There are few objects more striking than cars, right? In general, cars exist at the forefront of design and technology, combining science and beauty in perfect, harmonious, equal measure. That, naturally, puts them high on the list of inspirations for designers of all kinds.
From contemporary art pieces to top-of-the-range razors, the ever-growing list of automotive crossovers has been looking very strong lately. So strong that we decided to put together a list of our favorite automotive translations of recent times.
The collaboration between Bugatti and GilletteLabs is one of the more intriguing crossovers. GilletteLabs, the experimental arm of the men’s grooming titan, brought the professional wet-shave experience into our homes with the GilletteLabs Heated Razor. Now, with the help of iconic motoring company Bugatti, the Heated Razor has been given a special-edition makeover with Bugatti’s two-tone design to boot.
Elsewhere, collaborations between Carhartt and L’art de L’automobile, KITH and BMW, and Aimé Leon Dore and Porsche bring automotive and fashion together in perfect fall-ready style.
Shaving became quite a different experience when GilletteLabs released the Heated Razor. A warming bar below the blades gives the feeling of a hot-towel shave from the comfort of your own bathroom. Now made in collaboration with Bugatti, the Heated Razor becomes a veritable piece of art. Not many can say they’ve got a Bugatti in the bathroom — you can.
Few artists have done merch like Travis Scott. From McDonald’s meals to Fortnite performances, La Flame is constantly pushing boundaries. While this Jackboys hoodie doesn’t push boundaries, it does feature a BMW E30 to the chest which is sure to spark a conversation with any self-respecting car lover.
Jordan designer Tinker Hatfield’s famous design process knew no limits. From planets to animal feet, Hatfield would translate anything that he found inspiring into footwear form. This was one of his more literal translations, turning the Ferrari 550 Maranello into a Jordan 14.
Talk about iconic merch. Kanye West’s DONDA rollout was at best legendary and at times confusing, but that’s ‘Ye, right? Whatever your opinion, it was one to remember and the Listening Event merch has become bonafide collector’s pieces. This Mercedes-embellished long-sleeve T-shirt comes in a neutral off-white hue which is ideal for easy styling.
The Porsche 911 Turbo is up there with Germany’s greatest ever exports. Combining with another German design giant in PUMA, the 911 saw a new lease of life in November 2020. Building on the Future Rider, Porsche and PUMA took inspiration from the car’s period-specific paint colors, rear wings, light bars, interiors, and body lines to imbue the shoe with as much class as the machine.
Aimé Leon Dore’s Teddy Santis can do no wrong right now. One of New York’s brightest stars, the designer has the Midas touch, turning everything he touches into gold. From revived New Balance silhouettes to an actual Porsche 911. This sweater dropped alongside images of the exclusive Aimé Leon Dore Porsche itself.
Daniel Arsham puts no effort into hiding his love for the Porsche 911. His Instagram followers are regularly treated to videos of him driving a new, beautifully decorated 911. His signature eroded artworks look to an age when the iconic objects of our time are totems of a past era. The Porsche 911 is a recurring fixture in his art, and for good reason.
Ronnie Fieg is another designer who tried his hand (successfully) at designing a car. For the KITH designer, the BMW E30 was the canvas for a luxury, material-focused reup. In connection with a range of special-edition garments, the collaboration caused quite a stir.
Carhartt became Karhartt with the help of L’art de L’automobile earlier this year. This bold green iteration of the fan-favorite Carhartt Michigan Chore Coat features Karhartt prints to the chest, pocket, and reverse.