Fiat and Gucci: True Italian Style

The original Fiat 500 produced from 1957-1975 in Italy. The tiny car left such an impression across the world that the company decided to make it again 3 years ago, of course bringing it up to date with all of our modern-day needs and expectations of a small car while keeping the personality of the original.

The new “Cinquecento”, or 500 in Italian, is a  fun and sporty car, that thanks to the Gucci collaboration is now even more fashion forward. The 2012 “500 by Gucci” represents and important partnership between two brands that have always shown the Italian creativity and innovation to the world. The co-design is also done at the 90th anniversary of the Florence based label that was asked to enhance the distinguishing traits of the Fiat 500.

From the outside you can immediately recognize the bold and stunning “500 by Gucci” with its distinctive red and green “web”, which is the label’s signature, first developed in the 50s, also around the same time the first 500s were being made. The famous stripes which run along the whole car become a link between the exterior and the interior. On the inside, the dashing iconic green-red-green stripe is found in the cabin with Gucci black leather door trim, a Gucci logo shift-knob, a two-tone leather steering wheel, and in even more places such as Gucci front and rear seats as well as the seat-belts with green-red-green motif. But it doesn’t end there as even the Gucci identity is found on the center caps of the wheels marked by a “GG”.

According to the companies, the “500 by Gucci “represents the perfect blend of two stylistic approaches which, each in its respective field, has made Italian style so famous and influential all over the world, focusing as ever on attention to detail, the ongoing pursuit of quality materials, in the spirit of a simple yet refined elegance.” In lieu of that, and if having a 2012 “Fiat 500 by Gucci” car wasn’t enough and you are left craving for more accessories to go along with your special automobile. There is a special edition collection of bags, duffels, weekend clothes, travel and driving accessories inspired by the Fiat and Gucci collaboration.

Amongst some of the items designed, there is a stunning and functional Carry-on pilot case bag in black GG Imprimé with the green/red/green signature web and black leather trim with wheels and a detachable identification tag with metal ’500 by gucci’ script detail that will fit perfectly in your Fiat when you need to hit the road. The prices for the seductive bags start at $795 and go all the way to $2,950 for the pilot case in black. For watch lovers, the Swiss made G-Timeless Collection in extra large, Fiat 500 special edition is style perfection with a black GG imprimé fabric strap and ardillon buckle, sapphire crystal with a black dial with the famous green/red/green web at the 3 o’clock and date at 4 o’clock which, can be yours for only $1,095.

Since having your day to day shoes wasn’t enough for when you drive your “500 by Gucci”, there are special men’s and women’s driver shoes in white and black leather with nickel hardware and the signature web that retail for $410 and $430. For those that want matching Gucci for Fiat accessories for their smartphones and gadgets, there are cases for blackberries, iPhone, iPod and iPad ranging in price from $180 to $315. Now you have a bag, watch, things to go in your bag, shoes but what if you are cold or simply want to sit on the ground somewhere? well how about a “500 by Gucci” blanket in 95% wool and 5% silk which will keep perfectly snug and comfortable.

The Fiat 500 sure has come a long way from its humble beginnings in Italy in the late 1950s. The 2012 “500 by Gucci” has a MSRP starting at $23,750 and you can read a complete review of the 500 by Fiat here.  For a complete list of products and prices, please visit the Gucci store.