Designer investigated on 'bribes'

Marc Jacobs is holding a series of shows at the venue this week

Fashion designer Marc Jacobs' company is under investigation for allegedly bribing an official to host shows at an historic New York building.

Marc Jacobs International is accused of paying more than $30,000 (£15,353) to get preferential access to the 69th Regiment Armory in downtown Manhattan.

The investigation comes as the Armory's former superintendent is charged with bribery and extortion.

Marc Jacobs International has yet to make any comment.

Fashion shows

"Marc Jacobs International is the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation by the Attorney General," said Jeffrey Lerner, a spokesman for New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.

Marc Jacobs is using the building in question this week

The designer is currently holding a series of shows at the Armory for New York Fashion Week.

While the historic building is still home to the US army's 69th Infantry Regiment, its main hall has long held fashion and art shows, and fundraising dinners.

The armoury was also used as an emergency shelter after the 11 September attacks of 2001.