in the United States includes Mercedes-Benz Fashion Weeks in New York, Los Angeles and Miami.

Internationally, IMG Fashion produces, manages and/or represents Rosemount Australian Fashion Week in Sydney twice a year, Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai, ecoStyle Kuala Lumpur, Fashion Fringe in London, Milan Fashion Week and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin.

IMG Fashion's The Daily Group publishes The Daily Front Row, the bi-monthly Fashion Mini, The Daily Front Row Extra and www.fashionweekdaily.com, all content that is also syndicated to newspapers and magazines across the globe.

The division's network also includes IMG Models, the world's number one modeling agency with offices in New York, London, Paris and Milan and Art Commerce, the world's leading agency for photographers, art directors, stylists and makeup artists.

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