The fashion week seal of approval
Since being established in Los Angeles in 2003, the ‘Mercedes-Benz Presents’ masthead has become an elite seal of support for new and emerging designers showing at fashion events around the world. As well as coming with a host of support bene ts, the accolade is an acknowledgment of the designers’ use of high quality materials, innovative design and unique style, which is a cornerstone of the Mercedes- Benz ethos. We took a look at how Mercedes-Benz has been a fashion force both locally and abroad.
IN NEW ZEALAND...
Since becoming an Elite Partner of New Zealand Fashion Week in 2014, Mercedes- Benz has chosen a local designer each year to represent and showcase.
2014: MERCEDES-BENZ PRESENTS TRELISE COOPER
For their first year as an elite partner of New Zealand Fashion Week, Mercedes-Benz chose Dame Trelise Cooper as the inaugural New Zealand recipient of the ‘Mercedes-Benz Presents’ honour. Trelise Cooper closed New Zealand Fashion Week with an exquisite show filled with hundreds of florals and featuring three Spring and Summer collections from her COOP, Cooper and Trelise Cooper brands.
2015: MERCEDES-BENZ PRESENTS KATE SYLVESTER
Kate Sylvester’s collections have embodied intelligence, witty irreverence, sophistication and modern femininity ever since she first launched back in 1993. For her ‘Mercedes- Benz Presents’ show last year, Kate showcased her ‘a Muse’ collection, influenced by the women that inspired genius creatives such as Picasso and Dali. Her opening show at New Zealand Fashion Week 2015 had large Cubist-inspired figures at the beginning of the runway, created by artist Simon Glaister, with models wearing Kate’s signature silhouettes, layering and boho inspired looks.
2016: MERCEDES-BENZ PRESENTS HARMAN GRUBIŠA
2016 marks the third year of Mercedes-Benz as an elite partner at New Zealand Fashion Week - pairing with one of New Zealand’s most daring new brands. This year Mercedes- Benz have chosen to partner with critically acclaimed up-and-coming brand Harman Grubiša, rather than one of New Zealand’s more established labels. Last night's show was Harman Grubiša’s second year as part of the New Zealand Fashion Week line-up and their opening evening event showcasing their new range 'Rococo' was as brilliant as expected.
AND ABROAD...
Mercedes-Benz has been committed to fashion for three decades, becoming an experienced and renowned partner of major international fashion platforms around the world in cities like Sydney, Tokyo, New York, Istanbul, Berlin Beijing, Paris, Milan, London and now New Zealand. They currently support over 50 fashion platforms, connecting emerging talent and established designers through a global fashion network.
2015: MERCEDES-BENZ PRESENTS ELLERY IN AUSTRALIA
To open the 20th anniversary of Mercedes- Benz Fashion Week Australia, Mercedes-Benz chose one of the country’s most coveted womenswear brands ELLERY to represent. Internationally renowned model Gemma Ward opened the show, with ELLERY focusing on oversized-silhouettes and ares. Confetti fell from the ceiling for the model’s closing walk.
2016: MERCEDES-BENZ PRESENTS XIAO LI IN LONDON
The Mercedes-Benz International Designer Exchange Program is a unique scheme within the fashion industry to help increase designers’ international presence. This year, as part of the program, emerging Chinese designer Xiao Li had the honour of closing London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2016.
2016: MERCEDES-BENZ PRESENTS TONI MATICEVSKI IN AUSTRALIA
Melbourne-based fashion designer Toni Maticevski was chosen as the ‘Mercedes-Benz Presents’ designer at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2016. Opening this year’s event with his Resort 17 collection, Maticevski had models in striking gowns, unique cuts and striking bondage-style jewellery.
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