Porsche is no stranger to the world of high fashion collaborations. The German automaker has partnered with Aime Leon Dore (ALD), a New York-based fashion and lifestyle brand, to create a one-off 356 B with luxurious detailing. To achieve this sophisticated look, the protruding front and rear chrome bumpers have been removed, which gives the classic Porsche a more streamlined and fuss-free look. The dark blue paint works beautifully with the sleek lines.
The 356 sits on tasteful wheels with a brushed aluminum finish and white wall tires. Porsche and ALD haven't tampered with the iconic design, but the front end now wears new fog lights with yellow lenses. Overall, the touches are decidedly retro and give the unique project a motorsport persona.
On the left fender, you'll find the ALD crest hand-painted in gold leaf. At the rear, the grille has been adorned with three specially designed badges that "recall the once-customary emblems of clubs or motorsport events."
Inside, the ALD 356 wears a wood-trimmed steering wheel from a 356 Carrera 2. The seats have been retrimmed in Midnight Blue leather with tone-on-tone stitching and tartan inserts to match the exterior. The designers haven't neglected anything; even the floor mats and seat backrests have been covered in high-end alpaca leather.
If you find yourself in New York this weekend, you'll be able to get up close and personal with this one-of-a-kind 356 B. The vehicle will premiere at the ALD flagship store in the Big Apple, which is set to reopen on May 5. To commemorate the collaboration, the design house has designed a capsule collection to mark the occasion.
This isn't the first time Porsche has worked with the lifestyle brand. In 2020, ALD turned its attention to a restored 911 Carrera 4 (964), trimming the interior in Schott Sunflower leather and Loro Piana Houndstooth trim.
A year later, ALD's founder Teddy Santis used his own 911 SC to create a one-of-a-kind art car. With a rustic Olive paint job, a roof rack, and Fuchs rims, the '80s Porsche was inspired by Santis' Greek heritage. The additional headlights lend the sports car a rally-inspired look, almost like it's rearing to take on the Dakar Rally.
We're guessing this isn't the last ALD x Porsche collaboration we will see, and we look forward to what these partners will come up with in the future. Last year, renowned artist Daniel Arsham used a 356 Speedster to create a wheeled piece of art known as the "356 Bonzai."
The vehicle was restored in an unusual manner. Rather than hiding the imperfections, Arsham decided to celebrate the flaws. Despite appearances, the car was treated to an entire mechanical restoration.