NEW YORK, Sep 13, 2002/ --- For the first time in its history, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week has teamed up with a designer to create a commemorative T-shirt for the fashion public.

Miguel Adrover, who makes his much anticipated return to Bryant Park on September 21, has created the piece, which is simple, but still gives a nod to his acclaimed avant-garde style.

A white V-neck, it has the woven collar and cuffs of a navy blue polo shirt.

It also features, of course, the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week logo.

"Each season we create a new look for our volunteer and crew T-shirts, and we're always asked how and where to buy them," explains Fern Mallis, executive director of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

"So this season we asked Miguel to design a special one for the fashion-savvy customers who can't get to the tents, but still want to be a part of this special week."

Adrover says in his design, he was "inspired by the streets of New York and tried to bring that out in this shirt. I envision it being worn by both males and females."

The shirt will be on sale at the official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week website (www.mbfwnyc.com), retailing for $30, starting Monday.

A portion of proceeds will go to help emerging designers present their collections in Bryant Park.

That is certainly a cause that Adrover can relate to.

The young, innovative designer quickly went from rags, living in a windowless East Village basement space with $15 in the bank, to riches, when Pegasus Apparel Group began backing him in April 2000.

That year he won the Perry Ellis Award for Best New Designer.

His break-though collection for fall 2001 electrified New York fashion week with its "garbage chic" clothes fashioned from old mattress covers and other trashcan finds.

In October, it looked as though his fairy tale was over though, when Pegasus (by then renamed The Leiber Group) pulled the plug.

The Spanish design has regrouped though, and with the help of his own personal savings and the dedication of volunteer employees, he will show his spring/summer 2003 collection in New York.