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Mercedes-Benz Introduces designo to the Fashion World

16 February 1999

Mercedes-Benz Introduces designo to the Fashion World at Betsey Johnson Fashion Show    

 New York's Fashion Week Highlights Betsey Johnson Fall '99 Show and designo

    NEW YORK, Feb. 15 -- Mercedes-Benz of North America is taking
the highway to the runway by introducing a new line of special edition cars at
the Betsey Johnson Fall '99 Show during New York's Fashion Week today.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990215/NYM002 )
    The vehicles are the first editions of a new program called designo
(dee-zin-yo) that provides a new level of exclusivity and differentiation
within Mercedes-Benz by offering a unique color palette of paints, leathers
and trim pieces on select models.
    "designo is all about enhancing the personal statement a customer makes
with their car through elements of fashion and style, so what better way to
launch this new program but at a fashion event," says Joe Eberhardt,
vice-president of marketing for Mercedes-Benz of North America.  "Betsey
Johnson is known for her cutting-edge, colorful, fun and fashionable clothes
-- the same attributes that represent the new Mercedes-Benz designo line.
It's a great association."
    Betsey Johnson is a New York-based fashion designer whose inspired looks
range from Pop Art Explosions to Fairy Tale Fantasies.  For Fall 1999,
Johnson's fashion lineup of designs brings form, function and futurism
together.
    "The whole idea of designo is a perfect fit for us," says Betsey Johnson.
"The colors are sleek, and forms are so suggestive.  After all, what car is
more body-conscious than a Mercedes?  You slip into one and you're instantly
sexy.  You're the center of attention and that's what a car -- or a piece of
clothing -- should do for you."
    The Betsey Johnson show featuring designo will be held at Mercedes-Benz
Manhattan in New York City.  It will be broadcast live on the internet at
5 pm EST today.  Log onto http://www.MBUSA.com for more details.