Tonight, in London, McLaren Honda announced a new deal with Michael Kors, yes the name you’ve seen embossed in gold lettering on handbags everywhere. The luxury brand is joining McLaren as a “Lifestyle Partner”.
After the announcement at McLaren’s ridiculously beautiful London showroom (1 Hyde Park, you should go visit!) with main man Ron Dennis delivering the news, media, team personnel and Jenson Button headed over of Regent Street for some celebratory drinks. Badger’s Sarah Merritt was in attendance.
Not one for idle gossip, but it’s also worth noting that Jenson had his new lady in tow, Brittny Ward. Expect articles in the Daily Mail about that, probably some crappy pap shots too.
Does this mean that next time there’s a spat in Formula 1, McLaren really can get their handbags out? Maybe.
Official statement and quotes:
New Jacket! To celebrate the launch of the partnership, Michael Kors has created a limited-edition men’s leather jacket. The 50 specially produced black leather jackets will be sold exclusively on the men’s floor of the new Michael Kors London flagship store, while supplies last. The jackets feature both the Michael Kors and McLaren logos, as well as a limited-edition plaque with each piece’s unique production number.
“Like McLaren, which has raced in Formula 1 all over the world for the past 50 years, Michael Kors is also a truly international company, operating stylish and successful stores in some of the most prestigious cities in the world, including New York, Beverly Hills, Chicago, London, Milan, Paris, Munich, Istanbul, Dubai, Seoul, Tokyo and Hong Kong.
“McLaren and Michael Kors encompass a common dynamism and adventurism”
“Moreover, I firmly believe that the corporate cultures of both McLaren and Michael Kors encompass a common dynamism and adventurism, as well as a shared commitment to a similarly relentless pursuit of perfection, and as such the two brands are extremely well suited to a long-term partnership. That brand fit is very important to both of us: both companies have built their reputations on being the very best at what they do, and, as we now march forward together, we’ll both become stronger still.”
