The Best Streetwear and Fashion Car Collaborations

Image via Complex Original

When: 2020-2021

Price: N/A

As Aimé Leon Dore continues to grow, one of its strongest outputs to date remains its work with Porsche. The partnership kicked off as part of ALD’s Fall/Winter 2020 collection when founder Teddy Santis collaborated with the luxury German auto manufacturer on a custom 964 Porsche Carrera 4. The vehicle, which would become Santis’ personal mode of transportation following the launch, was displayed from Feb. 6 to Feb. 9, 2020 at the Jeffrey Deitch gallery in New York. It featured a white exterior with small details like a custom red pegasus by the gas cap and co-branded logo badge installed on the trunk. The star of the show is the bespoke interior though, crafted entirely of light brown Schott leather and navy blue Loro Piana houndstooth wool. Apparel including logo jackets, T-shirts, hoodies, caps, and premium accessories like toolbags and leather driving gloves, accompanied the launch.

The first collab was so successful that they did it again. In May 2021, ALD and Porsche connected for the second installment of their partnership. This time, the capsule was centered around an olive green Porsche 911 SC that was parked outside of the streetwear brand’s flagship on Mulberry Street in New York’s Nolita neighborhood. This design nodded a bit to the outdoors with the addition of a roof rack and auxiliary lights on the bonnet. The interior took a new approach this time around too, with a perforated buffalo suede headliner, vintage Persian rug floor mats, cream leather and boucle seats, and a wooden bead cover over the driver’s seat by Recaro. Once again, ALD fans could purchase all-over print sweaters, fleece quarter-zips, totes, and more that marked the collab. Car collaborations seem to be becoming a norm in fashion. But few brands to date have done it as well as ALD has.—Mike DeStefano

When: 2020

Price: $109,250

Over its 10-year history, Kith has collaborated with some of the biggest names in fashion and beyond. Versace, Nike, Coca-Cola, and even The Simpsons are among the IPs that have accompanied the Kith box logo. So, it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that Ronnie Fieg’s brand also has a car collab under its belt. The project was unveiled in October 2020 and included a 96-piece apparel collection with BMW that featured  graphic knit sweaters, racing jackets, caps, driving gloves, and more. But the centerpiece of the partnership were two special-edition BMWs. The first was a red 1989 E30 M3, Fieg’s personal car, that appeared in the campaign’s lookbook. It featured special co-branded embellishments to celebrate the collab. The second was a more modern vehicle, the 2021 M4 Competition. This coupe would actually be released in very limited quantities in three matte color options: Frozen Black, Frozen Dark Silver and Frozen Brilliant White. The $109,250 car was limited to 150 units that featured accents like a Kith-embossed black merino leather interior, and co-branded emblems on areas like the hood and trunk.

“Everything we work on at Kith has to come from an authentic place,” said Fieg in an official press release ahead of the collection’s release. “Some of my favorite memories from growing up came from going to visit my grandfather and riding around in his BMWs in the 1980s. I remember he had an E21 320i and that his prized possession was a white E30 M3. These moments in my life really shaped my passion for BMW, so working on this project with them has brought everything full circle.”—Mike DeStefano

Year: 2021

Price: N/A

There may be nobody else on this list more deserving of his own bespoke car collaboration than Arthur Kar. The vintage car collector has built a reputation over the years as a dealer to some of the industry’s biggest names. When Nigo and Kid Cudi wanna whip a luxury car around Paris for the weekend, they call him. His love for cars even led him to start his auto-focused streetwear brand, L'Art de L'Automobile, in 2011. It isn’t a stretch to say that cars are Kar’s life. So, this past September when his brand revealed an official collab with Porsche on the 968, it was definitely a watershed moment. It was full circle, too. One of Kar’s first jobs in the auto industry was as a mechanic at a Porsche garage in Lebanon when he was 16. The vehicle itself was designed to help celebrate the 968’s 30th anniversary and was displayed at a collaborative exhibition in Paris from Sept. 30 to Oct. 3. The convertible featured a pearl green paint job with matching accents on the interior and rim covers. Other elements included black leather Recaro seats with a graphic print covering the center, a custom-branded KAR steering wheel and tail light, black rims, and Tag Heuer watches installed on the dash. While the car didn’t receive an official release, there was a capsule of apparel that was delivered alongside the special project, including a green racing jacket, graphic T-shirts, caps, and even a car-shaped air freshener created with Byredo.

