2021 is the year of the big rollout of the new Centurion card for American Express. The American Express Centurion Card was already the world's most exclusive credit card, as it can only be obtained by special invitation for most of the world's citizens. The famous "Black Card" has now been made even more exceptional by enriching the card with art right next to the image of the iconic Roman gladiator.Text: Bart-Jan Brouwer
Online Editor: Fleur de JongForthe new card, American Express has partnered with Rem Koolhaas and American portrait painter Kehinde Wiley, adding a good dash of artistic inspiration and innovation to the iconic Centurion Card. In addition to allowing Centurion Members to add artistic inspiration to their Wallet worldwide, the membership also gives them access to the crème de la crème among artists, creators and tastemakers in fashion, art, design, music and gastronomy.
The changes to the familiar Black Card are inspired by the ethos 'less is more'. Klassic black, sleeker and more minimalist than before and ready for contactless payments.
How special that a fellow countryman is represented on this international card. American Express is only too proud, underlines Robert-Jan Meijers, Country Manager American Express Netherlands: "Rem Koolhaas is one of the great architects of the 20th and 21st centuries. So of course it was a great honor to work with him. Centurion is inspired by the power of human imagination and the tireless pursuit of a better life. And for us, Rem Koolhaas is the personification of this." Whether it's a Centurion Member in Miami, the Middle East or London: soon they will all carry a piece of Holland with them in their breast or pocket. A piece of Holland with a story.
"Together with American Express, I discussed various options, but the Boompjes project was quickly favored," said Koolhaas. "This was a pioneering project for myself and for OMA, and it was exciting to dive back into it and capture its dynamics in the new design for the Centurion Card."
Progressive and ambitious, traits in which American Express identifies itself, and partly for that reason a masterful match.
The second Art Card called upon the creativity of Kehinde Wiley, who is known for his botanical portraits of people from all over the world. "Kehinde Wiley is one of the most important artists of our time, of all time!" believes Robert-Jan Meijers. "So we are honored that he wanted to do this collaboration with us. He celebrates diversity. His work reflects the history of Western art, only he makes it fresher, newer and more diverse - exactly like today's world." Wiley was inspired for the Art Card by the botanical motif in the portrait Princess Victoire of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, which he painted in 2012 and is part of his famous series An Economy of Grace. "An important part of my work is the decorative, organic background of the person being portrayed," Wiley explained. "The design on the Centurion Card stems from my interest in botanical elements and is a reference to my signature style."
It doesn't stop at cards. American Express has partnered with Prada. Here, the card has been transformed into a stylish unisex piece of jewelry that allows you to make contactless payments. The wearable is made in Italy from the finest black saffiano leather; a durable and scratch-resistant leather. The jewelry contains a non-visible payment chip.The new Centurion Card is not just a payment card, it is a way of life, indeed, a way to get everything out of life! Just as Rem Koolhaas brilliantly builds cityscapes with his architecture, American Express threads together distant points on the horizon with its unique services and programs, shaping the impressive skyline of life for its Centurion Members.
By invitation only.
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