Kith and BMW reprise partnership to create a multi-faceted experience, culminating in a vehicle auction at Sotheby’s.

License Global

October 3, 2022

2 Min Read
The 1972 BMW 1602 Elektro and BMW i4 M50 by Kith.
The 1972 BMW 1602 Elektro and BMW i4 M50 by Kith.Kith

2022 marks two 50th anniversaries for BMW, the first being the debut of the brand’s first electric concept car and the second being the launch of BMW M. The two milestones serve as the foundation for Chapter II, as Kith combines them to tell one cohesive story. This project includes the introduction of two BMW vehicles, one vintage and one modern, redesigned by Ronnie Fieg, Kith founder, and a collaborative apparel and accessories collection created by Kith for BMW. 

In 1972, BMW celebrated the Olympic Games in Munich by debuting its first electric car, a BMW 1602 that was converted with an electric battery and used at various long-distance competitions as accompanying and camera cars by the Olympic Games committee. Kith commemorates this accomplishment 50 years later, as Ronnie Fieg worked with BMW to completely rebuild and redesign his personal 1-of-1 1602, converting it to a fully electric vehicle adorned with bespoke design details.  

As electromobility is the underlying narrative throughout Chapter II, green was chosen as the color for the cars and the collection. Kith and BMW worked together to develop a bespoke shade that has never been offered on any BMW models previously, nor will ever be offered again. Its name, “Vitality,” a synonym for “energy,” is defined as, “the power giving continuance of life, present in all living things,” which epitomizes the electric story being told by the two brands. The paint is a dark green which subtly shifts color in different light. 

Related:Kith Women Launches Limited-Edition Barbie Doll

Aside from the technology, the Kith version sees a multitude of custom modifications that continue the design language seen on the BMW 1602 Elektro by Ronnie Fieg. The exterior is painted in Vitality Green by Kith and features updates to the badges. Two years ago, for Kith and BMW’s first partnership, the duo updated the brand emblem on the hood for the first time in the German brand’s history. This year a similar approach is taken, as the hood roundel receives an added outer tri-tone green ring that lists the partnership, model and year as well as the fact that it is an electric car.  

As a new element to the story, Kith and BMW are collaborating with Sotheby’s to auction the new 2022 BMW i4 M50 by Kith, designed by Kith founder, Ronnie Fieg. Only seven of the vehicles will be produced for the public. This is the only vehicle within this collaboration being auctioned to a global public audience. 

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