Driving In Style: Aimé Leon Dore x Porsche
Many fashion fanatics know Aimé Leon Dore for their influential collaborations, which include various partnerships with New Balance, creating collectibles like the New Balance 550 Aimé Leon Dore (avg. price £300) and the New Balance 827 (£517). Now, the brand has launched an unexpected collection with Porsche, creating a brand-new version of the iconic 911SC car.
A statement from the company explained that, “the ALD 911SC is a fully restored 1978 Porsche 911 Super Carrera. The vehicle features an olive-green factory Porsche exterior colour, auxiliary lights on the bonnet, 16” factory Fuchs wheels as well as a fully functional roof rack. The centrepiece of the vehicle is the fully custom interior, featuring a combination of full grain cowhide leathers and bouclé fabric throughout. Vintage Persian rugs are used for the floor mats as well as the lower door panels while the headliner is covered in perforated buffalo bull suede. Bespoke seats have been restored with a bouclé outer along with a total full grain leather centre and the driver seat finished with wooden beads by Recaro. The ALD Porsche 911SC Capsule Collection is now available. The Porsche 911SC is on display at the Mulberry flagship from May 21-23.”
The original SC (Super Carrera) was introduced in 1978 and came complete with a 3.0-litre engine, a Bosch K-Jetronic fuel-injection system and a five-speed 915 transmission. This new ALD 911SC is an exclusive and fully customisable version with a complimentary clothing collection sold alongside, including hats, gloves, garments, bags, and other accessories. For the collaboration, which so far has been teased on both brands’ social media platforms, as well as via a video on the ALD site, ALD founder Teddy Santis has given the caramel-hued whip a vintage roof rack, beaded seat covers, and plush ivory, floral- patterned leather interiors. Unfortunately, the car will not be for sale but can be viewed as a collectible item exclusive to the brands that have created it.
So, why would the auto industry want to collaborate with the fashion world? To put it simply, both industries tap into our consumerist fascination with luxury products. Over the years, cars have changed drastically in size, design, and accessories, but the industry, like fashion, has equally become more glamorous, brand-centric and inclusive. Time and again they create products that enable customers to feel unique in their choices, whilst becoming a part of a wider luxury demographic. A passion project such as this exudes nostalgia for Porsche’s historic designs, with this collaboration demonstrating a step away from tech-obsessed trends and a return to the original tailored experience of driving with family and a good playlist.
This isn’t a new venture for Porsche and Aimé Leon Dore, either. The two brands have previously collaborated on a redecoration of the 964 Carrera 4, completed with custom interior and new paint. It has 1990s Recaro seats and leather straps on the dashboard, steering wheel, and door panels, with a headliner and sunroof that has been trimmed in matching suede. The outside is painted in a shade of white similar to the Aimè Leon Dore flagship shop in NYC.
With the newest vision set to debut in New York fashion week, it’s clear that this collaboration is one to see. Sleek, stylish, and charming, the ALD 911SC unites two different industries to highlight their ability to complement each other, characterising ‘luxury’ as a lifestyle choice, rather than a price tag.
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