Nigo on his collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Moncler G-Wagon

Last weekend, Moncler brought its distinctive showmanship to Shanghai, China, setting up the so-called “City of Genius” where a number of notable collaborators worked together – including fashion designer Rick Owens, a former Brit fashion Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful and musicians A$AP Rocky and Willow Smith presented collections that explore the Italian outerwear brand’s history of adventure and innovation.

As part of Moncler’s “Genius” arm, which has recruited numerous employees to create collections for the label since its founding in February 2018, the accompanying events resemble huge, immersive exhibitions in which participants create cinematic “worlds”. to present their collections, from foam parties to Space OdysseyStyle corridors. In 2023, 10,000 people attended the Roadblocks event at London’s Olympia Exhibition Centre, which included a series of giant installations and an appearance by Alicia Keys; This year, 8,000 people came to Shanghai, with an estimated global viewership of 57 million, according to the brand (no doubt helped by a much-repeated appearance by Rihanna, who was there to support her partner A$AP Rocky, who was presenting a collection ). at the event).

Future nostalgia: Mercedes-Benz x Moncler by Nigo

(Image credit: Photographed by Thibaut Grevet for Mercedes-Benz)

One of the most interesting projects this year was Moncler’s collaboration with Japanese fashion designer Nigo and German car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. Nigo, who is currently the creative director of Kenzo and something of a legend in the streetwear space and founded Abathing Ape (Bape) in 1993, has designed not only a fashion collection for the project, but also an “artwork” version of the Mercedes Benz G-Class, a reissue of a model of the iconic car from the 1990s. Known colloquially as the “G-Wagon” and designed in the 1970s, it is perhaps one of the most recognizable and culturally ubiquitous vehicles in the world, appearing in numerous films, television shows and music videos (it even served as the G-Wagon in 1980). Popemobile for a while). This launch follows a 2023 collaboration between Moncler and Mercedes-Benz that debuted at London’s Art of Genius event and was inspired by the quilted exterior of one of the brand’s puffer jackets.

“For me, the 1990s were among the most influential decades from a cultural and creative perspective,” says Nigo, explaining the context of the design, which is entitled “Project G-Class Past II Future”. “Electronic music and the hip-hop scene emerged as a new expression of urban character.” I wanted to incorporate this atmosphere and energy into the design, interpreting this heritage for a new contemporary era.” As such, it features a sound system installation by the audio engineer and G-Class enthusiast Devon Turnbull, where boombox-style controls and speakers can be removed, as can the roof. Simultaneously nostalgic and futuristic, the sharp, minimalist design features a cool color palette of silver and olive green with orange and gold accents, including a gold gas canister. It will not be available for purchase, but will serve as inspiration for a limited new G-Class model called “Past II Future,” which will be available from April 2025 in an edition of just 20 examples.

(Image credit: Photographed by Thibaut Grevet for Mercedes-Benz)

“Project G-Class Past II Future” – which also features a quilted roof covering reminiscent of the first collaboration between Moncler and Mercedes-Benz – was unveiled on a rotating platform against a dramatic view of the Shanghai skyline, along with a accompanying fashion collection. which is also rooted in the style of the 1990s (released in April 2025, coinciding with the release of the G-Class Past II Future model). The Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star emblem takes Nigo’s design signatures – namely playful motifs and badges on solid silhouettes – and becomes a logo that is repeated throughout, while vintage Moncler advertising is incorporated into the collection’s prints. “From the beginning of the project, we envisioned a three-way collaboration and I was intrigued by the idea of ​​merging two iconic brands – Moncler and Mercedes-Benz – into one cohesive collection,” Nigo tells Wallpaper*.

Nigo, who likens creating the collection to “painting on canvas,” says much of the inspiration for the pieces came from Moncler’s “rich history” of “nature and exploration.” It adds a nostalgic vibe to the collection, evoking vintage camping and hiking wear in windbreakers and field jackets, checked shirts and baggy Bermuda shorts, as well as beanie hats and quilted, workwear-inspired denim. As with all of Nigo’s collections, the result is intentionally eclectic, with the designer hoping that the pieces encourage the wearer to mix and match and experiment. “The pieces are designed so that the wearer can interpret them in their own way, allowing them to express their personal style and identity,” he says. “It’s about giving people the freedom to express who they are through the collection rather than dictating a certain feeling.”

(Image credit: Courtesy of Moncler)

A prolific collaborator – notable partnerships have included a decades-long relationship with Pharrell Williams as well as the late Virgil Abloh – Nigo says projects like these continue to challenge him over the three decades since his career began with the founding of Abathing Ape place. “Collaboration is incredibly important [to my work]”, he says. “They provide an opportunity for creative growth and exploration [nowadays] may be rare. This was a chance to go beyond my usual boundaries and experiment with a different side of myself.”