In the world of automotive design, where engineering and functionality often take center stage, there are innovators who dare to transcend the conventional boundaries. One such visionary is Jongha Kim, a car designer whose work seamlessly merges the realms of automotive design and fashion. Having graduated from the College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit, this article delves into the fascinating journey of Kim Jong-ha, shedding light on his inspiring work that redefines the relationship between automobiles and fashion.
In the world of automotive design, inspiration can arise from unexpected sources. Such is the case with the remarkable Cadillac Centroid project, which draws its creative vision from the realm of high-end fashion. Inspired by the oversized suits seen on luxury brands’ fashion runways, this project envisions Cadillac as a prominent electric luxury performance brand in 2025. By blending the essence of Cadillac’s boldness with flexible lines and a newfound sense of comfort, the Centroid project sets the stage for a new generation of luxury experiences. Join us as we delve into the designer’s journey and explore the exquisite features that shape this remarkable vision.
This Cadillac Centroid project was inspired by oversized suits on luxury brands’ fashion shows. In 2030, Cadillac will be one of the electric luxury performance brands. The oversized suit maintains the angle of the suit as much as possible, but also gives feelings of flexibility. It offers a new generation of luxury. While the original Cadillac boldness exists with more flexible lines, the new Cadillac will provide comfortable impressions to a new generation who enjoys diversity.
Inspired by an oversized suit like the image above, IP design was developed to capture the theme of redefined luxury through bold angled and dropped down, stretched silhouette of arms on a suit. The shape language gives passengers a feeling of hugging motion, ultimately providing a comfortable, embracing atmosphere that they will feel safe in.
The center console was inspired from spreading motion in the oversize suit pants. As displayed above, the top view of the center console captures the spreading silhouette of the pants in its detailed components.
The seats were inspired by an image above that shows a model in oversized suits with hijabs. The stylish, sleek mood of hijab and oversized suit was captured by applying loose, modern surface language that fits the luxurious design language of Cadillac. Detailed pattern mood light is also applied on the rear side of the seat.
The steering wheel was inspired by a bold fashion bag. Because the steering wheel can be considered the most iconic parts in the interior, it was designed to keep the bold and luxurious design language from existing Cadillac. With this vehicle being a semi-autonomous vehicle in 2030, the steering wheel will be hidden while in autonomous mode and come out in spreading wing-like motion when in driving mode.
Various components that carry bold and flexible design language will suggest a new luxury of Cadillac interior.
Inspired by lights of the buildings in the European streets, soft illuminating mood lights that change accordingly to the rhythm of the playing music will give passengers more special, luxurious experience while enjoying their drive in the vehicle.
Luxury brands seek harmony between heritage and innovation. Cadillac has been recognized as a brand that provides consumers a classy premium model using innovative technologies. Redefined Luxury project aims to display modern sense to a traditional, ordinary image of Cadillac brand with a form language of bold and seamless lines. Thus, redefined the Cadillac’s luxurious image in my own way. The recreated concept displays relaxed and stylish interior design, while maintaining the classic and prestigious image of the Cadillac. A stylish gentleman wearing a flexible and oversized suit is the image of Cadillac in the future that I suggest.
