Chrysler recently partnered with fashion designer John Varvatos to release a mafioso-styled 300c. While this special-edition Chrysler is the latest vehicle to have its interior designed and trimmed by a clothing brand, it’s certainly not the first.
Marketplace radio recently aired a short, but interesting, segment about the fashion industry’s obsession with car interiors. It’s less than two minutes long, but definitely worth a listen.
Marketplace reporter Eve Troeh explains:
It’s a tradition that really started in America more than four decades ago. In the 70s lots of fashion brands waved their magic style wands over cars. Matt Hardigree with Jalopnik.com has a few faves, like the AMC Matador from Jackie O’s favorite designer, Oleg Cassini. There’s also the Bill Blass Lincoln, complete with a Cartier clock in the dashboard.
At the height of this craze, he says, “They even had a Levi’s edition Gremlin – all the seats were denim.”
To listen to the segment, check out “New from Detroit: A designer Chrysler“. To read more about designer-brand car interiors (or fashion inspired by car interiors) check out the “Upholstery Meets Fashion” section of our website.
I sell Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram i cant wait to see this in person
What happened to working with talented Upholstery and trim shops are we not worthy?
I know what you mean Melissa. However, Chrysler is probably more interested in associating their name with a popular brand than supporting independent trim shops.
The hard working upholstery shops are struggling to keep up with the expectations of these Brand names and reality shows. Not by choice! But because the customers expect to get their interiors completed in a day or two because of the tv reality shows. That’s just it… It’s TV. The real upholstery shops that work very diligently to complete interiors to perfection are not given the time of day by the dealers such as Chrysler. Unless they are in a bind and then call upon the local upholstery shop asking for help. It’s all about the money & brand names. It’s pretty sad!