Departures Magazine Reveals Its Readers' Picks for Favorite Luxury Goods

NEW YORK--Aug. 1, 20049, 2004--Departures, the luxury lifestyle magazine published exclusively for American Express Platinum Card and Centurion members, showcases its readers' passions and obsessions in the 2004 Departures Readers' Favorites Survey: Luxury Goods, published in September issue. Readers were asked to vote for their favorite luxury brands in categories including watches, handbags, sports equipment, automobiles, electronics and grills.

Editor in Chief Richard David Story says, "Departures readers have once again proved to us that value and style are not incompatible. In their passion and utter sophistication, these readers define what modern luxury is today."

The complete results of the survey can be found at http://www.departures.com/survey. The top three favorites of Departures readers in each category are listed below.

EVENING BAG
At black-tie events, I fit everything into my:
     1)  Chanel
     2)  Judith Leiber
     3)  Gucci

DRESS WATCH
An evening watch that suits me perfectly is:
     1)  Rolex
     2)  Patek Philippe
     3)  Cartier

MEN'S SWEATER
For classic cashmere, I turn to:
     1)  Burberry
     2)  Ralph Lauren Purple Label
     3)  Ermenegildo Zegna

SPORTS CAR
For tooling around on weekends, nothing thrills like my:
     1)  Porsche 911
     2)  BMW M3
     3)  Jaguar XJ

DIAMONDS
The most exquisite diamond designs are by:
     1)  Harry Winston
     2)  Cartier
     3)  Tiffany & Co.

OUTDOOR GRILL
When I want a perfect porterhouse, I fire up my:
     1)  Weber
     2)  Viking
     3)  Jenn-Air

CAMERA
To shoot digital photographs, I prefer to use a:
     1)  Canon Powershot
     2)  Nikon Coolpix
     3)  Sony Cyber-shot

BOTTLED WATER
I'd dry up without a drink of bottled water by:
     1)  Evian
     2)  Aquafina
     3)  Dasani

SCOTCH
When I want a sophisticated single-malt, I pour:
     1)  The Glenlivet
     2)  Glenfiddich
     3)  Macallan

GOLF CLUB
For power and precision, I use a driver from:
     1)  Callaway
     2)  Taylormade
     3)  Titleist

Methodology: An online survey, developed by the editors of Departures, in association with American Express, appeared on www.departures.com from August 13, 2003 to November 5, 2003. For more details on the methodology, see www.departures.com/survey.

DEPARTURES is published by American Express Publishing. Created exclusively for American Express Platinum Card(R) and Centurion members, Departures is the leading authority on the luxury lifestyle.