Kia’s largest and most refined SUV, the 2020 Telluride, made a surprise appearance at New York Fashion Week in a collaboration with fashion designer Brandon Maxwell. Inspired by Maxwell’s Texas-themed Spring/Summer 2019 collection, the bespoke Telluride showcased a unique blend of rugged sophistication and high fashion.
Designed at Kia’s U.S. design studio in Irvine, California, the customized Telluride reflected Maxwell’s Texas roots. The vehicle featured natural wood interior trim and saddle-inspired double-stitched leather accents on the dashboard, door panels, and grab handles. The exterior boasted a deep green paint reminiscent of the Telluride concept vehicle, complemented by custom front and rear bumpers, skid plates, and side-step sills.
The Telluride’s ranch-ready aesthetic was further enhanced by a hidden winch and snorkel for deep-river fording. The rugged look was completed with burly 265/50R-20 off-road tires on flat-black alloy wheels and a custom-mounted spare tire on the rear hatch. Opening the hatch revealed a metal-and-leather-trimmed cargo area, showcasing the attention to detail in the design.
This collaboration between Kia and Brandon Maxwell extends beyond the runway. Together, they are making a substantial donation to the public school system in Marfa, Texas, where Maxwell designed his SS’19 collection. This partnership underscores Kia’s commitment to education and community involvement.
The production model of the eight-passenger Telluride, assembled at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, is slated to arrive in showrooms in early 2019. This V6-powered SUV offers a larger and more spacious option compared to Kia’s seven-passenger Sorento midsize SUV.
The Telluride’s New York Fashion Week debut signifies Kia’s forward-thinking approach and its willingness to explore unconventional platforms to showcase its vehicles. The collaboration with Brandon Maxwell not only highlights the Telluride’s sophisticated design but also aligns the brand with the world of high fashion and philanthropy.
The unique design elements of the customized Telluride, such as the custom wood and aluminum roof rack with a leather tow strap tongue, showcase the potential for personalization and the vehicle’s versatility. The collaboration demonstrates how automotive design can intersect with high fashion, resulting in a vehicle that is both stylish and functional.
The interior of the Telluride, featuring saddle-inspired leather stitching and natural wood trim, creates a luxurious and refined atmosphere. These details, combined with the Telluride’s spaciousness and advanced technology, position it as a premium SUV in the Kia lineup. This attention to detail reflects Kia’s commitment to providing a high-quality and stylish driving experience.
