Mnet :: Mercedes-Benz 'Reflections of Beauty'

LOS ANGELES, March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz has been connected with artists for decades -- Andy Warhol in the 80's, Hiro Yamagata in the 90's, Georgio Armani earlier this century -- and whether the work is commissioned or simply inspired, the outcome is always unique and memorable. When Mercedes- Benz committed to all three major fashion shows in the US, Davis Factor, noted fashion photographer, Chief Creative Officer and co-founder of Smashbox Cosmetics and Studio Services, was selected to combine the Mercedes-Benz silhouette with that of high fashion.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080305/NYW133 )

"Davis was the natural choice for the Mercedes-Benz fashion campaign," says Lisa Holladay, Manager of Brand Experience Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. "He's a celebrated photographer, is passionate about the fashion community, and has been familiar with our vehicles for many years."

The collection is comprised of stunning visuals that have become the backdrop for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Newsgroup Web site (www.newsgroup.mbusa.com), as well as the online and direct marketing materials. "Reflections of Beauty" will be displayed at all five fashion weeks in New York (February and September), Miami Swim (July) and Smashbox Studios/Los Angeles (March and October), with different images to compliment each event's designers, styles and vehicles.

"I am truly honored to be the official photographer of the 'Reflections of Beauty' series for Mercedes-Benz," says Davis. "Based on the theme, I really wanted to blend beauty and fashion with the automobiles using reflective surfaces and light to create a modern feel."

Touted by many as a leading fashion and celebrity photographer, Davis considers this collection to be the best work of his career, due in part to the technical aspects of the shoot. The portfolio was shot in Factor's Smashbox Studios in December 2007 and aptly compliments this season's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios Fall/Winter 2008 theme, Hollywood Glamour. Factor photographed stylish models draped in finely tailored suits and sparkling magenta dresses as they seemingly moved swiftly past Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the background, creating streams of color and blended images.

For more information about Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios Fall 2008 Collections and for show schedules, press releases, and complimentary photography, accredited journalists may visit and register at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Newsgroup at www.newsgroup.mbusa.com. Consumers are invited to visit www.mbusa.com/runway.

ABOUT SMASHBOX STUDIOS

Smashbox Photo Studios and Smashbox Cosmetics were founded by the great- grandsons of makeup legend Max Factor, Dean and Davis Factor. Smashbox cosmetics knows beauty. The world-famous makeup artists and the Hollywood faces that frequent Smashbox studios are the inspirations in the development of the professional makeup line. Dean and Davis are carrying on their heritage by establishing the world of photography, magazine editorial shoots and world- class beauty products in their hometown of Los Angeles.

ABOUT MERCEDES-BENZ

Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. Beginning in 2007, Mercedes-Benz USA became the title sponsor of IMG's New York, Los Angeles and Miami Fashion Weeks, signifying the first time all three properties have been united under a single sponsor. In 2007, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 253,433 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 14 consecutive years of sales growth. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com. SOURCE Mercedes-Benz USA

-0- 03/05/2008

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