Heron Preston, an American fashion designer, has collaborated with Mercedes-Benz to create a capsule collection paying homage to the airbag by utilizing recycled airbag materials and repurposed Mercedes-Benz components.

The creative designs honor the 50th anniversary of the airbag and the 40th anniversary of its usage in Mercedes-Benz passenger automobiles, all while pushing the frontiers of fashion design innovation and sustainability.

The airbag-inspired capsule includes three “forward-thinking” men's and women's outfits made from recycled airbag materials and repurposed Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicle components. The airbag's functionality is mirrored in the collection's ability to inflate and deflate. 

Preston has also designed exclusive merchandise, which will be offered as a giveaway starting September 10 on the re-sell site Goat.

Heron Preston said that Mercedes-Benz and his brand have a shared value of decreasing the effect on the earth, and that was the beginning point of the collaboration. He loved lensing a celebration of the airbags anniversary in this way to create a beautiful collection from recovered materials alongside some of their most advanced fleet of fuel-efficient and electric vehicles, and he loved lensing a celebration of the airbags anniversary in this way to create a beautiful collection from recovered materials alongside some of their most advanced fleet of fuel-efficient and electric vehicles since launching his collection. Mercedes-Benz is an iconic brand with a stronghold on culture, and as someone who is interested in and shapes culture, the relationship seemed both thrilling and natural.

Bettina Fetzer, vice president of communications and marketing at Mercedes-Benz AG, said that at Mercedes-Benz, they’re extremely proud of their unique, worldwide fashion engagement, which has built a strong connection with the industry since 1995. Working with co-creators in this sector who share their beliefs allows us to push the boundaries of sustainable luxury design even further. Heron was an excellent partner to work with on this project because of his unique perspective on sustainability and the way he tackles the issue through the prism of culture.

Fetzer added that the Airbag concept collection is inspired by two milestones of life-saving technical innovation: the Airbag patent 50 years ago and the initial serial launch of the S-Class in 1981. They’re confident that co-creation and collaborative initiatives with their brand result in unforgettable and distinctive moments.

Preston's concept collection is shown with the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, S-Class Plug-in-Hybrid, a cutaway model, the 500 SEL (W126), and the new full-electric EQS in a series of photos and films filmed by Thibaut Grevet.

Mercedes-Benz also announced that the shoot's inflatable set will be used as an exhibit during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin from September 6 to 8, maintaining the concept of upcycling and sustainability.