Anthony Franco Named 'Mercedes-Benz Presents' Designer for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios

Los Angeles Designer to Show Fall 2007 Collection in Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

LOS ANGELES, March 16 -- Anthony Franco, known for his edgy and elegant Hollywood inspired collections, will be featuring his Fall 2007 collection as the "Mercedes-Benz Presents" designer for this season's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios, March 18-22. The Anthony Franco Fall 2007 Collection will show on March 21 at 7:00 PM in The Lightbox.

Each season, Mercedes-Benz sponsors a designer who reflects exceptional talent to be exhibited during the five-day runway event. "Mercedes-Benz is thrilled to be supporting Anthony Franco's Fall 2007 show," says Carol Goll, General Manager, Brand Experience Marketing, Mercedes-Benz USA. "His designs are rich with detail and have a timeless quality that mirrors the creative Hollywood environment - he is the quintessential Los Angeles Designer. We are excited to be promoting emerging design and we are certain that Franco's passion for style and emphasis on detail, textures and color will be a tremendous contribution to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios."

The Anthony Franco Fall 2007 Collection will feature 16 men's and 18 women's pieces that are inspired by the timeless elements of the "old west" as portrayed in HBO's television series, Deadwood (2004). The pieces have a vintage-like, aged beauty that is created through the usage of unique shapes, elaborate beading, over-dyed treatments, and hand-worked fabrics. "This collection, inspired by historical icons such as Mae West and Jesse James, features the bold qualities of the wild west with a polished and elegant approach," says Franco. "I am proud to be showcasing my collection in Los Angeles with the timeless and always stylish Mercedes-Benz brand," says Franco of his sponsorship.

Choosing to not show a Spring 2007 Collection, Franco followed his Hollywood roots and inspired cutting edge styles for Christina Aguilera, Toni Braxton and Panic! At the Disco. Throughout his career, Franco has dressed high-profile women including Halle Berry, Angelina Jolie, Reese Witherspoon, Julia Roberts, Janet Jackson and Maria Bella, among others. In addition, Franco has designed costuming for more than 20 films including the box-office hit, X-men (2000); Legally Blonde (2001); Catch Me If You Can (2002); Time Machine (2002); Idlewild (2006); and most recently for Christina Aguilera's music video, "Ain't No Other Man."

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios will take place in Culver City, California, at Smashbox Studios, from March 18-22. Approximately 25 designers will present their Fall 2007 collections, including Sue Wong, Collection bebe, Grail and Imitation of Christ. Mercedes-Benz has been the title sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios since its inception in Los Angeles in 2003.

For more information about Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios and for a schedule of shows and events, visit www.mbfashionweek.com.

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. In 2006, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 248,080 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 13 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.

ABOUT ANTHONY FRANCO

Born and raised in Los Angeles, designer Anthony Franco is one of the most cutting-edge designers of his time. The self-taught designer, began his career at an early age in Hollywood during which he created whimsical outfits and personal designs for the MCA record label's R & B clientele, including performers such as Mary J. Blige, Jody Watley and Karyn White. He established his first boutique in the fashionable, Melrose Heights shopping district during the fall of 2000, but closed the shop to pursue a career in costume design for films. Franco has since designed costuming for more than 20 films and despite his longstanding success in the costume and wardrobe design industry, he continues to create ready-to-wear collections that incorporate his design esthetic. Franco exhibited his Spring 2006 collection at Mercedes- Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios and he returns to the runway again as the "Mercedes-Benz Presents" designer for this season's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios, March 18-22.