From BuisinessWire:
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 28, 2006--Today, the Nissan division of Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) and lifestyle fashion visionary Marc Ecko announced a unique strategic partnership blending the world of fashion and automotive design. The announcement was made at the MAGIC men's apparel and accessories trade show in Las Vegas and the partnership will allow each brand to retain their individuality while expanding their audience and reach.
"Both the Nissan Pathfinder and Nissan Armada are known for their power, style and energy, which is also characteristic of Marc Ecko's creative artistry and compelling vision," said Jan Thompson, vice president of marketing, NNA. "His design will bring together two great brands that already have an established relationship with street culture, making it a natural and ideal fit."
To celebrate the partnership, Mr. Ecko will modify two of Nissan's most popular SUVs - the Nissan Pathfinder and Nissan Armada - giving each a hip, new design inspired by his *ecko unltd. and Cut & Sew clothing lines. The two one-of-a-kind vehicles will be displayed at events across the country following a special unveiling in October in New York.
"Side by side, these two vehicles share a design heritage, yet each has its own distinct character," said Mr. Ecko. "My goal is to take that character to the next level and to express the vehicles' individuality through bold, original design and superior execution." The *ecko unltd. Nissan Pathfinder
Bearing in mind *ecko unltd.'s street-smart swagger, the Nissan Pathfinder customized by Marc Ecko takes a vehicle that loves to get a little dirty and gives it an "old school" twist.
-- The exterior: smoothed wheel wells, a modified grill highlighted by the Nissan badge, and a custom black and grey camouflage paint job offset by safety orange detailing.
-- The interior: driver and passenger seats are given a 1960s redesign, with Eames-inspired molded wood backs and seamless black leather; safety orange is once again introduced through a glossy center console and accent molding, while extra touches include a matching wood steering wheel and a hand molded fiberglass subwoofer enclosure.
In addition to the two custom vehicles, Mr. Ecko will also create limited edition, co-branded hooded jackets, woven button-downs, t-shirts, leather key chains and other items that will be given away at events and sold online through www.nissan.eckounltd.com. Proceeds from these sales will benefit Sweat Equity Enterprises, a nonprofit organization that empowers young people to learn professional design and technology skills while working behind the scenes in leading design companies.
The new collaboration is tagged "SHIFT_unltd.," which visually unites the two brands into one partnership.
"SHIFT_ is not just a tagline for Nissan," said Thompson. "Every Nissan employee is tasked to 'shift' the way we work, the way we approach our products and the way we market them. This program exemplifies the premise of SHIFT_."
Following the announcement at MAGIC, there will also be three in-market events in New York, Chicago and Atlanta. In addition to unveiling the customized Nissan vehicles at the New York event, each invite-only affair will feature a Nissan and Marc Ecko fashion show and provide consumers with an urban, red carpet experience.
www.marceckoenterprises.com
www.nissan.eckounltd.com/
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