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Sydney, May 2007 - Fashion has become a major brand platform for MasterCard Worldwide, which announced its premium sponsorship of the Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, which began on 30th April in Sydney.

The Australian Fashion Week sponsorship is an important component of MasterCard's entrance onto the world fashion stage.

"We are extremely excited to welcome MasterCard as a Premium Sponsor of Rosemount Australian Fashion Week," says Simon P. Locke, Managing Director of IMG FASHION Asia Pacific.

"Sydney is an important fashion destination in the Asia/Pacific region and this collaboration enables us to reach the important female cardholder market."

Michelle Pilot, vice president of marketing, Australasia, MasterCard Worldwide says the company is keen to develop a stronger and more relevant relationship with Australian women.

MasterCard has also worked with Westfield Shopping Centres to create the 'what's what' fashion hubs in selected Westfield Centres across Australia. Filled with the latest style tips and hottest season trends, the hubs allow Australian consumers to access fashion stylists and VIP styling events.

"Fashion is a major retail category for Australian consumers and through our association with key fashion players; we are able to deliver additional benefits to MasterCard cardholders," Pilot added.

MasterCard has also entered into the world of fashion in Asia/Pacific, by working closely with IMG and becoming a presenting sponsor of the Singapore Fashion Festival (SFF) and Hong Kong Luxury Fashion Week.

MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes over 16 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial institution customers and merchants. Through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCard Worldwide serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information go to www.mastercardworldwide.com.

During March, April and May 2007 MasterCard is involved in the sponsorship of the following activities at nine Westfield Shopping Centres in Australia.

• Association with Westfield Fashion Hubs – This is an area where consumers can go and see the latest looks and trends. They will also be able to get information about the MasterCard promotion. There will be three hubs running concurrently across the country at any one time over the three month period.
• Naming rights of VIP Events – there will be 12 events per season and they will be held on Thursday nights and Saturday mornings.
• Naming rights of Style Sessions – these are for a smaller number of people and are a more intimate way of showing people 'what's what' for the season. MasterCard will pay half the cost for every person who books using their MasterCard.
• More details at whatswhat.com.au/fashion/

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Myriam Thibault, 02 9818 0942, mthibault@ppr.com.au