Two fashion houses are putting their stamp on car design.

Italian luxury label Prada has teamed up with Korean car maker Hyundai for three special editions of its upscale Genesis Sedan, says Women's Wear Daily in a Nov 18 report.

The first design will be unveiled at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show in April, then showcased at Hyundai's headquarters in Seoul. The other two will be auctioned off for charity at a yet-to-be announced date.

Meanwhile, French leather goods label Hermes has saddled up with the Paris-based car manufacturer Como Group for the 10th anniversary of the iconic Smart Car.

Unveiled last month, it comes with Hermes leather-covered steering wheels and gear levers and costs 38,000 euros (S$87,300).

Coins, not cars, feature in another high-profile tie-up. Chanel has come up with a Coco Chanel coin for the French Mint. One side has a profile of Mademoiselle Chanel in a hat (left) and the other shows the famous Chanel quilting pattern (right), as seen on its 2.55 bags. The silver and gold coins each have a value of five euros.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Dec 12, 2008.

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