Pink, Pop & Picnic: Gustaf Westman gives Mercedes a design makeover

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What looks like a piece of art on wheels is actually a Mercedes CLA: designer Gustaf Westman gives the icon a colourful makeover – with pink paint, a roof tent, and plenty of personality.

What happens when an iconic car meets one of Scandinavia’s trendiest designer’s feel for colour, shape, and playful style? The answer is provided by Swedish creative Gustaf Westman, who, as part of Mercedes-Benz’s “Class of Creators” initiative, presented his very own vision for the new CLA – a sculptural, bright pink work of art with a flair for camping.

At an exclusive event in London, Westman unveiled his interpretation of the CLA: a vehicle in a deep shade of pink, equipped with a roof tent, a fold-out picnic table, and redesigned side mirrors – all drenched in his unmistakable “chunky” aesthetic. The idea behind it? The joy of nature, adventure with friends, combined with Mercedes’ iconic design language. The result: a playful statement between function and fantasy – pure Westman.

But that’s not all: alongside the project, Westman launched a mini collection of handcrafted design objects, including a plate featuring the iconic Mercedes star, a hot dog tray, a chunky picnic blanket, and a side mirror transformed into a sculptural decorative object. All pieces are available exclusively on 23 and 24 May at the Protein Studios pop-up in London, and online from 25 May at gustafwestman.com.

Who is Gustaf Westman?

Originally an architect from Sweden, he became a celebrated designer in 2020 – and today, with his eponymous studio in Stockholm, he represents a fresh and playful approach to contemporary design. Whether custom-made furniture, colourful ceramics, or unique glass objects – each piece is made in close collaboration with selected Swedish artisans. Westman thus combines striking design with local, sustainable production – balancing form, colour, and function to charming effect.