Zac Posen And Thom Browne Custom Design Infiniti Q50's For Exclusive Gilt Sale
The unique online shopping experience Gilt has joined forces with auto brand Infiniti to offer customers a pair of new 2014 Q50 luxury sports sedans. What makes these two cars special though is that one was designed by Thom Browne and the other by Zac Posen. The Q50's will be sold on Thursday, December 12, 2013 at 12 p.m. ET through Gilt, which will also give each buyer $10K of shopping credit and a style consultation.
"We are thrilled to be collaborating with such an innovative brand like Infiniti to create one-of-a-kind vehicles designed by two of our favorite, cutting edge designers, Thom Browne and Zac Posen," said Alexis Maybank, Founder and Chief Business Development & Strategy Officer, Gilt.com. "We are always looking for new ways to give our members access to exclusive products and unique experiences that they cannot find anywhere else, so this was the perfect opportunity to bring together top fashion design, automotive design and technology in a way we know our members will love."
Aside from all the amenities one would expect from luxury sedans, each custom-tailored auto features exclusive elements that reflect each designer's unique aesthetic. Browne's design features a chrome finish that is nearly reflective, and an interior accented with his signature red, white and blue striped pattern on the seats and in other areas. Sterling silver elements are meant to imitate Old World sophistication, and within the trunk is a luggage set that Browne designed specifically for the auto.
"I've always admired Infiniti and Gilt as brands inspired by innovation, so this was an opportunity to get creative and translate my vision for fashion to the road," said Thom Browne. "I went into this project almost as if I was designing a bespoke suit. Everything is made-to-measure, from selecting the materials and colors, to tailoring the upholstery to fit the curves and lines of the interior, and also making sure that the hallmarks of my design aesthetic are still reflected throughout."
Additionally, Browne designed a limited edition Thom Browne Solid Silver Personal Card Case, which also features the striped pattern. Made from heavy sterling silver, only 100 cases have been produced. If you just want the case, you can buy it from Gilt on December 12 for $650.
The exterior of Posen's model shows off an ombré effect, with matte light silver transitioning to a glossy dark grey at the rear. Inside, one will find many different textures and materials in shades of red, including velvet, shagreen (a certain type of rawhide) and leather. Posen also created an accessory for the future buyer of his Q50; a ZAC Posen Smartphone Clutch. Apparently inspired by the auto's advanced technology and InTouch system, the clutch matches the red interior. Limited to just 350, one can purchase the $250 Smartphone Clutch through Gilt on December 12.
"I'm so excited to be working with Infiniti and Gilt.com, who are both known for their innovation and style," said Zac Posen. "I've designed runway collections and accessories but never a car, so when Infiniti and Gilt approached me about this project, I knew it was going to be a fun and exciting journey and a challenge that I was excited to dive into right from the start."
Starting September 28, the Infiniti Q50's will begin a tour of Gilt City shopping events and will be showcased in Dallas, Chicago, New York, Miami and Los Angeles. Tickets are available to Gilt City members, allowing them to check the cars out up close and even go for a test drive or ride-along. A portion of the sale proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.