SAKS FIFTH AVENUE ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH ABC'S HIT SERIES "SCANDAL," STARRING EMMY NOMINATED ACTRESS KERRY WASHINGTON

SAKS AND MERCEDES-BENZ CELEBRATE THE THIRD SEASON PREMIERE OF "SCANDAL" WITH A STAR-STUDDED EVENT AND WINDOW INSTALLATION

New York, New York (September 25, 2013) - Saks Fifth Avenue has partnered with the hit ABC series "Scandal," starring Emmy nominated actress Kerry Washington. The multi-platform collaboration takes place in-store, online and on-screen, celebrating the unique and iconic style aesthetic that has become a signature calling card of the political drama. Saks Fifth Avenue and Scandal will kick-off the partnership with a star-studded event sponsored by Mercedes-Benz on October 2, celebrating the premiere of the hit show's third season.

"Scandal," produced by ABC Studios, kicks off its new season on Thursday, October 3 at 10pm ET/PT on ABC. Reflecting the fashion seen on the show, Saks Fifth Avenue's New York flagship store will feature a window installation curated by Ms. Washington and Scandal's Emmy award-winning costume designer, Lyn Paolo. The window installation will also feature Mercedes-Benz all-new 2014 CLA45 AMG, similar to the all-new 2014 CLA250 used in the show. The partnership between Saks Fifth Avenue and "Scandal" includes ongoing social media efforts as well as visual statements in various Saks Fifth Avenue locations throughout the country. In addition, several designer fashions and accessories from Saks Fifth Avenue will be showcased in upcoming episodes throughout the season.

Washington and Paolo have worked closely together to perfect the wardrobe of Washington's character, Olivia Pope, a savvy, confident and well-dressed Washington D.C. crisis management mastermind. Olivia Pope's unique style has quickly made her a trendsetter for the modern day professional woman, feverishly setting the social media world abuzz. Favorite designer brands in Pope's closet include Giorgio Armani, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors and Carolina Herrera. Several of these designer brands will further be used in Saks Fifth Avenue's window installation and will be recreated for additional Saks locations in Beverly Hills, CA and Chevy Chase, MD.

"I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with the Saks team in bringing the 'Scandal' characters to life in their windows. Fashion is such an integral part of the show and for Kerry and I to have had the opportunity to play a part in the creation of the iconic Saks windows is a dream come true, and a truly wonderful creative experience on every level. SAKS and 'SCANDAL'...BRILLIANT!," said Lyn Paolo.

Adam Sanderson, Senior Vice President, Franchise Management, Disney/ABC Television Group added, "Partnering with Saks Fifth Avenue is a great way to give fans a taste of Fall fashion inspired by the looks of ABC's Scandal. The series has created a fashion obsession for fans who love the styling of the characters, especially Olivia Pope, who is Washington D.C.'s most fashionable fixer."

Saks Fifth Avenue's Chairman and CEO, Steve Sadove said, "We are delighted to be working with ABC and Scandal on this partnership. There is a great synergy between the fashion forward characters on the show and the style sensibility of our Saks Fifth Avenue customers."

The kickoff celebration will take place at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City on October 2, the day before the season three premiere on ABC. Scandal star Kerry Washington (Olivia Pope), show creator and Executive Producer Shonda Rhimes, Executive Producer Betsy Beers, and Scandal costume designer Lyn Paolo will be in attendance. Additional "Scandal" cast attendees will be announced closer to the event date.

About Scandal

"Scandal" stars Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope, Columbus Short as Harrison Wright, Guillermo Diaz as Huck, Darby Stanchfield as Abby Whelan, Katie Lowes as Quinn Perkins, Tony Goldwyn as President Fitzgerald Grant, Jeff Perry as Cyrus, Bellamy Young as First Lady Mellie Grant, Joshua Malina as David Rosen and Scott Foley as Captain Jake Ballard.

The series is created by Shonda Rhimes ("Grey's Anatomy," "Private Practice"). Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers ("Grey's Anatomy," "Private Practice") are executive producers. Mark Wilding and Judy Smith are co-executive producers. "Scandal" is produced by ABC Studios.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 12 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and the SLS AMG GT.

MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans, and smart products in the U.S. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.mbsprinterusa.com and www.smartusa.com. Accredited journalists can visit our media site at www.media.mbusa.com.

About Saks Fifth Avenue

Saks Fifth Avenue, one of the world's pre-eminent specialty retailers, is renowned for its superlative American and international designer collections, its expertly edited assortment of handbags, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics and gifts, and the first-rate fashion expertise and exemplary client service of its Associates. Today, Saks operates 41 full-line stores in 20 states, five international licensed stores, 70 Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH stores and saks.com, the company's online store.

Saks Fifth Avenue is proud to be named a J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Customer Service Champion and is only one of 50 U.S. companies so named.