Mercedes-Benz and Moncler have expanded their collaboration at “The City of Genius” show in Shanghai, unveiling a new brand campaign and art piece alongside a limited-edition G-Class and a capsule fashion collection
Mercedes-Benz and Mncler took a bold leap forward in their collaboration. Alongside the launch of the brand campaign, “Past Forward. Where the Future is Driven by the Past”, the partners unveiled a one-off art piece, “Project G-Class Past II Future”, inspired by NIGO. It’s based on a G-Class from the 90s that was completely restored. NIGO reworked numerous design elements inside and out to revive the design and brings it into the cultural landscape of the present.
The G-Class Past II Future is not just an art installation – it’s a new limited-edition G-Class model inspired by the art piece with only 20 cars available. At the show, the audience also got a sneak peek at Moncler’s new collection of urban, gender-neutral fashion co-designed by Mercedes-Benz and Moncler, and NIGO. Both the limited-edition G-Class and the capsule collection are set to launch in April 2025.
Art Piece Project: G-Class Past II Future inspired by NIGO
NIGO’s creation is the second art piece to emerge from the collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Moncler. Like the PROJECT MONDO G, launched at Moncler’s “The Art of Genius” show in London in February 2023, this art piece merges the distinctively quilted aesthetic of the Moncler puffer jacket with the unmistakable edginess of the G-Class. Measuring 14.76 feet in length, 6.23 feet in width and 6.56 feet in height, the art piece features a minimalistic, matte two-tone contemporary color palette in olive green and grey, which is offset by striking exterior accents in black and gold. The sleek lines of the classic G-Class cabriolet give it a contemporary attitude while the hallmark G-Class functionality and design elements are preserved and reimagined for today. These include the iconic spare wheel mounted on the rear tailgate, black steel wheels in 90s design, a foldable windscreen, and a gold-colored fuel can. The interior has also undergone transformation. Among other elements, G-Class enthusiast Devon Turnbull – known for his immersive audio installations – has designed a sound system that seamlessly integrates with the vehicle’s concept, both technically and visually. Music “boom boxes” are mounted on the convertible top linkage and – like the entire roof and the speakers – can be removed. Checkered seat upholstery pays homage to design elements from earlier G-Class models. Accents in orange and gold create a visual connection to the collaborative fashion collection by Mercedes-Benz, Moncler, and NIGO.
Limited Edition Mercedes-Benz G-Class Past II Future
Both the limited-edition G-Class and the capsule collection represent the first products available for purchase from this exciting collaboration. Celebrating the 45th anniversary of the G-Class, this new edition underscores the timeless nature of this iconic vehicle and its ability to adapt to contemporary lifestyles. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class Past II Future references NIGO’s one-off art piece and is based on the new G 450 d and the new G 550. With its two-tone exterior paintwork in green and grey, the model features classic checkered upholstery and a rear-mounted spare wheel with the collaboration logo on its cover. Black exterior accents include the window frames, light metal alloy wheels and the signature bumper guard that spans the full length of the vehicle, showcasing the “Past II Future” lettering. In the interior, this branding can be found on the grab handle while the center console displays the vehicle’s “1 of 20” limited series number. The 20 cars will be delivered to customers globally in April 2025.
The Capsule Collection
The gender-neutral fashion collection blends 90s influences with contemporary street style. After the preview at “The City of Genius”, the showcased pieces will be refined into a capsule collection available for purchase starting in April 2025. The collection will feature a range of items, including souvenir and college jackets, hoodies, checked shirts, Bermuda shorts, as well as lightweight down jackets, field jackets, parkas, and windbreakers with a vintage look. The classic color palette – dominated by blue, black, green and white – is complemented by orange accents. Many pieces feature elaborate prints that weave together archival photos from the collaboration partners. Jackets and pants are crafted from raw denim, with one exception: a standout satin jacket that merges the visual language and logos of both brands. The jacket embodies the spirit of their collaboration, especially when paired with the grey checked shirts.
