On the Saturday evening before his fall 2024 NYFW show, Christian Cowan could not be found frantically making last-minute preparations at his design studio. Instead, he was hosting a dinner with American Express at one of New York’s hottest spots, Torrisi.
“This is far, far more relaxing than my night before a show normally is,” Cowan said. “My whole team were very envious that I got to peace out and go to a fancy dinner while they’re all on sewing machines.”
Christian Cowan
Andrew Zaeh for American Express
Guests were treated to a menu of crowd-pleasing classic Italian dishes at the impossible-to-reserve Major Food Group restaurant. Notably, in attendance at the event was the British designer’s partner, singer Sam Smith — they also supported Cowan at the Sunday show.
Cowan gave card members a sneak peek at his collection at the intimate dinner, speaking about his affinity for stars and sequins. He continued that he was inspired by the feeling of seeing his customers don his looks and seeing the happy reactions he received — Cowan wanted to embody that spirit in the show.
Sam Smith attending Christian Cowan’s fall 2024 show.
Gilbert Flores/WWD
Cowan chatted the night away with guests and noted his excitement ahead of the show — accompanied by a model/muse wearing a sequin jacket from the new collection as a preview of what was to come the following day at The Harmonie Club.
At the dinner, Bess Spaeth, senior vice president of premium products and membership rewards at American Express, said it was an honor and a dream to work alongside Cowan and noted that the partnership between the two marked Amex’s first pre-show dinner.
American Express hosted card member guests at a private dinner with Christian Cowan at Torrisi.
Andrew Zaeh for American Express
“We know fashion and dining are passion areas for our platinum card members,” Spaeth told WWD. “Bringing together one of the most innovative designers like Christian Cowan with one of New York’s hottest restaurants like Torrisi was an exciting way to celebrate NYFW and deliver unparalleled access for our card members.”
Speath said that creating one-of-a-kind events remains a major pillar of the company’s ethos. The company said it’s committed to providing access to events in the entertainment, sports, dining, arts and culture space for its card members — especially at a time when consumers valuing experiences more than ever before.
Christian Cowan’s fall 2024 runway show.
Andrew Zaeh for American Express
As part of the By Invitation Only program, Platinum and Centurion cardholders were granted access to book the two-night experience: a private dinner with a meet and greet and exclusive access and premium seating for the Christian Cowan runway show.
“I am thrilled to work with American Express to give Platinum card members exclusive access to celebrate my newest collection,” Cowan said. “It was so inspiring to meet them at this intimate dinner and share more about the creativity behind the collection. I hope they had as much fun watching the show as we did putting it together.”
In 2023, American Express hosted 40 events including truffle hunting in Italy with famed chef Massimo Bottura, pink carpet access at the Barbie movie premiere in L.A., exclusive access to the Basquiat x Warhol Exhibit in New York and more.
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