Stockholm-based architect-turned-designer, Gustaf Westman, has debuted his playful take on the all-new Mercedes‑Benz CLA with a one-off art piece and accompanying limited collection of homeware and design pieces.
The overall motto, “Camping and picnic with friends”, is reflected by Gustaf’s CLA art piece: It features a tent on the roof, a fold-out picnic table at the rear and Gustaf’s signature wing mirrors.
Westman is the second of five ‘Class of Creators’ multi-collaboration partners who have been “handed the keys” to the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA to use it as a blank canvas to apply their own creative signature and vision.
At the May 22 evening debut party, the designer unveiled his CLA art piece for around 150 guests gathered at Protein Studios in London’s East End.
Westman’s design DNA with its playful puffiness, his curvy mirrors and other hand-made objects have become instantly recognisable in recent years. His designs burst with color, curves and a playful, bubbly vibe that catches your attention from far away.
The made-to-order pieces of furniture, bespoke design pieces and homeware objects are handmade by a small selection of independent producers, gaining him a strong following amongst collectors and fans. Now, he has applied his signature design DNA onto the CLA and turned it into a one-of-a-kind art piece.
This collaboration comes accompanied by a limited collection made for an adventure day in the park, including the Star Plate, the Wing Mirror, the Chunky Picnic Blanket and the Hot Dog Plate. All items are available at the pop-up store in the Protein Studios Shoreditch in London on May 23, 2025 and May 24, 2025
CLA ‘Class of Creators’ multi-collaboration concept & inspiration
The CLA ‘Class of Creators’ brings together five creative visionaries who are defining what’s next in music, fashion, design and beyond:
- US music artist Ice Spice
- Swedish-based interior designer Gustaf Westman
- US fashion designer and artist Colm Dillane, aka KidSuper
- The toy car brand Hot Wheels
- E-sports platform Riot Games/League of Legends
Mercedes-Benz has long fostered far-reaching collaborations with partners from all walks of life, including culture, sports, design and music, that extend far beyond automotive – including Virgil Abloh, A$AP Rocky, Nigo; fashion brands Moncler, Proenza Schouler; sports legends like Roger Federer and Lewis Hamilton.
With ‘Class of Creators’, Mercedes‑Benz takes these collaborations to the next level. This is the first time the carmaker has given its creative collaborators a ‘carte blanche’ to ‘explore’ the idea of individualisation, aesthetics and design with one of its models.
Multi-collaboration details & timeframe
- March 13, 2025: ‘Class of Creators’ was announced at the CLA’s world premiere in Rome
- April 18, 2025: official launch with Ice Spice at Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan
- May 22, 2025: Gustaf Westman art piece and limited collection premiere in London
- June 28, 2025: KidSuper art piece and limited collection launch in Paris
- Exclusive events with Hot Wheels and Riot Games / League of Legends slated for later in the year.