The recession has taken quite a toll on this coming New York Fashion Week . Numerous designers are forgoing presentations in locales beyond Bryant Park’s tents (in hopes of saving funds), while a handful of seasoned designers have chosen to bow out of the bi-annual event entirely. Peoples Revolution designers Mara Hoffman, Sergio Davila and Nicholas K will even stage a first-ever joint presentation to save on expenses. But rather than cut back, it seems Diane Von Furstenberg is forging full steam ahead with not one but two FW09 presentations.

In addition to her typically star-studded namesake collection presentation, CFDA President DVF will “stage a special fashion show for [American Express] cardholders.” The partnership is nothing new for the credit card company—in the past, they’ve teamed up with the likes of Zac Posen and Peter Som. What is unique, however, is that the supplementary Amex show won’t be a carbon copy of her namesake presentation. In fact, says the Wall Street Journal, its “40 to 50 runway looks, will mostly be made up of the designer’s spring and summer pieces that are currently in stores and finished off with her new, Fall 2009 looks.”



The move seems an incredibly smart one given the fact that the audience can buy the runway looks immediately after leaving the tents. Considering Amex paid Von Furstenberg an unreleased sum for the show, and will cover its the cost, it’s a win-win for team Diane. That combined with rumors that the designer is making a pretty penny from her partnership with MTV for The City just goes to show all is not lost in the fashion industry. And considering an Amex spokesperson told the WSJ, “within just five days, American Express sold 97% of its 600 $150 to $250 packages to watch runway shows from a backstage suite that the company is creating,” it looks like everyone is happy.