Mercedes-Benz is continuing its collaborative streak, this time partnering with Proenza Schouler for its latest collection of automotive-inspired apparel.
Following partnerships with some of the biggest names in streetwear including Heron Preston and Virgil Abloh, Mercedes has tapped Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, the designers behind Proenza Schouler, to continue its journey into fashion.
"There are many parallels [between fashion and automotive], but perhaps the area with the most overlap is in regards to design and function. Our goal as fashion designers is to create products that enhance a person’s life in some way, something that makes life easier, more comfortable, and potentially creates conditions where one could perform at peak personal levels," McCollough and Hernandez tell us. "The automotive industry strives towards these same goals, and the optimization of the human experience is something we are all working towards, regardless of the medium."
Inspired by the great American road trip, the collection is titled The Power of Two and plays with the recognizable Mercedes-Benz logo. Each of the pieces are responsibly made, designed to "be loved and last," and is also designed to be gender-neutral.
"Our foray into sustainable initiatives at Proenza Schouler got us thinking about working on a collaboration that celebrated this approach in other industries," the designers continue, adding that Mercedes-Benz has always been synonymous with craftsmanship and is aspirational – a luxury that is very appealing and exciting. "
"When Mercedes-Benz approached us, we were immediately interested. The idea developed into a capsule collection based around our shared values of sustainability and responsible production practices. Our design process began with finding sustainable materials that retained an element of luxury, and are crafted using clean, responsible practices."
The campaign is fronted by Laura Dern and her son Ellery Harper, and highlights each of the limited-edition pieces reinterpreted through the Proenza Schouler lens. "The world has changed, and we know better, so it’s important to have these conversations, and find ways to innovate through responsible production and design."
"We are still learning, and we know that we aren’t alone in this. It’s inspiring to see iconic brands like Mercedes-Benz leading discussions around sustainability in the automotive field."
The Proenza Schouler x Mercedes-Benz apparel collection will be available from November 9, globally on Proenza Schouler's website, as well as at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York, London's Selfridges, as well as at Mercedes-Benz's brand space in Munich.
