Travis Scott said it best: “Mercedes, go crazy.”
The rapper performed for a roster of boldface names on Tuesday to celebrate the launch of the Mercedes-Benz new all-electric G-class vehicle at a twilight lakeside party at Franklin Canyon Park surrounding Beverly Hills.
Travis Scott
Gilbert Flores/WWD
Seated in the G 580 Edition One, he made a spectacular arrival — emerging from the water amid swelling smoke and vivid light projections. The automotive company specifically commissioned a dock for Scott to perform above the water on top of its new car. “We have to do more shows on the lake,” Scott said. “I’m either going to drive out or swim out.”
Other editions of the G-class were on display throughout the sweeping locale, including a loaner from Kendall Jenner.
Kendall Jenner
Gilbert Flores for WWD
“She has two convertibles that are collectors’ items that go for seven digits,” said Bettina Fetzer, vice president communications and marketing. Fetzer told WWD that it was Jenner who made the offer to put her car on display. “All the people who came tonight have a very deep connection to the G-wagon. And this is why we have chosen them and they have chosen us.”
Jenner, who posed on the carpet wearing a green Bottega Veneta suit, greeted “You People” actor Travis Bennett with a hug — and tickled his belly in front of cameras. More friends arrived, including Selma Blair, in Herve Leger, whom she hugged and posed alongside. Blair saw familiar faces, too. The actress embraced model Alioune Badara Fall and told him they should pose like it’s a “prom photo.” Saweetie and other guests — particularly those who deigned to wear heels on the fields — found some challenges keeping their footing en route to the entrance. “That gravel gives you a run for your money,” Blair quipped.
Selma Blair
Gilbert Flores/WWD
The starting price for the all-electric G-class is at $152,000, with variants around $350,000 or more. It’ll be available for shipment toward the latter half of this year. “We made very deliberate changes on the design [of the G-class in the past], but we thought it was about time to make it all-electric because these days, we want to appeal to consumers to have all the items they connect with in line with their values,” said Fetzer, who reflected on the synchronicity between fashion industry creatives and automotive artistry. Last year the G-class was reimagined with puffer-like wheels by Moncler. Virgil Abloh, Heron Preston and Proenza Schouler have also been collaborators. “We just feel that the way they manage to speak to their fans and audiences is a very authentic one,” she said. “They connect with us and we connect with them.”
