Renault has joined forces with renowned designer and contemporary artist Sabine Marcelis to commemorate the 30th anniversary of its iconic Twingo model. Through this collaboration, they aim to present a fresh artistic rendition of the original Twingo launched in 1993. Sabine Marcelis, the recent recipient of the prestigious ELLE DECO International Designer of the Year Award, has established herself as a highly influential figure in the design world. Her captivating art installations have mesmerized global audiences, from enthusiasts at Art Basel to museum visitors worldwide.
Building on the success of Mathieu Lehanneur’s Suite N°4, which paid homage to the 60th anniversary of the Renault 4, and Pierre Gonalons’ R5 Diamant, celebrating 50 years of the Renault 5, Renault has once again enlisted the expertise of a talented designer, Sabine Marcelis, to reimagine the iconic Twingo.
Sabine Marcelis is renowned for her work with elegant and minimalist forms, her deep connection with light, and her mastery of cutting-edge technologies that push the boundaries of material utilization. The project commenced with an extensive exploration of the Twingo, focusing on its most distinctive characteristics: the iconic single-volume silhouette, the recognizable headlights, and the modular interior that creates a remarkable sense of spaciousness and luminosity. Subsequently, meticulous attention was given to the interplay of transparency and the harmonious fusion of colors and materials. The outcome is truly remarkable: a Twingo that stands out from the rest, yet remains faithful to the essence of the original model, three decades after its inception.
Sabine Marcelis reflects on the collaboration with Renault, stating, “The opportunity to rethink the Twingo as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations was a fantastic invitation and a new realm of exploration for me, as I had never designed a car before. Working on such an iconic and beloved vehicle posed a real challenge, especially considering the scale of the project. It provided an opportunity to create something genuinely innovative and unforgettable.”
This partnership between Renault and Sabine Marcelis embodies the values of artistic and creative freedom. Renault’s dedication to electric vehicles is showcased in this project, as the concept incorporates an electric motor. Combined with Sabine Marcelis’ groundbreaking approach to materials and design, it establishes the perfect synergy to commemorate the Twingo’s anniversary by presenting the car in an entirely new light. This unique and unexpected concept represents the convergence of the emblematic Twingo and the visionary artistic perspective of the designer, offering a refined reinterpretation of this iconic vehicle.