BMW And Thomas Steinbruck Announce Partnership – BMW Design Chief Chris Bangle Forges Fashion Relationship in New York

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News of January 31, 2001

BMW And Thomas Steinbruck Announce Partnership – BMW Design Chief Chris Bangle Forges Fashion Relationship in New York

New York, NY -At an exclusive event for designers held at BMW of Manhattan, BMW Chief of Design Chris Bangle unveiled the BMW X coupe concept vehicle to New Yorkers and shared his vision on the future of automotive design, in a presentation entitled "Design for Life." Mr. Bangle surprised the crowd at the conclusion of his presentation when he invited rising fashion star, Thomas Steinbruck, to join him at the podium. Linking arms, the two designers grinned and announced a partnership that will launch on February 11, 2001, when Mr. Steinbruck will debut his Fall 2001 Fashion Collection at BMW of Manhattan in conjunction with Seventh on Sixth.

"We share a simple, clean design philosophy," stated BMW Group Director of Design Chris Bangle, "and view design as an expression of the emotion and passion within. We are both inspired by classics yet create innovative design. We each turn to nature and the environment for stimulation. Most importantly, Thomas and I are each completely committed to quality and meaning in everything that we create."

"I am truly delighted to be collaborating with BMW," stated Thomas Steinbruck. "We have the same core values. We strive to create beautiful, dynamic, light and accessible pieces for our customers. It is all about creating a look that is very sleek, refined and elegant. I travel the globe seeking the finest quality materials for my collection and BMW does the same for its cars, motorcycles and SAVs."

The BMW X coupe concept vehicle, hot off its worldwide debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, introduces a totally new design concept. Dramatically different from anything that BMW has ever created, the designers have charged the shape of the vehicle with a high-energy field of tension. The tension is created with asymmetric lines, surprising combinations of materials and creative paradoxes throughout. It is a sport coupe with a turbodiesel engine that can go off-road. Along the doors and on the dash, surfaces flow from concave to convex and back again. The sleek interior is made possible by BMW's iDrive ergonomic concept which eliminates the need for so many buttons and knobs by replacing them with a controller positioned between the driver and passenger. An eye-level color monitor clearly displays the navigation system, comfort, communications and driver assistance functions. The BMW X coupe will be on view at BMW of Manhattan only until Saturday, January 27 before the vehicle returns to Europe.

The new Thomas Steinbruck collection appeals to a modern, elegant and youthful woman whose lifestyle embodies confidence, grace and sophistication. Drawing inspiration from his latest travels and the many women he met along the way, Steinbruck has incorporated rich, vibrant, earthy colors into his newest collection, which he themed "Celebration of Women." The collection will showcase a wide range of women of all ages and ethnic backgrounds, all of whom are united by their individual beauty and sophistication.

Chris Bangle is Director of Design in the Development Division of BMW Group in Munich, Germany. Mr. Bangle has been working in this capacity since October 1992, after serving as the Director of Fiat Centro Stile/Design. Mr. Bangle held various positions at Fiat Centro Stile, including Head of Exterior Design and Head of the Exterior Studio. Mr. Bangle's design philosophy is featured in the January 2001 issue of the Harvard Business Review.

Thomas Steinbruck's prestigious background includes: graduating from the Studio Bercot and L'École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne in Paris, France; apprenticing with Gianfranco Ferré for the House of Christian Dior, and in America, for Geoffrey Beene and Gemma Khang. Mr. Steinbruck was the recipient of the Fall 2001 Moët & Chandon Designer Debut Award and has dressed various celebrities and socialites including Susan Sarandon and the Miller sisters.

BMW of Manhattan, Inc., BMW of North America's corporate flagship store, is one of the largest BMW Centers in the U.S. In addition to serving the New York market's sales and service needs, the 200,000 square-foot location on 57th Street is a focal point for the BMW marque. "We are very proud to showcase a piece of BMW's future and present its creator, Director of BMW design, Chris Bangle," states General Manager Jeff Falk. "It represents a unique opportunity for us to reward our customers and the NY community with a special insight."

(24. Jan. 2001)

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