Graydon Carter, who has arguably done more to destroy the creativity of New York City and turn it into a playground for the rich than any other magazine editor, is now embarking on "Campaign New York," Vanity Fair's excuse to charge American Express a huge sponsorship fee while it "celebrates" culture, art, and style. According to the website's copy, Campaign New York is "a dazzling two-week-long series of events that leverage the very best of what Vanity Fair has to offer against the dramatic backdrop of one of the world’s most exciting venues: New York City." What this actually means, however, is that from Sept. 15-26, you'll have a chance to shop with VF's advertisers. And since AmEx is picking up the tab, of course there must be exclusive offers for cardmembers, right? Yes! Like this one: "Exclusively for Cardmembers, a concierge will be at the V.F. Café @ Nespresso—the official destination for all things Campaign New York. Just show your American Express card to get the latest information on the 12-day event, as well as access to exciting additional extras, such as Vanity Fair gift bags and special offerings from V.F.'s sponsors." That's right: Just pay a $450 annual fee and your American Express card entitles you to a pamphlet and free gift with purchase.
Editorial Director
In a very real way, the magazine Vanity Fair has absolutely nothing to do with most of the real New York City–yes, nothing, Zilch, nada, nothing. This is a city of about 6 million people, and there is so much more to New York City than flashy people in faux, poseur magazine articles. In fact, most of New York City has zero to do with flashy sets in faux, poseur magazines. Nothing.