KidSuper turns a Mercedes-Benz into a canvas at Paris Fashion Week for new collab
Amid the buzz of Paris Fashion Week Men, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, nestled within the Louvre, hosted an event on June 28th that pushed beyond the traditional runway. American designer Colm Dillane, the creative force behind KidSuper, unveiled his reimagined Mercedes-Benz CLA as a rolling work of art, part of the “Class of Creators” project.
The debut of the customized car and the spring 2026 capsule collection specially created by the brand merged the vibrant energy of urban fashion with the legacy of a German automotive giant, with the result combining questions about the line between innovation and extravagance.
Colm Dillane, the founder of KidSuper, is known for his irreverent approach to fashion. Launched in New York in 2011, KidSuper blends art, streetwear, and personal storytelling, with collections featuring bold prints, pop culture references, and a dash of humor. A former math student turned artist and designer, Dillane has carved out a niche with theatrical runway shows and collaborations with brands like Puma and Canada Goose.
His aesthetic, which he calls “organized chaos,” embodies a youthful, unpretentious spirit, a stark contrast to the technical refinement of Mercedes-Benz, a century-old icon of automotive engineering, synonymous with luxury, innovation, and performance.
In recent years, the German automaker has worked to appeal to a younger audience through partnerships with cultural figures like Virgil Abloh, A$AP Rocky, Moncler, and tennis star Roger Federer. The “Class of Creators” project, revealed on March at the CLA’s world premiere in Rome, is a cornerstone of this strategy. It gives five creators from fields like music, fashion, and design free rein to reimagine the new CLA as a blank canvas. \
As the third collaborator in the project, Dillane took customization to new heights. His CLA, showcased during the KidSuper runway show, was transformed into what he dubbed a “superhero car.” The vehicle sports turbine wings, decorative balloons, a front-mounted winch, a rally-style roof rack, and even a slingshot nodding to the designer’s childhood.
Patchwork details featuring KidSuper’s signature “Kissing Face” motif cover the body, while nods to Mercedes-Benz’s history appear in the wheels, inspired by the 1996 F 200 concept car, and the side mirrors, echoing the iconic 300 SL silhouette.
Alongside the car, a 13-piece capsule collection was unveiled, set to hit the market in September. Drawing inspiration from the customized CLA, the line blends KidSuper’s vibrant aesthetic with references to Mercedes-Benz’s automotive heritage. Jackets, shirts, pants, a trench coat, and accessories like hats, bags, and a suitcase are crafted from materials such as cotton, canvas, poplin, jersey, wool, and vegan leather.
The historical Mercedes-Benz logo serves as a design element, while one T-shirt pays homage to the “Patent Motorwagen,” the world’s first automobile, built by Carl Benz in 1886. The collection aims to capture the spirit of assembly lines and car enthusiast culture, infused with KidSuper’s mix of menswear tailoring, casual wear, and retro mechanic-inspired Americana.
The “Class of Creators” is a bold move for Mercedes-Benz. Beyond Dillane, the project has already featured American rapper Ice Spice, who debuted her collaboration on April, in New York, and Swedish interior designer Gustaf Westman, whose work was showcased in London on May. Upcoming collaborations with toy car brand Hot Wheels and esports platform Riot Games, known for “League of Legends”, are on the horizon.
Mercedes-Benz has a history of cultural partnerships with figures like Nigo and Proenza Schouler, but “Class of Creators” marks the first time the automaker has handed over one of its models for such a radical reimagination, emphasizing individualization, aesthetics, and design.
At the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, the KidSuper runway show delivered the chaotic, colorful energy that defines the brand for the special fashion week stop. The customized CLA, displayed as the centerpiece, drew curious glances but also raised eyebrows. For KidSuper fans, the car and collection are a natural extension of Dillane’s vision, turning personal memories into art. For Mercedes-Benz traditionalists, the approach may feel like a risky departure from the brand’s hallmark technical sophistication.
The event prompts a key question: how effectively can such collaborations connect with the broad audience Mercedes-Benz aims to reach? Dillane’s CLA is a bold statement of creativity, but its eccentricity may alienate consumers expecting something more practical or aligned with the brand’s identity. Yet, the partnership underscores Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to reinventing itself and appealing to a younger generation that values individual expression and cultural narratives.
As Paris buzzed with Paris Fashion Week Men’s energy, the KidSuper and Mercedes-Benz collaboration proved that when fashion and automotive worlds collide, the outcome can be as provocative as expected.
If you love cars and fashion, these are the places to visit during a Paris trip
For those captivated by the intersection of automotive design and fashion showcased in the KidSuper and Mercedes-Benz collaboration, Paris offers a handful of must-visit spots that blend these worlds.
Start at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, where the recent KidSuper event took place. Located within the Louvre, this museum frequently hosts exhibitions that explore design, fashion, and craftsmanship, making it a hub for creative inspiration. Its permanent collection includes textiles and objects that highlight the artistry behind both fashion and industrial design.
Next, head to the Cité de l’Automobile, in Mulhouse, a short trip from Paris. This museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of classic cars, including rare Bugattis and early Mercedes-Benz models. It’s a deep dive into automotive history that complements the innovative spirit of projects like “Class of Creators.”
Fashion enthusiasts should not miss Le Marais, a district brimming with concept stores like The Broken Arm and Merci, where streetwear meets high fashion. These boutiques often carry brands with a similar ethos to KidSuper, blending bold aesthetics with cultural storytelling.
Finally, check out Galerie Lafayette’s Menswear Floor, which occasionally features pop-up shops and capsule collections, perfect for spotting new pieces. These destinations offer a rich tapestry of experiences for anyone passionate about the fusion of cars and style in the City of Light.
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