Bespoke Collection Inspired by the new Toyota C-HR Hybrid Electric

Sustainable fashion met sustainable motoring at the launch of the all-new Toyota C-HR Hybrid Electric as Irish designer Aoife McNamara revealed her bespoke Aoife Ireland collection inspired by the bold new Hybrid Electric.

Toyota brand ambassador Aoife McNamara is a B-Corp designer and founder of Aoife Ireland, a sustainable fashion brand which aims to create beauty, not destroy it by reconnecting the fashion industry to the natural world. Aoife has spent the last few months designing and finalising two unique creations, which have been inspired by the new Toyota C-HR Hybrid Electric. The new generation Toyota C-HR represents a bold new design direction for Toyota Ireland, featuring precision-cut lines, a new Bi-tone paint and design, and a clean and sculptural style which stands out from the crowd.

The new Toyota C-HR also showcases the next stage of the brand’s sustainability mission and hybrid electric credentials which enables zero emissions driving for up to 50% of driving time on average. The Toyota C-HR features recycled materials through some parts of the interior. The seat fabric is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, and the floor mats are produced from discarded fishing nets salvaged from the ocean.

In all, 19 parts of the car were made using recycled materials. The exterior has also seen improvements to its aerodynamic qualities with the new hammerhead design and flush door handles that reduce drag and CO2 emissions. The all-new Toyota C-HR now comes with the Latest 5th generation Hybrid technology.

Aoife has crafted two garments which reflect both the style and sustainability of the new Toyota C-HR: a corset and skirt, and a dress. The designs feature red, grey, and yellow stitching to replicate the steering wheel and interiors stitching, precision-cut lines and silhouettes inspired by the new style of the Toyota C-HR, giving the garments a futuristic look and feel. The boldness of the car is represented by the red, gold and charcoal colourways chosen, with the honeycomb design features of the car reflected in the corset.

Aoife also took inspiration from the Toyota C-HR's innovative and sustainable touches, only using materials that were organic, recycled or repurposed – including an innovative SeaCell fibre used for the lining, created using naturally sourced seaweed, recycled zips and buttons, and an upcycled material mixed blend on the back of the garments.

Speaking at the launch of the new Toyota C-HR, Zoë Bradley, Head of Marketing Communications and Corporate Affairs in Toyota Ireland said:

“At Toyota Ireland we always strive to deliver upon our brand promise ‘Built for a Better World’. And that’s one of the reasons why we partnered with the incredible Irish designer Aoife McNamara for this launch. This is a perfect partnership which reflects both the style and sustainability of Toyota as well as our bold new brand direction.

We set Aoife a challenge to create bespoke pieces inspired by the new Toyota C-HR, but we knew she would create something incredible and the final garments are perfect. She has encapsulated the innovation, sustainability features, and style of the car to create garments that stand out, while having sustainability at their core. It’s been a pleasure to work with Aoife on this collaboration, and we look forward to her continuing her ambassadorship in the new Toyota C-HR next year.”

Aoife McNamara, fashion designer and founder of Aoife Ireland, said:

“This project was an incredible opportunity to showcase the innovation and design details of the new Toyota C-HR – from the stitching detail to the recycled seat material that was used on the car seats. I adored being able to work on this project with Toyota Ireland, a brand which also holds sustainability at the core of their brand. My experience as a Toyota Ireland ambassador has been brilliant, and I look forward to driving the new Toyota C-HR when it arrives next year.”

For more information about the Toyota C-HR, contact your local Toyota Ireland dealer. For more information about Aoife Ireland, visit Aoife McNamara | Clothes Inspired by Nature, to Protect Nature.