Lincoln Extends American Luxury Design Into Exclusive Merchandise Line
2001 New York Auto Show ReleasesNEW YORK, April 11, 2001 – Furthering its ownership of American Luxury, Lincoln today unveiled a new collection of luxury-minded lifestyle accessories that encompass the American Luxury design DNA. This exclusive line of merchandise will be displayed with the new Lincoln concept coupe, the MK 9, at the New York Auto Show April 13-22 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. The new Lincoln collection was designed exclusively for the brand by David Hundley, executive vice president of design for iDentify, a joint venture of the Ford Motor Company. Hundley has worked closely with Gerry McGovern, Lincoln’s Design Director, to bring the collection to life. For the better part of two years, McGovern and his global design team have been developing the design philosophy for a new generation of Lincoln. The reveal of the Lincoln collection and the MK 9 are the first steps to bringing the brand’s new design direction to the world. "Gerry and I share a similar vision and vocabulary and have a mutual respect for the design philosophies of the 20th century," said Hundley. "When those philosophies are applied to American Luxury, it means the same quality, style and sophistication will be recognized as uniquely Lincoln." The new line of luxury-inspired lifestyle accessories enhances the process of re-discovering Lincoln and its heritage as a premier American Luxury brand. The collection began with the idea of developing icons, like Lincoln, of American luxury and celebrating classic American designs. The debut of the Lincoln Icon Collection showcases a chair and table designed by Florence Knoll that share the Lincoln design DNA: timeless, inherent simplicity, optimal proportion and indulgent comfort. Hundley worked with Knoll International, the legendary purveyor of modern furniture, to bring these classic pieces back into production. The Icon Collection is bolstered by additional elements which exemplify the American luxury lifestyle, such as a library of leatherbound American literary classics, cashmere throws, sterling silver accessories and elegant leather driving shoes. All of these items will be displayed alongside the new MK 9 as a testament to the creativity and imagination the designers used in conceptualizing the new Lincoln vehicle and as key visual cues for future Lincolns. The accessories, along with the Lincoln Icon Collection, soon will be available to the public once pricing and distribution have been determined. "The MK 9 displays a timeless elegance borne of the design’s inherent simplicity and visual logic, while its overall exuberance is unmistakably American," said McGovern in a speech at the revealing. "Design will play a major role in Lincoln’s transformation, because among the world’s foremost brands, design is always the differentiator." According to McGovern, Lincoln and its American Luxury automobiles should be known for restrained elegance, indulgent interiors, contemporary sophistication and simple comfort. "The re-emergence of this great American Luxury brand will extend beyond the doors of an automobile and into the everyday lives of those who wish to be immersed in indulgent luxury and elegant sophistication," said Hundley. "It’s our belief consumers seek many of the same comforts and benefits in their automobiles that they do in the furnishings and accoutrements which surround them." Prior to his assignment as the head of design for iDentify, Hundley’s design credentials include design consultant for the Gucci Home and jewelry collections. He also lists the renovation, design, decoration and custom furniture fabrication for exclusive private estates and residences among his acomplishments. Along with their work for Lincoln, Hundley and his iDentify team are also crafting accessory lines for the other Ford Premier Automotive Group brands including Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo. But, to Hundley, the Lincoln line of luxury amenities is distinctly American, a common theme for the Lincoln design team as they continue the resurgence of Lincoln as the prototypical luxury item. Lincoln, headquartered in Irvine, Calif., markets the Lincoln LS, Lincoln Navigator, Lincoln Town Car and Lincoln Continental. Lincoln's new Blackwood will arrive in dealerships this spring. More information is available at lincolnvehicles.com.