National Press Release

MIAMI, June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Red Carter, known for his sophisticated, sexy swimwear, has been selected as the "Mercedes-Benz Presents" designer for this season's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim. Red Carter will debut his Spring 2009 collection on July 19th at 10pm, at Cabana Grande at The Raleigh Hotel.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080623/NYM111 )

Each Fashion Week, Mercedes-Benz sponsors a designer who reflects unparalleled talent to be on display during the five-day runway event. Recent former "Mercedes-Benz Presents" designers include Monique Lhulier, Badgley Mischka, Alice Temperley, Kevan Hall, and Veronika Jeanvie.

"We are thrilled to partner with Red Carter for his Spring 2009 runway show," said Lisa Holladay, Manager, Brand Experience Marketing for Mercedes- Benz USA. "Red embodies the true spirit of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim. By uniting the many facets of both Mercedes-Benz and the City of Miami, he seamlessly blends modern inspiration with traditional design elements to create his own bold, yet timeless style."

The Red Carter line launched in 2004, soon after the designer moved Miami and became inspired by the ever-present energy and bold, Art Deco style. Noting that buildings rose and fell as frequently as the tides, and local artists were as transient as tourists, Red established his brand in Miami to reflect and enhance the city's burgeoning creative spirit.

The Red Carter collection incorporates fit, form and function, combining subtle details, bold prints, and advanced technical constructions often neglected by swimwear designers. The brand has grown substantially in its short lifetime, with 2008 its biggest year to date. In February, Red was bestowed the ultimate honor for a swimsuit designer, having three styles selected to be featured in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue where Supermodel Heidi Klum can be seen in a Red Carter suit across a two page spread in the issue.

The excitement continues with being selected as the "Mercedes-Benz Presents" designer. "The honor of being the Mercedes-Benz featured designer is a true testament to how I have grown as a designer and a reflection of an amazing team of people who have all believed in one vision: that we could bring high-end fashion to Miami Beach," says Carter. "It is without question a milestone for me."

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim will take place in Miami, Florida, at The Raleigh Hotel, July 18-22. Designers presenting their Spring 2009 collections, include Sylvie Cachay, Custo Barceleno, and Vitamin A.

For more information about Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim at The Raleigh Hotel, and for a schedule of shows and events, visit www.mbfashionweek.com/miami.

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.

ABOUT RED CARTER

Since launching his eponymous collection in 2004, swimwear designer Red Carter has brought a sense of whimsy to the swimwear market. 2008 marks the first collection of ready-to-wear by Red Carter, which joins the Red Carter, Red Carter Men and Sandy Bottoms lines. Red Carter delivers two seasonal collections per year, sold domestically at better department and specialty stores including Barneys New York, Bloomingdales, Everything But Water, Intermix, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Victoria's Secret. Internationally, Red Carter is distributed in both Europe and South America. For more information, please visit www.RedCarter.com.

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SOURCE Mercedes-Benz USA