The 10 best collaborations between car manufacturers and fashion brands

The automotive and fashion industry have an unsuspected common trait: the concept of limited edition. In fact, creating limited editions of a particular product, whether it is a piece of clothing or a car, increases its desirability, increasing sales and raising the quality of brand value in the consumer's perception. In some cases, then, the two worlds collide, when particular cars, not necessarily high-end, become an accessory to be exhibited and to be combined with their clothing or vice versa. In other cases, however, fashion brands and car-rental manufacturers similar to style or reference customers collaborate in the creation of limited (and sometimes unique) editions of luxury cars.

Below nss magazine has listed the 10 best fashion and automotive collaborations that have produced the most iconic limited editions.

Peugeot 205 Lacoste (1984)

The link between Peugeot and the tennis world dates back to 1984 when he first sponsored Roland Garros, one of the most important tennis tournaments at international level. An important sponsorship that later influenced the Peugeot range. The 205 Lacoste was then proposed with a special set-up characterized by different references to the world of tennis, such as the stickers placed in the rear pillars that pointed to the network of the tennis court, while the pastel white of the bodywork and wheel covers with dark green laths, along with the three crocodiles, recall the famous "chemise" Lacoste. The partnership between the Crocodile and the Lion was celebrated in the middle of the steering wheel, where the two logos meet.

Introduced to the general public in 1984, it was immediately successful, so much so that its production was replicated in 1985 and 1986.

Fiat 500C by Gucci (2011)

The Fiat 500, always an icon of Italianness at international level, is presented in an evening dress by Gucci. Customized by Frida Giannini, at the time creative director of the brand, in collaboration with the Fiat Style Centre, it presents numerous accessories and details that enhance its style and elegance. Outside we find Gucci's green-red-green monogram imprinted longitudinally along the side of the sedan, while the alloy wheels with the unmistakable retro design of the rays embellish the exterior, as well as the hubcaps branded with the double "G" in body color and the Gucci signature in italics, which stands on the rear hatch and the door..

Inside, Frau's two-colour leather seats stand out with a monogram Gucci print also on the seats, key cover and seatbelts.

Maserati Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna (2014)

Two excellences of Made in Italy come together expertly to celebrate Maserati's 100 years of success. Luxury and sophistication characterize every detail of the interior of the Maserati Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna. Zegna's sartorial care is present everywhere: in the combination of leather and silk, in the delicate shades of Greige (grey and beige) of the interior, in the moldings in root of walnut and burnished chrome, in the brass tag placed on the console, on which the "One of 100" sign is displayed.

Mercedes Benz 300 SL BAPE (1996)

Produced directly by AMG, it is a real re-issue of the classic SL 300 "Gullwing" of 1954. Only 11 such specimens have been converted.

The project was originally designed for the Sultan of Brunei and six cars were sent to it to be included in the massive royal collection. The project was kept secret, but AMG offered the model to select at a price in excess of 1,000,000 euros. AMG has worked hard to modernise the 'Gullwing' and has not left any features of the original design, except for the steel bodywork. Cars are easily identifiable by modern AMG wheels, low-profile tyres, and a deep voice thanks to the new V8 engine. This particular version was built on specific commission of the legendary Nigo, founder of BAPE. Its touch does not go unnoticed: the whole body is characterized by the Camo pattern that distinguishes the Japanese streetwear brand. 

Volkswagen Golf GTI adidas (2010)

In this context it certainly deserves the nickname "true German sportsman", born in fact from the collaboration of two famous brands born in Germany. adidas has been called to dress this particular supercharged edition of Golf in GTI version with 211 hp; one of the most successful compact sports cars in Europe for both performance and longevity.    

This particular Golf adidas has been declined in both three-door and five-door versions. The style of the company specializing in sports clothing and accessories has been chosen for the interior, with the design inspired by the famous footwear. The finishes are two-tone, and the leather of the seats features the classic triple strip of Adidas.

Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Versace (2006)

The Murciélago perfectly represents the millennium change for Lamborghini, which is preparing to present the first car under the ownership of Audi. The specialists of Lamborghini's "Ad Personam" program have created a car full of details that presents significant innovations in the cabin, thanks to the work done in close contact with the designers of the famous fashion brand.

The seats, the bottom of the dashboard, the doors, the roof and the central console are covered in a refined  tassel, which is made with Versace's typical Greek motif. Available in two colours, Isis White and Aldebaran Black, the exterior is distinguished by the specially designed black "Hermera" circles with specific carbon trim and the bonnet with transparent glass ribs.

Versace has also created a number of exclusive accessories for the Italian supercar for the launch, including a set of suitcases, shoes, driving gloves and a watch.

Fiat Panda K-Way (2009)

Colors and functionality are the adjectives that best describe the mythical Panda and the anti-ppian garments of the K-Way. This collaboration highlights the versatility and affinity of the two brands, able to give a classic Panda a youthful look. 

This highly customizable version by the customer offers 20 color combinations: six body colors (blue, white, black, red, yellow and orange) that can be combined with mirror caps and hubcaps in four colors (yellow, orange, blue and titanium). Inside, the seats are covered in blue fabric and grey eco-leather, with the K-Way logo in the front seat, dashboard (blue) and instrument panel.

Land Rover Defender Paul Smith (2016)

To celebrate the release of the iconic Defender, a symbol of efficient timeless English elegance, designer Paul Smith wanted to create a bespoke version for himself.

Born in 1948 in the post-war period, defender has a very colorful cultural background: throughout its history it has been used in various realities: on farms, in the mountains, but also for first aid services, thanks to its efficiency on difficult terrain. To celebrate this multi-coloured soul, Paul sent Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations team a series of Pantone colour references, which were then specially blended to create the 27 colours that were used outside the vehicle. The interior is decorated with Paul Smith Maharam fabric, a specially produced black leather with contrasting blue seams.

Mercedes Benz CLK 500 Cabriolet Armani (2004)

Armani and Mercedes decided in 2004 to collaborate on a limited edition of the CLK 500, the convertible that best represents the strong values common to the two brands. The italian designer's version features an exclusive paint in a warm sand-colored shade with matching colour tops and some body details taken from the AMG versions, in order to give the car an elegant yet sporty image. In the cabin, which can be widely customized by the customer, leather and leather dominate, in shades coordinated with that of the outer paint. Driven by a V8 engine, it has a maximum power of 306 hp.

Bugatti Chiron Hermès (2019)

The Molsheim atelier specializes in satisfying wealthy customers in their requests for customization of hypercars during configuration and we can say that this time the result did not disappoint expectations.

This Chiron Hermes is a "one-off", that is, an edition made in a single model for the Californian real estate magnate and supercar collector Manny Koshbin. A great enthusiast and connoisseur of the Bugatti and Hermès brands, Manny has pushed to collaborate these two excellences in the realization of a unique hypercar, where nothing is left to chance. Custom-made upholstery, details and finishes never seen, transparent glass roof are just some of the features that go to embellish this unique specimen already not available to everyone.