Royal College of Art Students Design Bentley Continental GT Inspired Travel Products

Student designers from London's Royal College of Art have created a series of designs for women in a project with Bentley.

Over the last few months, seventeen fashion students have been immersing themselves in the work of Bentley's designers, including Head of Interior Design Robin Page and Senior Designer Brett Boydell, in order to fulfill a design brief based in three travel products for women: a Car coat - three-quarter length travel coat; Footwear - driving shoe; Weekend overnight bag.

Christine Gaskell, Bentley board member for HR, said: "I am delighted that we are working with the RCA on a collaboration which marries the best of design in both the automotive and the fashion worlds.

"As a brand, Bentley knows the importance of its female customers and the discerning influence they bring to bear. Our cars reflect their understanding of the best in quality materials, design technology, style and sophistication. The RCA students have captured these attributes perfectly."

The object was to design and create a set of products to reflect the luxury sector of the car market in which Bentley resides and inspired by the new Bentley Continental GT.

The design of the new Bentley Continental itself is inspired by the original GT, which in turn was inspired by he 150s R-Type Continental. Whilst styling cues remain, the new Bentley Continental GT features a new body which has been developed and produced using latest construction techniques. The new Bentley Continental GT has a bolder and more athletic look than ever before.

Rebecca Thomson (car coat), Louise van Hauen (weekend bag) and Alvaro Gonzalez (driving shoes) have been shortlisted to refine their designs. Page and Boydell will produce prototypes for a display at the end of the Summer term.