“We built the car exactly to our vision, whether people like it or not is up to them,” Kar told Classic Driver when speaking on his custom 968. “To have a company like Porsche, in these modern times, trusting us to push the boundaries is one of the most beautiful things in the world and a real privilege.”—Mike DeStefano

When: 2020 

Price: $160,000

In the summer of 2020, Virgil Abloh unveiled a surprising collaboration with Mercedes-Benz that was centered on their iconic G-Class SUV or G-Wagon. The car was never mass-produced for sale and resembled a work of contemporary art rather than a functioning automobile. The collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Abloh was titled “Project Geländewagen” and sought to celebrate the legacy of the model, which is one its oldest luxury cars still in production today. Abloh teamed up with Mercedes-Benz chief design officer, Gorden Wagener, to completely reimagine the car’s exterior and interior. Wagener and Abloh stripped the G-Wagon of nearly all its parts. The car had no headlights, tail lights, side windows, or backseats. The two designers even replaced the door handles with leather pull tabs and painted the car’s exterior in a glossy—but incomplete—white paint. The car was then outfitted with racing elements that included large racing wheels, a Mercedes-Benz steering wheel from the brand’s Formula 1 cars, racing seats from Mercedes-Benz DTM cars, a roll cage, and safety nets in place of windows. The car was so stripped down that certain functions, such as “Start Engine” or “Horn,” were replaced with switches that were likely nonfunctional and labeled with Dynamo tape. “The initial idea was to question. To make this sort of twist on reality and speed,” said Abloh in a video by Mercedes-Benz. “To have this car that is luxurious in a deconstructed way.” Although the actual car was never sold or widely produced, Sotheby’s auctioned off a 1:3 scale model of the vehicle that sold for $201,600. All proceeds from the sale went to Virgil Abloh’s Post-Modern Scholarship Fund.—Lei Takanashi

When: 2020

Price: N/A

When Mitja Borkert, the Lamborghini head of design, saw a Yohji Yamamoto fashion show in Paris that presented a striking black and red color palette, he was compelled to work with the designer himself to create an Aventador S car. The car debuted in October 2020 to celebrate the launch of The Lounge Tokyo, Lamborghini’s experiential retail store. The car features a streaked red and black exterior covered with the Yohji Yamamoto logo with a black interior made with plush suede fabric and embroidered text. They also released a capsule collection of apparel that included  a hoodie, jacket, and fishtail parka to match the car.—Aria Hughes

When: 2021

Price: TBD

As we all know, Hiroshi Fujiwara is one of the original masters of creating hyped streetwear collaborations. It was only a matter of time until his Fragment Design Studio graced the body of luxury automobiles. In June 2021, Fujiwara unveiled his official collaboration with the Italian luxury car manufacturer Maserati. Fujiwara was tapped to showcase Maserati’s Fuoriserie Customisation Program, which lets any Maserati customer personally customize their vehicles. For the project, Fujiwara re-designed two Maserati Ghiblis which were dubbed the Operanera and Operabianca. Both designs were inspired by “Itanji” which is Japanese for non-conformist. The cars boasted glossy black and white finishes and were accented with touches of opaque black. Both cars featured 20-inch Urano matte black wheels and Fragment branding. The interior was outfitted with premium leather and Alcantra seats, dark blue seatbelts, and an embossed Maserati Trident logo on the headrest. Only 175 cars were produced along with a capsule collection of co-branded goods. “I wanted to channel the vibe of old Maserati models from the ‘60s and ‘70s because I like to drive new cars, but I also really like the vintage look.” Fujiwara told Hypebeast in an interview. Although details on when the cars will officially be sold are still unknown, the collaboration is definitely a must-have for Fragment enthusiasts since this was its first automobile collaboration. The car even has one of Fragment’s signatures, a unique serial number, printed inside the interior: “M157110519FRG.” The code stands for Maserati’s Ghibli ID code, the date of the company’s first meeting with Fujiwara (Nov. 5, 2019), and an acronym for Fragment.—Lei Takanashi

When: 2021

Price: N/A

In 2021, Undefeated became the first streetwear brand to officially design a race car for the Indy 500. In May 2021, the brand collaborated with the Arrow McLaren SP race team to design a special #7 Vuse ASMP car that was driven by Felix Rosenqvist. The car was covered in McLaren’s signature papaya colorway and accented with black tiger camo stripes true to Undefeated’s aesthetic. Of course, Undefeated’s famous five-strike logo also appeared on top of the back wheels of the car. “There were a few design concepts that we gave them, but we wanted it to be where both companies were represented,” Undefeated founder James Bond told Complex in an interview. “We figured out how to lay it on the car so that the car looked powerful. We definitely have figured out a way to disrupt, but at the same time really make it look like it’s authentic.” The car ended up finishing in 27th place during the Indy 500 this year.—Lei Takanashi

