Ford shows exclusive Vignale Collection

Ford displays Vignale Collection at Salone del Mobile in Milan Design team that specialises in applying global style trends to car design produces award-winning Vignale Weekender travel bag Ford will host panel discussion titled “Designing a Premium Experience” in the Ford Vignale lounge at the Fiera Milano exhibition hall, Eurocucina Hall 13, stands D05 and E08, at 09:30 on April 9

BRENTWOOD, Essex, UK--April 8, 2014: Ford Motor Company today introduced the Vignale Collection, a portfolio of designs inspired by the company’s upcoming Vignale model range.

The collection is on display at the Ford Vignale Lounge at Salone del Mobile in the Fiero Milano exhibition hall and includes the Vignale Weekender, a luxury overnight bag that was recently awarded an iF Design award. The bag incorporates styling cues from the Ford S-MAX Vignale Concept and Mondeo Vignale Concept vehicles, including the distinctive grille, the quilted pattern of the handcrafted seats, and the contoured shape of the bonnet.

In addition, Ford will host a panel discussion at Salone del Mobile titled “Designing a Premium Experience” early on April 9. The panellists will be Carlo Antonelli, editor-in-chief, GQ Italy; Paolo Ferrarini, contributor, Cool Hunting; Giorgio Gobbi, CEO, Calligaris; and Gaetano Thorel, vice president, Marketing, Ford of Europe.

“A passion for design runs through Ford Motor Company, and by placing ourselves at the centre of the world’s most prestigious international furniture design event we can be inspired by emerging trends from the world of design,” said Barb Samardzich, chief operating officer, Ford of Europe.

Ford last year became the first auto manufacturer to participate in Salone del Mobile with a collection that included a watch, chair and lamp infused with the company’s design DNA and influenced by furniture and fashion trends. This year’s collection also includes a shoulder handbag; a coffee machine bag; and a clutch bag and purse, made with Bridge of Weir leather, and inspired by the quilted pattern of the hand-crafted seats of the Vignale concept vehicles.

“To design the best possible cars, we draw on the widest range of influences from beyond the world of automotive, and across the world,” said Martin Smith, executive director, Design, Ford of Europe. “Creating these collections enables the team to demonstrate flexibility and creativity beyond the world of automotive design.”

Based at Ford’s Design Studio in Cologne, Germany, Ford’s “futuring” team studies global style trends in architecture, furniture, and fashion. For example, the new Vignale colour “Milano Grigio”, a pearlescent jewel-like colour, is directly influenced by rose metallic tones evident in furniture and fashion designs that are on display in Milan. Further colours and design have been inspired by eclectic takes on furniture – including luxury sofas – which offers sleek, contemporary lines and hand-stitched pearlescent leathers.

“Our customers expect us to find new approaches to design that sets us apart from other brands,” said Erika Tsubaki, design supervisor, Ford of Europe. “Events such as Salone del Mobile offer exposure to new ideas where we find inspiration for future Ford vehicle designs.”