Lotus launches luxury lifestyle concept – Lotus Originals

February 2011 sees the exciting launch of new luxury lifestyle brand, Lotus Originals. Inspired by the stylish Lotus car principles of authenticity, innovation and design excellence, the debut collection is a refined, cohesive range of luxury apparel, leather goods and performance outerwear that reflect the craftsmanship, heritage and spirit of Lotus. This new brand concept will launch exclusively on the Lotus website http://www.lotusoriginals.com/

High quality and attention to detail are key, with Loro Piana 100% cashmere yarn used in block coloured sweaters and knitted at 18 gauge for a lightweight but supersoft touch.  Cardigans and V-neck knits are textured in wide stripes to create a tyre-track effect with white armband detail hinting at race track road markings.  Polo shirts and T-shirts feature double stitch edging and a playful approach to branding, with vintage Lotus logos, racing stripes and car silhouettes. Block colour numbers relate to the dates of famous racing victories of the 1960s and 70s, as well as 1948 - the year that Lotus founder Colin Chapman built the first car.

A hand-treated leather jacket, inspired by the 1970s drivers’ suits, uses authentic design details in the form of protective quilted padding on the shoulders and a two-button side-fasten collar. A beautiful navy quilted coat with tan leather trim epitomises the ‘Gentleman Driver’ ideal, with a discreet Lotus crest and luxurious fleece lining. Authentic and quintessentially British in its understated luxury and everyday classic style, these key pieces redefine racing chic as the ultimate gentleman’s sportswear choice for 2011.


Trademark Lotus green; the rich, dark hue of the original Lotus GT car livery features in knitwear, polos and highlight accessories. Alongside navy, tan, black, red and light grey, the Lotus Originals palette has a classic, heritage feel, referencing the elegance and sophistication of the glory years of racing

The collection is accompanied by a range of Lotus Originals lifestyle accessories.  Hand-crafted luggage is available in four styles; a sumptuous tan weekend bag, a smaller, city bag ideal for laptops and everyday business use, and a canvas holdall with Lotus green leather straps and details. All are finished with heavy zips, contrast stitching and a discrete embossed Lotus logo. Calfskin leather driving gloves are the ultimate indulgence, in tan, black, Lotus green and bright yellow.  Carbon fibre gaming sets, wallets, belts and luxury desk accessories are also available as part of the Lotus Originals lifestyle range.

The Lotus Originals collection will be launched from the Lotus website http://www.lotusoriginals.com/  on February 23, 2011 to coincide with London Fashion Weeks’s Menswear day.  A London flagship store is scheduled to launch towards the end of 2011.