When: 2018-2019

Price: N/A

Bape’s ABC camo pattern is one of the most recognizable markings in the history of streetwear. So, it should come as no surprise that it’s popped up on expensive vehicles. Back in 2018, the Japanese brand celebrated its 25th anniversary by wrapping a Formula 1 car in its signature camouflage as part of a special installation at Omotesando Hills in Tokyo. Along with the camo, the car also featured recognizable Bape branding like shark faces, ape heads, and “93” script to mark its founding year. A year later, Bape and F1 furthered their partnership with an official apparel capsule consisting of a series of co-branded jackets, T-shirts, hoodies, and accessories. Along with the apparel came another race car. This time, Bape opted for a much more vibrant pink ABC camo wrap that was unveiled at the Shanghai International Circuit aheads of F1’s 1,000th race. Of course, Bape’s history in the automotive world extends beyond its official F1 projects. I would be remiss not to note the various luxury cars, such as the Mercedes 300SL Gullwing, Mercedes G-Class, Rolls-Royce Phantom, and Bugatti Veyron that founder Nigo covered in his brand’s iconic print throughout the 2000s. While he no longer has any official ties to the brand, we wonder if Nigo still has these in storage somewhere? —Mike DeStefano

When: 2011;2013

Price: $20,000-$30,000

In 2011, when Frida Giannini served as creative director of Gucci, she decided to partner with Fiat on a Fiat 500 designed with Gucci’s iconic branding. The timing made sense, as both of the heritage Italian brands were celebrating big anniversaries (90 years for Gucci and 150 years for Fiat) and they had shared interests in providing a luxury experience while traveling . Guccio Gucci founded the brand in 1921 and started out making luggage and leather goods. The 2012 Fiat 500 by Gucci, designed by Gianni, came in both a hatchback and cabriolet models in black or white. The car included Gucci’s signature red and green stripes, a silver Gucci logo in cursive on the door frames and hatchback, and the interlocking G logo on the wheel hubs. The interior of the vehicle included leather embroidered with Gucci logo and leather trim. The car debuted at New York Fashion Week and because it was so successful, the companies partnered again in 2013 to make Fiat 500 and 500c models, which came in black and white with a glossy finish. These models’ interior options included an all black option and a two-tone option that matched the exterior color. The hatchback version of the Fiat 500 and 500c started at $24,550, while the drop top version started at $28,550.—Aria Hughes

When: 2019

Price: $3 million

Manny Khoshbin, a real estate magnate and car collector based in California, was searching for something super exclusive and expensive, so he reached out to Bugatti and Hermès to create a one-of-a-kind automobile. “I am a true Bugatti aficionado—I wanted to name my son ‘Ettore’ but my wife disagreed,” Khoshbin said. “When I saw the Chiron1 for the first time in 2015, I was one of the first customers in the world to reserve a build slot, yet one of the later to take delivery of one, but the reason for that was down to me.” The partnership resulted in a limited-edition Bugatti Chiron accentuated with Hermès details including the Craie off-white paint, the cashmere fabric on the door panels, a horseshoe grill, and several branded badges throughout the car. The one-of-one car, which is worth an estimated $3 million, isn’t the only car he owns that’s been touched by Hermès. Khoshbin ​also has a custom Pagani Huayra Hermès, as well as a McLaren Speedtails that has also been customized by the luxury brand.—Aria Hughes

Year: 2021

Price: N/A

Drake’s affinity for Chrome Hearts has become obvious over the past few years. He owns multiple pairs of their signature cross-patch jeans. He’s flaunted a custom Rolex with a gold Chrome Hearts band on his Instagram. To help promote Certified Lover Boy, he even released a super limited merch collaboration with the Los Angeles-based luxury brand complete with logo sweatsuits coming in pastel shades, new colorways of the cross denim, and even a jade roller. But the highlight of Drake x Chrome Hearts relationship thus far, and easily the gaudiest, is the custom Rolls-Royce Cullinan the brand created especially for the rap superstar earlier this year. 

