In Shanghai over the weekend, designer Nigo shared his inspiration from the New York hip-hop scene of the ’90s, where many successful musicians drove Mercedes cars. Nigo collaborated with Mercedes-Benz and Moncler for the City of Genius event, showcasing a collection and a specially designed car.
Nigo, one of the eleven collaborators at the event, created a unique vision of a neighborhood displayed in a small building with two floors. The highlight was the Project G-Class Past II Future, a restored and reworked G-Class from the ’90s with a modern touch, available for purchase in a limited run of 20 cars. Additionally, there is a Moncler x Nigo capsule collection featuring illustrations of the car on bomber jackets.
The clothing collection was influenced by the ’90s hip-hop scene, incorporating old campaign images from Moncler and Mercedes archives. Nigo expressed his admiration for the ’90s as a culturally and creatively influential decade, aiming to infuse that energy into the design of the Project G-Class Past II Future for a contemporary era.
At the City of Genius event, Nigo’s section was distinguished by a large billboard proclaiming, “Where the future is driven by the past.” Guests enjoyed dancing, taking photos in front of the car, and showing interest in the fashionable clothing inspired by the iconic era.
While Mercedes cars may be associated with success, Nigo’s collaboration with Mercedes-Benz and Moncler showcased a blend of cultural influences and creative designs that resonated with attendees. The fusion of automotive excellence and fashion creativity brought a unique experience to the City of Genius event, where the past met the future in a stylish and innovative manner.