Narciso Rodriguez
Narciso Rodriguez

DALLAS, Sep 2, 2009 / FW/ — Two-time winner of the CDFA Womenswear Designer of the Year award Narciso Rodriguez had been named “Mercedes-Benz Presents” designer for the Spring 2010 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week to be held at New York’s Bryant Park from September 10-17, 2009.

A graduate of the prestigious Parsons School of Design, Narciso Rodriguez entered the national consciousness when he designed the wedding gown that Carolyn Bessette wore when she married John Kennedy, Jr. in 1996.

Americans were once again reminded of Narciso Rodriguez’s designing prowess when Michelle Obama chose to wear one of his creations on the historic election night when the U.S. first voted for an African-American to be President.

“It is a great honor to have been chosen by Mercedes-Benz as their Presents designer,” said Rodriguez. “We are both dedicated to innovation in design and the highest level of quality.”

Described by Fern Mallis, SVP of IMG Fashion as “a perfect choice to be the Mercedes-Benz Presents designer as his clothes are designed and executed with the same precision, structure and attention to detail as a Mercedes-Benz,” Narciso Rodriguez is known for his sleek and sculpted fashion design.

Mercedes-Benz made its selection for this season’s Presents designer based on Rodriguez’s classic yet modern collections that reflect a sleek and structured approach.

“The spring 2010 Collection was greatly influenced by the sculpture of Barbara Hepworth,” said Rodriguez about his collection. “The three dimensional and graphic shapes that are her work became a constant source of inspiration while I sketched and created the coming season.”

“Mercedes-Benz and Narciso Rodriguez share a distinct brand characteristic that centers around timeless elegance melded with new modernity,” said Lisa Holladay, Brand Experience Manager for Mercedes-Benz.

“Attendees of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week will see a commonality between Narciso’s design expression with the taut lines and edgy silhouette of the new E-Class sedan and coupe, two models that will take center stage at this season’s fashion shows,” Hollady added.

Narciso joins an influential group of past Mercedes-Benz Presents designers including Monique Lhuillier, Badgley Mischka, Yigal Azrouel, Red Carter and CHADO Ralph Rucci.

[MARI DAVIS]