The one-of-one Cullinan was initially put on display at the Miami Institute of Contemporary Art this past May before Drake added it to his personal fleet of vehicles. The entire interior is covered in quilted black leather and gothic cross patterns. The center arm rest is adorned with silver Chrome Hearts hardware. On the exterior, the iconic Rolls-Royce hood ornament has been replaced with a trio of crosses. The rims have also been modified, a custom set of chrome Chrome Hearts crosses complete with “Fuck You” engraving. When speaking to GQ about how the project came together, Chrome Hearts co-owner Laurie Lynn Stark said, “The technical side is extremely complicated. You have to be up to standards and all that was difficult to pull off.” —Mike DeStefano

When: 2002

Price: N/A

Yes, you’re reading that correctly. Back in the early 2000s one of the world’s largest outdoor clothing brands collaborated with one of America’s most iconic automobile companies. In 2002, The North Face collaborated with Chevrolet to create a special edition of their Avalanche pickup truck. The Avalanche was unique on its own because it could transform from a six-passenger SUV into a three-passenger full-size pickup truck. A 4x4 vehicle with ample amounts of storage space, the Chevrolet Avalanche was well-designed for the outdoors. The car had an ample amount of cargo space that included hidden storage pockets on the side. When the Avalanche’s back seats collapsed down, it stretched to nearly 8.1 feet in length, which was enough space to fit a small kayak along with backpacks, boots, and other camping essentials. The North Face was a natural partner to work with on a limited-edition model of the Avalanche. It included exclusive seats featuring the brand’s iconic logo, a special door trim, The North Face branding on the exterior, and floor mats with The North Face logo. Of course, the car also included two North Face Water Duffel bags and two special North Face Summit Pod daypacks that were attachable to the back of the front passenger seats. A year later, The North Face collaborated with Chevrolet again to release a special edition of the Trailblazer SUV. Like its predecessor, the car was outfitted with The North Face branding on the interior and exterior. It also came with a set of duffel bags and a down blanket for chilly nights. Although finding one of these North Face Chevys is hard today, it’s even harder to find the bags that came with them, which have become niche collectors items of their own.—Lei Takanashi

When: 2006

Price: Starting at $197,000

In 2006 at the Paris Motor Show, Lamborghini unveiled its classic Murcielago model, which is no longer produced, but with a twist. This one was a Versace edition that had a white exterior with Versace’s meander pattern at the base of the car doors and an interior that included black and white seats embroidered with the Versace Greco design, a Gianni Versace logo plaque in the seats, and Versace luggage. Only 20 of these cars were made. Because of that, ones that go up for sale can cost from $197,000 to $223,000. This car is one of the rarest Lamborghinis ever produced.—Aria Hughes

When: 1991-2010

Price: N/A

Although Eddie Bauer is known as a heritage outdoor brand that pioneered the down jacket and has recently collaborated with the likes of JJJJound, it’s also another brand that has made its own car. For almost two decades, Eddie Bauer released a special version of the Ford Explorer. Originally launched in 1990, the Ford Explorer was the first four-door SUVs sold by Ford—there was also a two-door model dubbed the Explorer Sport. The Ford Explorer replaced the Bronco II and became one of Ford’s most popular vehicles. The first generation models sold more than 300,000 units per year, which outsold the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chevrolet S-10 Blaze by a large margin at the time. The Eddie Bauer Explorer was a special model that boasted premium cloth upholstery and two-tone paint. Some of the last Eddie Bauer Ford Explorers released on the market were more luxurious. They boasted heated premium leather seats, satellite radio, woodgrain interior accents, and more. However, it wasn’t the most luxurious car Ford has ever released. That distinction definitely goes to the cars in Ford’s 1978 Designer Series, which included Lincoln Continental Mark IVs designed by Givenchy, Emilio Pucci, Bill Blass, and Cartier.—Lei Takanashi

When: 2013

Price: Starting at $175,000

Maserati partnered with menswear label Ermenegildo Zegna to make 100 cars (50 of the Quattroporte S Q4 GranLusso sedan and 50 of the marque’s Levante S GranSport SUV). The designs, which debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show, both include an interior made up of Pelletessuta textile, a special fabric constructed with fibers of Nappa leather that’s lightweight, soft, and durable. The Quattroporte features a rich brown interior and a Blu Sofisticato exterior. The Levante has a black interior and a Bronzo exterior. Both companies have gone on to produce similar Zenga-designed interiors for newer models.—Aria Hughes