Fiat 500 by Gucci debuts at Gucci's Manhattan store

The two Italian brands announced the launch of the car with an event featuring the who’s who of the fashion world. Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini said, "In the ‘50s, the Fiat 500 created a style revolution when it first hit the road. It quickly became the must-have car of its time."

She added, "Travelling in style has also been at the heart of Gucci ever since Guccio Gucci founded his company as a producer of leather trunks, suitcases and handbags in 1921. So, when Lapo Elkann suggested the idea of this collaboration, it struck me as a perfect opportunity to create a new, modern travel statement in Gucci’s 90th anniversary year,"

The Fiat 500 by Gucci is available in both hatchback and convertible forms, and will go on sale starting from December 2011. In addition to the car, the two Italian brands have also worked together on a dedicated collection that includes travel and fashion accessories, apparel and small leather goods that are available in select Gucci stores.