Seven design prototypes, inspired by the all-new Volvo XC90, have gone on display at the Nicholls & Clarke Building in Shoreditch, London, celebrating a six month collaboration between Volvo Car UK and the London College of Fashion, UAL Design, Media, Branding and Merchandising courses.
Students from across the four courses were invited to create a lifestyle product to complement and reflect Volvo’s new design language, introduced through three concept cars – Concept Coupe, Concept XC Coupe and Concept Estate – unveiled over the past 18 months and launched in the all-new Volvo XC90, now available in the UK. The 50 students were also encouraged to consider the Swedish lifestyle, craftsmanship, natural materials and attention to detail that influenced the class-leading interior of the new car.
From the seven prototypes, the Volvo Safety Jacket, a tailored jacket for cyclists including reflective panels and hidden air vents, to be worn while riding and in the office, was announced the winner by special guest, Maria Uggla, Chief Designer, Colour and Material at Volvo Car Group. This entry, along with the other visionary creations will be displayed during the LCFBA15 Show running at the same location. The intention is that some of the concepts will be considered for production.
Examples of the seven entries include:
Volvo Safety Jacket - A futuristic safety jacket for cyclists created in three designs: ‘Commuter’ - a classic, tailored style with wearable technology including reflective panels and fibres; ‘Competitive’ for keen cyclists featuring reflective panels, waterproofing and aerodynamic technology and ‘Weekender’, a casual jacket with a relaxed fit, perfect for family days out. The three jackets also showcase a number of safety and technology aspects: auto-indication lights left and right turning, auto-light which senses dark and light, anti-collision to predict and alert driver and cyclist to danger and a Volvo group tracker which allows cyclists to communicate and keep track of each other in groups.
‘XC90 Back to Nature’ - A luxury family tent created from diverse and durable fabrics, such as a Cordura Lite Plus exterior, a Kevlar base and cashmere interior. The aim is for the busy family to get back to nature and enjoy more family time as the tent effortlessly attaches to the rear of the Volvo XC90. It’s also tough enough to withstand all weathers but maintains an outstanding luxurious aesthetic in line with Volvo styling.
XC90 Sound Scape – A sound system ‘where sound and scenery connect’ which can be used with Apple Car Play found in the new Volvo XC90. The system adapts to play music based on the outdoor surroundings determined by weather, traffic and gradients. It brings the outside in and, for example, plays calming mellow sounds in high density traffic, uplifting mood and emotion.
XC90 Cabin Luggage – A luxury wheeled case with integrated smart phone chargers and Bluetooth connection, which demonstrates how innovation and Swedish simplicity meet luxury and ergonomic design.
Andrew Hughes, Dean of the School of Management & Science at London College of Fashion, UAL commented: ”UAL is extremely excited by this partnership with Volvo. Our students have gained valuable insight into the workings of a successful global brand and the opportunity to better understand the relationship between fashion and business. Combining LCF's creative talent with the guidance and mentorship from Volvo’s brand team gave us fresh and innovative results”.
Maria Uggla, Chief Designer, Colour and Material at Volvo Car Group added: “Creativity is thriving in the Swedish society. This includes design and technology as well as the fashion, music and art scene. We use this as an inspiration for creating a new kind of luxury that uses natural materials and craftsmanship, combining our Scandinavian heritage with modern cutting-edge technology.”
Launched in the UK on the 1st June, the all-new seven-seat Volvo XC90 offers new standards for comfort, design, elegance, intuitive technology and safety. It’s the first car to be developed solely using Drive-E engines and the new design for the interior and exterior is the epitome of Scandinavian design: simplicity, beauty and functionality.
All UK vehicles are generously equipped as standard, fitted with seven fully independent seats, Sensus navigation (including internet access, traffic information and free lifetime updates), nine-inch central touchscreen, LED Active Bending Headlights, Volvo On Call, ‘CleanZone’ air quality system, Handsfree Tailgate Opening, Keyless Entry and Drive, leather upholstery, Power Driver’s Seat, auto dimming interior and exterior mirrors and DAB radio.
