Project G-Class Past II Future revealed alongside a gender-neutral capsule collection
Key Takeaways:
- Mercedes-Benz and Moncler have unveiled a collaborative art piece and limited edition G-Class model, inspired by the 90s, at the “City of Genius” show in Shanghai.
- The collaboration includes a limited edition G-Class Past II Future vehicle and a capsule fashion collection designed by NIGO, set for launch in April 2025.
- The event also featured works by other artists, with the partnership aiming to fuse past influences with contemporary designs.
On October 19, 2024, at the City of Genius show in Shanghai, Mercedes-Benz and Moncler expanded their creative partnership, unveiling the “Project G-Class Past II Future,” an art piece inspired by the 90s and created by designer NIGO. The project coincides with the launch of a brand campaign titled “Past Forward. Where the Future is Driven by the Past,” celebrating the collaboration between the two brands.
The one-off art piece is based on a restored 90s G-Class, which NIGO reimagined by integrating modern cultural elements. A limited-edition G-Class vehicle, with only 20 units available, has been developed based on the concept and is set to launch in April 2025. The reveal also included a sneak preview of a gender-neutral fashion capsule collection, designed by Mercedes-Benz, Moncler, and NIGO, which will also debut in 2025.
“Project G-Class Past II Future” embodies the collaboration’s ethos by merging the quilted aesthetics of Moncler with the iconic G-Class design. The 4.5-meter-long art piece features a two-tone color palette in olive green and grey with accents in black and gold. The piece retains signature G-Class elements such as the spare wheel, foldable windscreen, and black steel wheels, while its minimalist design nods to contemporary style. Devon Turnbull, known for his audio installations, designed the sound system for the vehicle, adding a unique touch to the interior.
NIGO described the influence behind his work, stating,
The 90s were among the most influential decades from a cultural and creative standpoint. I wanted to integrate that vibe and energy into the design of the Project G-Class Past II Future by interpreting that legacy for a new contemporary era.”
At the Shanghai event, several other artists also presented collaborations with Moncler, including A$AP Rocky, Willow Smith, and Hiroshi Fujiwara, among others. The event was an important moment for Moncler, showcasing a diverse lineup that also featured special presentations from Rick Owens and Jil Sander.
The collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Moncler has grown since its initial launch with the “PROJECT MONDO G” in February 2023. Bettina Fetzer, Vice President of Communications & Marketing at Mercedes-Benz AG, expressed excitement about the partnership’s next phase: “The Mercedes-Benz G-Class Past II Future is a very special new ‘twist’ on our icon… Going from inspiring art to engaging products marks an important step in our creative cooperation and offers a new brand experience captured by the zeitgeist.”
The limited-edition G-Class model will feature a two-tone exterior in green and grey, with distinctive accents such as black window frames, alloy wheels, and a collaboration logo on the spare wheel cover. The vehicle will have only 20 units available, all set for delivery in April 2025. The accompanying fashion capsule collection incorporates 90s influences with contemporary streetwear styles, featuring a range of jackets, shirts, and hoodies in classic colors like blue, black, and green.
The campaign, captured by photographer Thibaut Grevet, emphasizes the connection between past and future. It will be featured globally on each brand’s websites and social media platforms, supported by a behind-the-scenes video by Theodor Guelat that gives insight into the creative process.
