Louis Vuitton has crafted its first co-branded object by blending its luxury design with Singer‘s celebrated restorations of classic Porsche 911s. This collaboration spans two models: the Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer – Classic, and the Classic Turbo cabriolet, under the creative direction of Nicolas Ghesquière. The origins of the project began with a simple request—a dashboard clock, now a part of a symbolic partnership between Louis Vuitton and Singer where the celebrated aesthetic turns a car into a statement piece.
The journey started with a request for a detachable timepiece, echoing Louis Vuitton’s iconic Tambour watch, which then expanded into a full year-long redesign of the Porsche’s instrument display. This intricate process aligned the speedometer, rev counter, and gauges with the Tambour’s aesthetic, creating a harmonious blend of precision and style. The way this elegant design transforms the dashboard showcases a blend of function and luxury.
The Classic car is clothed in saffron and cobalt blue, colors rooted deep in Louis Vuitton’s archives. The saffron hue has been significant in the brand’s palette for over 150 years, while the cobalt accents reflect the travel trunks designed for Citroën in 1924. This distinct livery carries through to the rear grille, where Louis Vuitton’s initials are subtly woven into its geometry. Here, this refined approach turns historic colors into a modern, unified design language.
Distinctive Design Shapes the Car’s Aesthetic
Inside, the cabin features luxurious leatherwork inspired by VVT leather, complemented by yellow saddle-stitching. The seats’ diamond embossing nods to the “malletage” motif found inside Louis Vuitton trunks, while functional elements carry the Monogram flower, seamlessly integrating haute couture with automotive design. Once again, the innovative approach transforms the interior into a realm where art meets engineering.
The car’s metallic components received a watchmaker’s touch, with elements like knobs and vents rhodium-plated and hand-finished, reflecting meticulous craftsmanship and a dedication to detail at a nearly microscopic level. This artistry transforms these elements into objects of beauty and functionality.
The Classic Turbo cabriolet, designed by Ghesquière, introduces a nautical flair with its white Calcaire Lutétien bodywork and exquisite teak-inspired deck within the rear luggage compartment. This blend of automotive and marine aesthetics exemplifies Ghesquière’s long-held passion for car design. The unique aesthetic turns maritime motifs into automotive innovation.
The blend of marine and automotive aesthetics can also inspire vibrant interiors, as seen in Berlin’s lime green tapware trend turning spaces into artistic statements.
Beyond the cars, you’ll find an exclusive wardrobe capsule, including a racing jacket, driving gloves, and a jet helmet. Custom luggage is included, echoing Louis Vuitton’s historical endeavor in making automotive trunks since 1897.
While Porsche’s own projects like the 911 GT3 90 F.A. Porsche honor internal heritage, the Singer partnership infuses Louis Vuitton’s external archive onto a similar platform. The collaboration embodies a rich narrative, enhancing the bespoke nature of the cars. This exceptional design transforms the collaboration into a groundbreaking link between fashion and automotive engineering.
The “Visionary Journeys” exhibition in Osaka celebrates Louis Vuitton’s legacy, echoing themes of travel and craftsmanship. What began as a clock now stands as a testament to this remarkable fusion of design, ready to disconnect from the dashboard and exist independently, both as a timepiece and a symbol of this pioneering collaboration.
Source: urdesignmag.com
Frequently asked questions
What models are involved in the Louis Vuitton and Singer collaboration?
The collaboration spans two models: the Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer – Classic, and the Classic Turbo cabriolet, under the creative direction of Nicolas Ghesquière.
What are the primary colors used in the Louis Vuitton Porsche design?
The Classic car is clothed in saffron and cobalt blue, colors rooted deep in Louis Vuitton’s archives.
What inspired the Porsche interior design elements?
Inside, the cabin features luxurious leatherwork inspired by VVT leather, complemented by yellow saddle-stitching. The seats’ diamond embossing nods to the “malletage” motif found inside Louis Vuitton trunks, while functional elements carry the Monogram flower.