• by Tanya Gazdik , September 15, 2009

American Express is offering cardmembers exclusive experiences during New York's Fashion Week, including an exclusive showing by designer Phillip Lim on Sept. 17.

The exclusive cardmember-only consumer show by Lim will be 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.

"This show is really about talking directly with consumers and giving them a fashion insight and education unlike any before," Jessica Igoe, director of global sponsorship marketing, American Express, tells Marketing Daily.

Fashionistas who can't make it to the Big Apple can watch videos of shows and interviews at American Express' Entertainment Access Web site.

The event will provide cardmembers with access to the coveted floor seats. 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.

American Express will donate proceeds from the sale of event invitations as part of its $250,000 donation to the Council of Fashion Designers of America/Vogue Fashion Fund, a program (of the council) to help emerging American designers succeed in the business of fashion by providing ongoing support.

The financial services company also has arranged for fashion experts -- including Project Runway's Tim Gunn -- to speak directly with cardmembers. Throughout this week, Platinum Card and Gold Card members will be given an up-close view of the runway shows from the Jonathan Adler-designed American Express Skybox under the Tents at Bryant Park, where they will meet with designers and industry experts who will help translate the looks they are seeing on the runway into their personal style. Cardmembers will also be given the opportunity to pre-order before anyone else.

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 makeup touch-ups done by industry professionals who work backstage with the designers and models throughout the week.

To round out the fashionable VIP experience for cardmembers in attendance, an American Express on-site concierge will be available in the lobby to assist cardmembers throughout the week. The concierge can provide cardmembers with access to highly coveted reservations at a selection of New York's restaurants across all five boroughs, as well as transportation and additional hospitality needs.

The festivities kicked off last week at Fashion's Night Out. Cardmembers who pre-registered at americanexpress.com/entertainment and spent at least $300 in total at two or more of the 700+ participating NYC stores will receive a $50 credit on their next American Express monthly statement. In addition, American Express cardmembers could receive a free appetizer or dessert option with the purchase of an entrée at a variety of participating restaurants across the city.