Major Fashion Week Shakeup: IMG Acquires Its Biggest Rival

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According to WWD, IMG, the official owner of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (which will be hosting its last fashion week at Lincoln Center next month), has acquired its biggest rival, MADE Fashion Week. The acquisition won't come into effect until the September shows this year and MADE's three partners will stay on as consultants. IMG and MADE own the two most publicized runway venues during New York Fashion Week and reportedly fought often over designers and sponsorships. It's unclear how this will change the nature of MADE, which has long supported emerging designers by letting them use its downtown venue space for free. IMG, on the other hand, has a very different approach to NYFW.

In other changes, WWD reports that Mercedes-Benz has dropped out of its title sponsor spot with the company, forcing IMG to change the event's official name from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week to New York Fashion Week. American Express dropped its IMG sponsorship as well, although it will continue to sponsor MADE. The industry is still waiting on an announcement from IMG regarding where the September shows will be held since the contract with Lincoln Center will expire after the FW15 shows in February. IMG told WWD it was in negotiations for a new downtown location, but no further details have been offered.
· Changes at NYFW: IMG to Buy Made, Change Name [WWD]
· New York Fashion Week Ordered to Leave Lincoln Center [Racked]
· The Staggering Economics Behind New York Fashion Week [Racked]