The streets of New York just got a high-fashion jolt with the arrival of the Moncler x Mercedes-Benz by NIGO collection, a vibrant fusion of archival inspiration and modern-day swagger. This much-anticipated collaboration, fresh off its Shanghai debut, has landed stateside. It brings with it a limited-edition G-Class and a streetwear line that blends cultural nostalgia with cutting-edge design.
NIGO, the iconic Japanese designer known for shaping fashion and music culture, is at the helm of this project. His vision draws heavily from the 1980s and 1990s, especially the golden era of New York hip hop. Rather than simply revisiting the past, he filters it through a contemporary lens, creating something original that speaks to both memory and momentum. “I always look to the past to create something new,” NIGO explains, referencing a well-known Japanese saying that underpins his design philosophy.
The collaboration comes to life through Moncler Genius, a platform built for boundary-pushing ideas. NIGO’s creative instincts shine through every stitch and silhouette. He reimagines Moncler’s heritage with his own flavor while layering in iconic elements from Mercedes-Benz, particularly the rugged luxury of the G-Class. The result is a blend of outerwear staples like puffers and varsity jackets, infused with nods to automotive design. Flannel shirts, worn denim, and heritage Moncler fonts add texture and authenticity to the lineup, while embroidered G-Class graphics bring a strong visual identity.
To mark the New York launch, the campaign was photographed by Thibaut Grevet on a Manhattan rooftop. Models lean casually against the custom G-Class, framed by the city skyline and an old water tower. The scene feels effortlessly urban, channeling the creative spirit of the city that helped inspire the collection. The visuals are accompanied by a short documentary that offers a glimpse into NIGO’s process, showing how history and modern style can exist side by side.
The official launch event took place at the new Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan flagship, transforming the showroom into an immersive experience. Guests entered through a blacked-out elevator designed to feel like a time portal. Inside, they found a curated gallery of vintage vehicles that transitioned into a sleek, futuristic dining space. The crowd included creative figures like Kaws, Alton Mason, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Joey Badass, and Peyton List.
The food experience was as inventive as the fashion. Nami Nori served custom sushi inspired by automotive aesthetics. Cocktails were hidden inside the trunks of high-end cars. Pastry chef Eunjin Lee delivered desserts inside polished chrome toolboxes. Servers wore mechanic uniforms, while table settings featured metal textures, checkered patterns, and jerrycan-shaped golden vases. Every detail tied back to the G-Class Past II Future concept, making the event feel like a living installation.
This collaboration is more than just fashion and cars. It is a dialogue between generations and cultures. NIGO doesn’t simply borrow from history; he reinterprets it in a way that feels personal, stylish, and completely current. Now available at select Moncler stores and online, the Moncler x Mercedes-Benz by NIGO collection represents a bold look at where the past and future meet.
