GM and Fashion Industry Collaboration Sparks New Ideas for Vehicle Design

Strategic Insights -

The innovative partnership between General Motors (GM) and top fashion designers has sparked new ideas for vehicle design, bringing together the automotive and fashion industries in a unique collaboration. The Concept:Cure project, which brought five renowned fashion designers, including Mark Eisen, Nicole Miller, Todd Oldham, Anna Sui, and Richard Tyler, into the GM design studios, has resulted in the creation of one-of-a-kind "Ultimate Vehicles." These designs have not only inspired new possibilities for future GM vehicles but have also raised $708,000 to support breast cancer research at Georgetown University's Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Concept:Cure partnership between GM and the fashion industry has generated new ideas for vehicle design, incorporating elements of color, texture, and material in innovative ways.
  • The collaboration has raised $708,000 to support breast cancer research at Georgetown University's Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research.
  • Fashion designers involved in the project, such as Richard Tyler, have influenced the design of future GM vehicles with their use of classic elegance and attention to detail.
  • The partnership has challenged GM designers to think outside the box, introducing new possibilities for vehicle design, such as the use of brass- jacketed leather steering wheel covers and black onyx trim.
  • Concept:Cure has taken the relationship between GM and the fashion industry to a new level, providing a platform for deep and long-term relationships with consumers who are fashion-conscious, especially women.
  • GM brands plan to leverage the involvement with Concept:Cure in marketing efforts, including displaying duplicate versions of the Tyler-designed Riviera at auto shows and trunk shows.
  • Proceeds from the partnership will be earmarked for breast cancer research, including the Nina Hyde Center.

Statistics:

  • $708,000: Amount raised to support breast cancer research at Georgetown University's Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research.
  • 5: Number of top fashion designers involved in the Concept:Cure project.
  • 1: Number of one-of-a-kind "Ultimate Vehicles" designed by each fashion designer.
  • Spring 1997: Timeframe for the launch of the Riviera-sponsored concert series featuring Judy Collins and Roberta Flack, with proceeds earmarked for breast cancer research.
  • 1997: Timeframe for the development of GM's marketing plans to leverage the involvement with Concept:Cure.

Sources:

  • General Motors Corporation
  • Pr Newswire
  • DMB&B
  • Georgetown University's Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research