Mercedes-Benz and Moncler expanded their partnership at the “City of Genius” show in Shanghai with a new brand campaign and an exclusive art piece, which includes a limited-edition G-Class model and a capsule fashion collection.
The centerpiece of this collaboration is the “Mercedes-Benz Project G-Class Past II Future,” an art piece inspired by 1990s culture and reimagined by renowned fashion designer, music producer, and creative director NIGO. This one-of-a-kind creation reflects the fusion of 90s design with contemporary urban lifestyle. The project, showcased on October 19, 2024, in Shanghai, blends Mercedes-Benz’s iconic G-Class with NIGO’s modern interpretation, leading to the creation of a new limited-edition series, the G-Class Past II Future.
The art piece, based on a 90s G-Class, underwent extensive restoration with NIGO reworking its design elements inside and out, reviving its essence for today’s culture. The new G-Class Past II Future will be produced in a limited run of just 20 units and is set for release in April 2025. Moncler also offered a sneak preview of a gender-neutral, urban fashion collection, created in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz and NIGO. The collection, alongside the new G-Class, will be available for purchase in April 2025.
In addition to NIGO’s work, the Shanghai event also featured collaborations with other prominent artists, including A$AP Rocky, Willow Smith, Edward Enninful (OBE), Hiroshi Fujiwara’s FRGMT, Donald Glover’s Gilga Farm, LuLu Li, and Palm Angels. Special showcases were also presented by Rick Owens and Jil Sander as part of the Moncler Genius 2024 lineup.
“NIGO’s immense creative talent, combined with our collaboration with Moncler, has created a vibrant new take on urban design,” said Bettina Fetzer, Vice President of Communications & Marketing at Mercedes-Benz AG. “The G-Class Past II Future offers a fresh perspective on 90s style, breathing new life into the iconic G-Class for modern times. Moving from conceptual art to a tangible product is a significant milestone for us, representing a new brand experience that resonates with the present-day cultural zeitgeist.”
Project G-Class Past II Future: Merging Art and Automotive Design
The Project G-Class Past II Future is the second artistic collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Moncler, following the debut of the PROJECT MONDO G at Moncler’s “Art of Genius” show in London in February 2023. This latest creation blends Moncler’s signature puffer jacket aesthetic with the rugged design of the G-Class. Measuring 4.5 meters in length, 1.9 meters in width, and 2.0 meters in height, the vehicle boasts a sleek two-tone palette of olive green and grey, accented by bold black and gold exterior details.
Signature G-Class elements such as the spare wheel on the rear tailgate, foldable windscreen, black steel wheels, and a gold-colored fuel can evoke the 90s vibe, while the interior features a sound system designed by Devon Turnbull, a G-Class enthusiast known for his immersive audio installations. The system’s speakers are removable, mounted on the convertible top linkage, blending technical functionality with aesthetic appeal. Chequered seat upholstery and vibrant orange and gold accents link the vehicle to the fashion collection’s design language.
“I’ve always been influenced by the cultural and creative energy of the 90s,” said NIGO. “It was a time when electronic music and hip-hop emerged as powerful urban expressions. My goal was to capture that energy in the design of the Project G-Class Past II Future, reinterpreting it for today’s contemporary audience.”
Limited Edition G-Class and Capsule Collection
The G-Class Past II Future limited edition model, based on the new G 450 d and G 500, marks the 45th anniversary of the G-Class. Each of the 20 units features two-tone green and grey paintwork, chequered upholstery, and black exterior accents. The rear-mounted spare wheel bears the collaboration logo, and “Past II Future” is inscribed on both the bumper guard and interior grab handle. Each vehicle will be delivered to customers in April 2025, with its unique “1 of 20” series number engraved on the center console.
Moncler’s capsule fashion collection is also heavily inspired by 90s streetwear, combining urban elements with vintage flair. The gender-neutral collection includes souvenir and college jackets, hoodies, checked shirts, Bermuda shorts, lightweight down jackets, parkas, and windbreakers. The color palette features classic tones of blue, black, green, and white, accented with orange. Many pieces will showcase elaborate prints that merge archival photos of both Mercedes-Benz and Moncler. Denim and satin materials further reflect the fusion of street style and high fashion, with the satin jacket standing out as a symbol of the collaboration.
Brand Campaign: “Past Forward. Where the Future is Driven by the Past”
The brand campaign accompanying the new G-Class and fashion collection emphasizes the connection between past and future, underscoring the evolution of Mercedes-Benz and Moncler’s partnership. The campaign, directed by photographer Thibaut Grevet, features an urban rooftop setting, symbolizing the fusion of past inspirations with contemporary street style. It highlights the theme of translating past creativity into modern innovation. The campaign will be rolled out across various digital platforms, accompanied by a behind-the-scenes video directed by Theodor Guelat, providing a deeper look into NIGO’s creative process.
