Moke x Louis Vuitton
Moke America, the heritage brand creating electric, green-friendly versions of the iconic car exclusively for the U.S. market, will be the main decoration at the new Louis Vuitton pop-up shop in New York City. The ultimate car collector’s ride will be wrapped in a custom LV design inspired by their SS18 men’s campaign, where it will serve as the focal piece of the fashion house’s exhibit starting on Friday, January 19 – March 1 at 655 Madison Avenue.
The collaboration with the iconic beach buggy is inspired by Men’s Creative Director Kim Jones’ tropical island themed collection, a perfect fit given Moke’s associated with coveted resort destinations including St. Tropez and St. Barth’s, and famous fans spanning Brigitte Bardot, Princess Margaret and the Beach Boys. In addition to the custom Moke, the pop-up will also offer Louis Vuitton’s SS18 men’s Aloha collection paying homage to the 90’s tropical theme. Denim bucket hats, neoprene trousers and vibrant blouses will be curated around the heritage custom-designed car, providing visitors with a taste of what is like to journey through the magical Caribbean islands.
Moke’s History
What began as a military invention for the British army in the late 1950s became a cultural touch point with celebrity fans like Brigitte Bardot, Princess Margaret, Emperor Rosko and the Beach Boys. Created by the British Motor Company and Alec Issigonis, the father of the original Austin Mini, the Moke was designed to be combat ready, a car that could be parachuted from the skies. While its life as a military vehicle didn’t last too long, the open-air car became beloved by stars, surfers and Caribbean travelers. Moke became synonymous with easy breezy island chic.
Moke Today
At Moke America, they have reengineered the entire car, while keeping Moke’s classic design and spirit alive. Make made the car bigger, wider and stronger. The car is 2,300 pounds. It’s the heaviest Moke ever built. It feels sturdier than the old Mokes. They raised the wheel from a 13-inch wheel to a 14-inch wheel, so it’s taller. Also, redesigned the windshield so the glass is larger, stands across farther and is higher. Make implemented a five step E-Dip process to control the quality of the paint. They also do undercarriage rust proofing to prevent corrosion.
It’s Electric!
Most importantly, Moke wanted the car to be green. There’s an electric revolution in Europe, and countries like the Netherlands are going to have entirely electric cars by 2024. It was obvious that this endeavor had to be electric.
The old Mokes had engines that were very noisy. With these new ones, it’s silent when you drive. You can charge it with a 110-outlet. It plugs into any household outlet. Eight hours gets a full charge, and a full charge can get you almost forty miles of drive time.
Moke America is a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) with a maximum speed of 25 MPH. Moke America vehicles are street legal so you know the Pinstripe Team will be sporting one in the summer.
It’s better for the environment. The price point is reasonable. It’s what a car should cost. Moke America is a neighborhood electric vehicle. It’s a car that’s driven around town to visit friends, the beach, the supermarket. If you’re going to take a six-hour journey, you’re not in the right car.
Pinstripe Magazine Staff
Online Men’s Lifestyle Magazine on Gear, Grooming, Girls, Gadgets
