When it comes to partnerships between automakers and fashion designers, the venture between AMC and Levi's that resulted in denim covered seats is arguably the most famous example. However, the company didn't stop at jeans, and set their sights on forming relationships with a number of top European designers of the day, which resulted in the following three models. First, we have the Gucci Hornet Sportabout.
This special trim package was available exclusively on the Sportabout wagon variant of the recently introduced Hornet. The main exterior differences were minor, limited to a small badge depicting the Gucci family crest, and a limited color selection of dark green which played off of the unique interior well. Speaking of which, the inside came upholstered in the bold green and red striping of the Italian fashion house, and was offset with white accents. Other than appearances however, it was the same equipment wise as any other Hornet. Unless you were Aldo Gucci, then president of Gucci, who had a few extra luxuries added to a one-off example.
The main attractions were the revised interior pattern, consisting of a more subtle black and checkerboard pattern, a small pull-out desk in the dash, fold-down drink trays in the seatbacks, and a custom made grille to top it all off. But AMC was only getting started, next releasing a designer special edition for the Javelin ala Pierre Cardin.
I would say this one is my personal favorite, since the elegant colors and clean design of the stripes just come together so beautifully. As with the Gucci Hornet, the main feature of the Cardin Javelin was it's interior upholstery, and
what an interior. The stripes wound their way over each seat, and even made it to the headliner and door panels for that extra bit of flair. Finally, the last in our trio of fashion statements is the Oleg Cassini Matador Coupe.
This was arguably the most boring of the three collaborations, as the interior gained a nice pillow top finish and embroidered logos and...that's pretty much it. Unlike the other two, most of the differences were actually on the exterior. In the case of the Matador, there were a number of bronze highlights added, from the grille and headlight bezels, to the wheel covers and vinyl clad roof.
These designer editions paved the way for the endless Eddie-Bauer Explorers and L.L. Bean Outbacks, as well as all the odd ball pairings in between like the Nautica Villager or the Fila Thunderbird. They're an interesting piece of marketing history, being bold enough to try mixing two very different industries
and demographics into one cohesive product.
