Nissan and Marc Ecko Announce Partnership

By Rico Cruz

Today, in Las Vegas, Nissan and fashion designer Marc Ecko, announced a unique strategic partnership blending the world of fashion and automotive design which will be called "SHIFT_unltd."

To celebrate the partnership, Mr. Ecko will modify two of Nissan's most popular SUVs -- the Nissan Pathfinder and Nissan Armada -- giving each a hip, new design inspired by his *ecko unltd. and Cut & Sew clothing lines. The two one-of-a-kind vehicles will be displayed at events across the country following a special unveiling in October in New York.

Side by side, these two vehicles share a design heritage, yet each has its own distinct character," said Mr. Ecko. "My goal is to take that character to the next level and to express the vehicles' individuality through bold, original design and superior execution."

In addition to the two custom vehicles, Mr. Ecko will also create limited editions of co-branded hooded jackets, woven button-downs, t-shirts, leather key chains and other items that will be given away at events and sold online. Proceeds from these sales will benefit Sweat Equity Enterprises, a nonprofit organization that empowers young people to learn professional design and technology skills while working behind the scenes in leading design companies.

Following the announcement, there will also be three in-market events in New York, Chicago and Atlanta. In addition to unveiling the customized Nissan vehicles at the New York event, each invite-only affair will feature a Nissan and Marc Ecko fashion show and provide consumers with an urban, red carpet experience.