Mercedes-Benz has been committed to fashion for over a decade, establishing itself as an experienced partner of major international fashion platforms. This is the reason why on April 8th 2012, Mercedes-Benz Vietnam in association with Elle Magazine holds Elle Fashion Show 2012, taking place at the Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens. The event showcases the latest Spring and Summer fashion trends from the international catwalks and ‘must-haves’ to fashion enthusiasts in Vietnam.

Mr. Michael Behrens, General Director of Mercedes-Benz Vietnam said: “There is a virtually symbiotic relationship between cars and fashion. In the world of fashion, as in the world of automobiles, design plays a central role and is among the key factors for a brand’s success."

“Car designers and fashion designers are equally sensitive to trends and changing attitudes, and the respective products in the two areas clearly reflect this. It explains why Mercedes-Benz is so well associated in the world of fashion.”

Mercedes-Benz has always been known for its innovative approach, its timeless and emotional design and its unique allure. Having a vision and breathing life into its cars is an essential part of the Mercedes-Benz success story. Driven by a passion for design, innovation, technology and materials and an instinct for style and the spirit of the times, innovative designers of cars as well as fashion always develop their landmark creations. Forward-looking design is always a combination of exceptional ideas, a personal signature and an unmistakable style – the key characteristics of Mercedes-Benz and also successful fashion brands.

The Elle Fashion Show has already achieved a firm place in the national fashion calendars with creative designs of talented designers, professional models going hands in hands with music and light on stage. The event is further highlighted by the the gems on the exquisite design and refined sporty elegance of the four-door coupe CLS350 BE AMG whose showcase perfectly matches the chic and trendy atmosphere of the glamorous show.
The CLS is linked to fashion by the way simply it is. The car revolutionizes the automobile industry as it represents for the first time a smart mix of the elegance and dynamism of a sport coupe with the comfort and functionality of a saloon. Mercedes-Benz CLS has been the car of choice for more than 170,000 buyers around the globe and voted the “Golden Steering Wheel” by 28 associated publications in Europe.

Another unique factor of the spectacular show in the heart of Saigon is the presence of many famous guests from the creative fashion scene. The special appearance of six members from Mercedes Celebrity Club including super model Thanh Hang, Miss Grand Slam Huong Giang, Actress Hong Anh, Actress Duong Cam Lynh, Miss Hung Temple Giang My, Singer Thanh Bui lent particular flair to this event.

Mercedes Celebrity Club is the only club of its kind in Vietnam which includes many celebrities who are famous actors and actresses, fashion models, miss beauties, fashion designers, and athletes, all of whom share a common passion for Mercedes cars. Beside fashions, the Club is also associated with art and charity to contribute meaningful activities to the Vietnamese society.

“Choosing an automobile is an expression of one’s particular lifestyle. In fact, people expect the same from fashion as they do from cars – an unmistakable style that conveys their individuality and way of life. Choosing a car is part of defining oneself. It communicates a certain, distinguishing image”, added by Mr. Behrens.

It is clear that Mercedes-Benz is synonymous with premium class automobiles. This reputation is anchored in the heritage of a brand whose high-society appeal dates from the beginning of the last century. True to its name’s Spanish meaning of ‘charm’ or ‘grace,’ Mercedes has always proved its worth through the advanced technology and timelessly elegant design of its vehicles. In fact, even the first automobile to bear the Mercedes brand in 1901 took the market by storm with its extraordinary design. Ever since then, the Mercedes-Benz brand has been the embodiment of automotive excellence. Firmly established among international luxury brands, it is also a hallmark of exclusive living. All the combination of activities in fashion world area is to further enhance these excellent values. In 1996, Mercedes-Benz launched the Fashion projects and since 2002, the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Weeks have been taking place twice a year in many well-known fashion metropolitans in the world such as New York, Berlin, and Paris, etc.

With Vietnam’s growing presence in global fashion world, Mercedes-Benz Vietnam underlines this importance to associate with Elle Fashion Show this year, to not only showcase the latest seasonal fashion trends but also provide creative young designers with the opportunity to show their creations to a wide audience. Mercedes-Benz Vietnam aims to contribute its part to the development of the young fashion industry in Vietnam.