The NY Int’lAuto Show opened its doors to several members of the press and car dealers yesterday at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC to unveil a plethora of automobiles, boats and motor cycles for 2014.  The convention kicked off with a private breakfast and welcoming reception briefing attendees about what is in store for the following years to come. After breakfast, everyone was off to the trade show floor to automotive heaven.

Photo Credit: The Fashion Reporter – Chevy Z28; Jaguar XJ

The biggest announcements were Chevy’s unveiling of the all new Z28 which hadn’t been on the market for at least 25 years, the Rolls Royce Wraith coupe which boats of led lit interior roof, the Hyundai Genesis concept which features more leg room and a very elite overall look,  Audi’s matte finish v10 sports car, Jaguar’s super loaded sports car series and more.  Red leather interior seems to be the big trend hitting the automotive market. Just about every manufacturer included the very luxe color on their limited edition models.  Interesting enough, blood read leather pants are trending for Fall winter 2013/14 so your coordinated look so sure to turn heads as you conceitedly open and close your door.

Photo Credit: The Fashion Reporter – Rolls Royce Wraith

Since guests were at the show for well over 6 hours, it was fretting to be served with treats courtesy of Andy’s Italian Ice over at Mercedes Benz’s section who featured over 20 flavors including the AG  chocolate and coconut flavored ice inspired by Benz, of course! We also got to try the very delicious snicker doodle by Pokey O’s Cookies and Ice Cream, not to mention the colossal cake one at Porsche who celebrated the 911 50 model, topped off with Chevy’s highly anticipated press luncheon featuring pretzels, cookies, pastries and veggie and tuna wraps. Not only do these manufacturers make amazing cars, they also take great care of their company.

We were shuttled to our final destination in the new Chrysler 300 by the lovely team at Chrysler and we must say, the ride was extremely smooth and able to handle New York City’s very bumpy roads.

Fiat 500 by Gucci

As if the new Micro sized Fiat wasn’t already cute and stylish enough, it looks like Gucci has managed to get their hands on the mini car to release a special designer edition. These two famous brands will be collaborating to celebrate their success as two of Italy’s most popular brands.

The special edition Fiat is available in either white or black, and is distinguished by the fashion house’s signature red and green stripe, Double-G logo on the wheel hubs and pattern on the leather seats. The vehicle’s exterior is customised even further with 16″ alloy wheels with an unmistakable retro spoke design, hub caps with the double “G” in the colour of the body and the Gucci signature in italics on the tailgate and on the door pillars. The car’s silhouette is accented by the signature Gucci green-red-green stripe which also appears on the seats, gearbox, key cover, mats and, seat belts.

Gucci will also be releasing clothing and accessories to mark the occasion, including bags, hats, scarves, sunglasses and a wristwatch. Both were launched at Milan Fashion Week.”

The 500 by Gucci will be available from April 1st to June 30th exclusively by pre-order at www.500bygucci.com, for 17,000 euro all inclusive. The car will also be displayed in exclusive locations in Paris, London and Tokyo which will then be followed by the European commercial launch in July. The rest of the world will have access to this gem at the end of the year.

The 2011 NY  Int’l Auto Show is taking place through May 1st at The Jacob Javitz Center in New York City and The Fashion Reporter was on -site to see the latest and greatest automobiles on the market. We even got to take a seat and get a feel for your next future car. Just know that the future is here and the days of cd’s and cd changers are passe. Try speakers in your seat belt in the Audi R8 Spyder, or a usb port in the Rolls Royce Phantom Ghost or how about a suede interior in the all new Porsche Panamera Turbo edition!

Photo Courtesy of Mercedes Benz

Mercedes Benz has been a proud sponsor of New York Fashion Week since 2006 . Since then, we have taken notice to more affordable luxury on the streets of NYC.  Despite the fact that the tents have relocated to Lincoln Center, this did not stop non-insiders from parading the front entrance waiting to see insiders in the latest fashions or simply wait around to live vicariously for the moment.  Although many New Yorkers choose to take the subway, even with its consistently increasing rates, soon they may begin ditching the overpriced, bleak, underground, railway and move to a  more fashion friendly mode of transportation.

Mercedes has proven that a consumer no longer needs to have a million dollars in the bank to look fabulous and enjoy luxury. In fact, Mercedes is getting into the affordable luxury business with its new C-class vehicles which prices in the $30,000 range. With prices like this, fashionistas do not have to subsist on Starbucks and trail mix to afford their luxury cars, now the only reason to appear malnourished is to fit into their clothes. With Fashion week quickly approaching, The Fashion Reporter would like to spotlight and thank  Mercedes Benz for their efforts and support of fashion, and for making luxury and great design more tangible for the masses.

Mercedes Benz fashion week kicks off on Friday, February 10th. For more information and designer updates , please visit www.mbfashionweek.com.

As the week filled with haute swimwear continues, one must not forget to dip into the water. Mercedes certainly did not! Their all new Cigarette Racing Boat, inspired by the SLS AMG, was parked for guests to view and take a cruise in.  The boat was first showcased at the Miami Boat Show back in February. How perfect to unveil such decadence in one of the posh capital’s of the world, not to mention perfect theme such as the swim shows.  Natives will surely take advantage of the best of both worlds, both swimwear and boating. Besides, they both go hand in hand!