By Fashion Editorial Staff
On April 4th, Moncler, Mercedes-Benz, and fashion icon NIGO made a highly anticipated collaborative debut in New York City. This partnership transcends traditional luxury, creating a cultural moment that bridges the past and future in a distinctly contemporary expression.
First revealed during Moncler’s “The City of Genius” event in Shanghai last October, the collection has now arrived stateside with an immersive launch event at the newly renovated Mercedes-Benz Manhattan flagship. The event celebrates the ethos of cultural synthesis, drawing New York’s creative elite, including models Alton Mason and Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, musicians Joey Bada$$ and Tobe Nwigwe, and artist KAWS.
“I always refer to the past,” NIGO remarked to CR Fashion Book, encapsulating the collection’s philosophy. “In Japan, there is a saying: ‘Learn from the past to create something new.’” This sentiment is woven throughout both the apparel collection and the limited-edition G-Class Past II Future, a vehicle of which only 20 will be produced globally.
The automotive centerpiece features a striking forest green and grey two-tone exterior accented with gold, quilted puffer details inspired by Moncler’s signature outerwear, and tartan-patterned seats that pay homage to both brands’ legacies. The result is a stunning blend of rugged utility and refined luxury—a nostalgic yet forward-thinking vision.
NIGO’s apparel collection draws from his deep understanding of vintage Americana, New York hip-hop culture, and streetwear sensibilities. Standout pieces include varsity and bomber jackets with bold orange sleeves featuring a sketch of the limited-edition G-Class, denim sets with precision yellow stitching, and navy cardigans with synthetic liner panels and embroidered appliqués. Archival Mercedes-Benz imagery is reimagined alongside a handwritten Moncler wordmark, creating visual links that honor both brands’ histories.
The launch event transformed the Mercedes flagship into an experiential journey through time. Upon arrival, guests entered a blacked-out freight elevator that doubled as a photo call. This elevator, serving as a metaphorical "time portal," opened to reveal an underground garage gallery showcasing vintage Mercedes vehicles. From there, attendees proceeded to the newly renovated showroom, which had been converted into an avant-garde dining space.
Vehicle trunks were repurposed as bars, while wait staff dressed as mechanics served automotive-inspired cuisine from gleaming toolboxes. The dining table itself incorporated elements from the collection—decorative jerrycan flower vases and puffer details—that echoed the materials and textures of both the apparel line and the limited-edition G-Class.
“We’re thrilled to unveil this co-created fashion collection, blending Moncler’s luxury with Mercedes-Benz’s iconic design, all enhanced by NIGO’s creative genius,” said Bettina Fetzer, Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Digital & Communications, as reported by Essense.
What elevates this collaboration is its genuine cultural collaboration. The project represents a dialogue between three distinctive voices: Moncler contributes its alpine heritage and technical outerwear expertise; Mercedes-Benz brings a century of automotive innovation and German precision; while NIGO serves as the cultural bridge, drawing from his knowledge of streetwear, vintage Americana, and Japanese design philosophy. The result transcends traditional brand collaboration, creating something new yet respectful of each partner's legacy.
The Moncler x Mercedes-Benz by NIGO collection is available in select Moncler boutiques and online at Moncler.com, while the G-Class Past II Future remains an exceptionally rare collector’s item—an enduring symbol of this unprecedented creative alliance.