In Shanghai, Mercedes-Benz and Moncler unveil their latest collaboration for Project G-Class, drawing inspiration from KENZO’s creative director, NIGO. This partnership represents a continuous flow of creativity between the automotive and fashion worlds. The duo has transformed a 1990s G-Class model into a stunning automotive art piece, infused with NIGO’s distinctive fashion sensibility. This innovative vehicle serves as a catalyst for two additional projects: a limited-edition G-Class inspired by the art piece and a gender-neutral fashion collection co-designed by Mercedes-Benz, Moncler, and NIGO.
The grand reveal takes place at the City of Genius show in Shanghai, China, on October 19th, 2024. This isn’t the first collaboration between the two brands; in 2023, they joined forces for Project Mondo G, where Moncler adorned the wheels of the Mercedes-Benz Project G-Class with its iconic puffer jacket. This season, the puffer jacket has transitioned from its shiny silver hue to a sleek black, now draping the convertible top of the automotive masterpiece.
While the exterior design of the 1990s model remains intact, visitors stepping inside will discover a reimagined interior that blends nostalgia with modernity. The collaboration brings G-Class enthusiast Devon Turnbull into the fold for the art-piece project titled Past II Future. Known for his expertise in audio installations, Turnbull has crafted boom boxes that are elegantly mounted on the convertible top of the G-Class, enhancing the vehicle’s artistic appeal.
Past II Future showcases versatility, featuring a removable roof and speakers that reveal a striking checkered pattern on the benches and seats, rendered in shades of black and gray. This contemporary design pays homage to the classic aesthetics of earlier G-Class models while infusing a fresh, modern twist that captivates both car aficionados and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Outside, the exterior is adorned in shimmering silver and military green tones, showcasing the classic spare wheel on the rear tailgate, which is elegantly wrapped in a Moncler cover. The foldable windscreen remains a distinctive feature of the Project G-Class collaboration with Moncler and NIGO. Adding a touch of flair, the design teams have placed a gold-colored fuel can beside the spare wheel, a nod to the vibrant accents of orange that echo the gender-neutral fashion collection created by the trio, creating a delightful cycle of references.
Stepping away from this automotive masterpiece, Mercedes-Benz is preparing to unveil real-life models of the G-Class, inspired by its collaboration with Moncler and NIGO. The foundation for these models is the new G 450 d, with the G-Class Past II Future serving as the design blueprint. This is evident in the striking two-tone paintwork and the checkered upholstery that adorns the seats, blending style with functionality.
The iconic spare wheel remains prominently displayed on the rear, now engraved with the logos of both the manufacturer and the fashion brand, a testament to the collaboration. While the convertible roof featuring boom boxes and a puffer-jacket design is absent, the design teams have compensated with sleek black exterior accents around the window frames, light-metal alloy wheels, and the signature bumper guard on the flanks, proudly inscribed with the lettering Past II Future.
As owners step inside, they are greeted by a center console marked with ‘1 of 20,’ signifying the exclusivity of this limited series. With only 20 models available, each owner will possess a unique piece of this collaboration. Mercedes-Benz has announced that the G-Class Past II Future models are slated for delivery in April 2025, promising an exciting addition to the automotive landscape.