Fiat and Gucci celebrates 150 years of united Italy, designs new auto icon

Italian automaker, Fiat s.p.A has collaborated with iconic brand Gucci to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy and Gucci's 90th anniversary.

A special edition of the Fiat 500 has been unveiled on the opening day of Milan Fashion Week, customized by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini in partnership with Fiat's Centro Stile. The vehicle will also be presented at the Geneva International Auto Show from March 3rd to13th, in a dedicated Gucci pop-up store within the Fiat stand.

In the 50s the Fiat 500 created a style revolution when it first hit the road. It quickly became the must-have car of its time, stated Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini. Travelling in style has also been at the heart of Gucci ever since Guccio Gucci founded his company as a producer of leather trunks, suitcases and handbags in 1921. So, when Lapo Elkann suggested the idea of this collaboration it struck me as a perfect opportunity to create a new modern travel statement in this Gucci's 90th anniversary year.

The collaboration between the two Italian brands marks an important milestone in the history of the country's luxury sector.

The luxe Fiat 500 car, designed by Gucci, comes in two distinct shades: black and white that complements one another.

The hubcaps feature the interlocking GG in the same color of the body of the car and the cursive Gucci signature appears on the hatchback as well as on the doorpost. The entire silhouette of the car is outlined by Gucci's signature green-red-green stripe linking the exterior to the interior.

Completing the customization is the exclusive 500 by Gucci collection, including travel accessories, small leather goods, drivers, tracksuits, bombers, driver gloves, sunglasses and a watch.

The exclusive Gucci version of the Fiat 500 will be available by pre-order online from April1 to June 30. The car will also be displayed in certain locations in metropolitan cities such as Paris, London and Tokyo, followed by the European commercial launch in July. It will then become available in the rest of the world at the end of the year.