Stefani gets Honda's motor racing
Singer uses Japanese elements in music and clothes, and carmaker wants to apply that to its vehicles.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - Honda Motors' designers are looking to American singer Gwen Stefani for ideas on how to incorporate more Japanese cues into their vehicles, according to a published report. The Detroit News reports that Honda is studying how Stefani has incorporated Japanese-inspired design into both her music and her second career as a fashion designer. Her musical tour last year was dubbed the "Harajuku Lovers Tour 2005", and she has a her own L.A.M.B. fashion label.
Christina Ra, 30, a senior product planner at Honda, told the paper that Stefani has made Japanese culture accessible to young buyers. "Adopting Japanese style is a definite trend in the U.S.," Ra said. "It's led by people like Stefani, who adores Japanese culture. She calls her troupe 'harajuku girls' after a small part of Tokyo where everyone under 25 hangs out. The young people who follow her want nontraditional design. "For example, her clothing is a cross between Goth and lace, interjected with colors," Ra added. "There are other Japanese design cues, such as off-center angles. I expect a refined version of that cue may show up on a future Acura." For more business news involving celebrities, click here. |
|