Barneys New York Creative Director Inspects the Cadillac CT6 | Cadillac
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December 6, 2018

Barneys New York Creative Director Inspects the Cadillac CT6 | Cadillac


Cadillac CT6 | Cadillac CT6


A Shared Sense of Kinship as Brands from New York


Only those who have experienced life's ups and downs can discern the nuanced subtleties of exceptional taste. Katsuhiko Taniguchi, who oversees all window displays, interior design, and art direction for every Barneys New York store in Japan, is also a car enthusiast who has owned countless vehicles since his youth. What did he feel about the CT6, Cadillac's latest and most luxurious saloon, a brand also based in New York?

Photographs by NAGAO MasashiText by NANYO Kazuhiro




The Logo Symbolizing Cadillac, a New York Brand


"This is a Mondrian graphic, isn't it? It was during the era of Dada and Art Deco, when European artists were drawing fervent attention in New York, so this emblem is truly symbolic."

As he slid into the car and began to drive slowly, Taniguchi immediately commented. In an era when the North Atlantic crossing by luxury liners called packboats was the sole means of transport between America and Europe, Cadillac's designers, inspired by Piet Mondrian's work, developed an emblem that was an adaptation of the coat of arms of Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, the founder of Detroit.

Cadillac

Cadillac

The Cadillac logo has undergone several transformations over time, including periods with a laurel wreath or V-shaped ornament. However, the current wide crest, adopted in 2000, is a design that most respects the graphics of Mondrian, a pioneer of abstract art. Spotting the logo in the center of the steering wheel, Taniguchi seemed completely captivated by the world that Cadillac evokes.

Taniguchi has been driving a Series 1 Jaguar XJ6 for over twenty years. While he seems to have settled on a British sports saloon as he approaches sixty, he was actually a huge car enthusiast in his youth. Starting with a rear-wheel-drive Corolla, he became passionate about the Volkswagen Beetle and Alfa Romeo Giulia series. With a friend who owned a car dealership, he also went through numerous British lightweight sports cars before finally......a winding path of car ownership.



Cadillac CT6 | Cadillac CT6


A Shared Sense of Kinship as Brands from New York (2)


The "Simple & Modern" Styling Evokes Today's New York


“Cars from the 60s, 70s, and 80s each reflected their national characteristics, for better or worse. Cadillac used to have an image of being a car for the successful, but I think it always had New York in mind. The CT6 hasbecome quite modern and urban. The excellent body construction, the crisp ride and flat feel, and the refined interior design...make you feel that this is the America of today, and New York."

Cadillac

Cadillac

He also appreciated the interior's moderately sweet ambiance, created by the soft touch of semi-aniline leather, the beige color scheme called "very light cashmere," and the wood accents, which gave it a luxurious yet sporty impression.

"While I generally prefer a tie, even with casual wear, the CT6's simple and modern styling pairs well with a wide range of outfits, from suits to jackets and trousers. When you think of a saloon, you often imagine it with a formal suit, both in terms of occasion and dress code, but it's not limited to that. It also matches casual styles. In our line of work, we call that 'sport furnishing.'

Cadillac

Cadillac

We, as the creative directors of Barneys New York, have established design regulations, or rather, a design code, and have consistently emphasized the keywords 'taste, luxury, humor.'

Another keyword at the core of Barneys New York's creativity, though expressed intuitively, is 'get it right.' The sense that tasteful and luxurious things emerge from this is truly unique to New York."



Cadillac CT6 | Cadillac CT6


A Shared Sense of Kinship as Brands from New York (3)


Attention to Detail in the Overall Touch and Texture


Taniguchi was dressed in a seersucker suit, a Lacoste collared polo shirt, and a black silk knit tie. On his feet were white rubber sneakers, "in case of rain later." Around his neck was an antique brown crocodile-skin tie bar, a gift from his friend, jewelry designer Lisa Salzer. The seersucker fabric, with its pronounced grain, had a single red stripe near the breast pocket, giving him a sporty yet not overly formal or casual look, exuding an undeniable aura of sophistication.

Cadillac

Cadillac

"Even down to the stitching in the interior, the details on the exterior, or the smoothness of the V6 engine, the CT6 exhibits meticulous attention to the overall touch and texture, rivaling European cars. Yet, the演出 like the illuminated door handles when you approach with the key at night feels a bit like Broadway, linking to an American sense of entertainment that appeals outward, in contrast to the inward focus of Europe."

However, it's not just the external aspects; it's the inner qualities that truly capture the essence of New York, and the CT6 nails it, Taniguchi continued.

"I think the interesting thing about New York is that you need to have your own drive and energy to truly appreciate it. If you want to relax, the downtown atmosphere might be more enjoyable, and if you're focused on business, Midtown. Everyone is independent, even selfish, but there's a softness, a welcoming nature that embraces anyone without barriers."

Cadillac

Cadillac

"When I experience the CT6, I feel a depth that seems to embrace any mood or attitude. Supporting this sense of relaxation and security are probably the Bose Panaray system with its 34 speakers, and warning systems like distance sensors and night vision."

"While European and Japanese cars are certainly prominent on the streets of New York, Cadillac, embodying the history and culture of New York, resonates with me as a brand from the same city."

Starting at the end of August, Taniguchi will be creating a collaborative window display with Cadillac at the "Barneys New York Ginza Main Store." Keep an eye out for the display that will be unveiled.

080507_eac_spec
Cadillac CT6 | Cadillac CT6
Body Size | Length 5,190 × Width 1,885 × Height 1,495 mm
Wheelbase | 3,110 mm
Weight | 1,920 kg
Engine | 3,649 cc V6 DOHC VVT
Maximum Output | 250 kW (340 ps) / 6,900 rpm
Maximum Torque | 386 Nm (39.4 kgm) / 5,300 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT (8EAT)
Drivetrain | AWD
Seating Capacity | 5 people
Price | 9,990,000 yen







CADILLAC X BARNEYS NEW YORK SPECIAL WINDOW DISPLAY
Window display expressing the Cadillac brand (special event allowing customers to enter the window for commemorative photos)
Exhibition Period | Tuesday, August 28, 2018 – Sunday, September 23, 2018 (National Holiday)
Photo Event Period | Friday, September 7, 2018 – Sunday, September 9, 2018
Photo Event Hours | 18:00 – 19:00
Exhibition Venue | Barneys New York Ginza Main Store, Suzuran-dori side window
6-8-7 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

FASHION AS MUSIC SPECIAL PARTY supported by CADILLAC
A one-night-only special party. Showcasing the world of Cadillac. Featuring a special live performance by the acclaimed artist WONK, with music selector DJ FAME & enjoy wonderful drinks and finger foods.
Date | Friday, September 7, 2018
Time | 18:00 – 20:30
Venue | Barneys New York Ginza Main Store B1
6-8-7 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

SALES FAIR -THE STYLE OF CADILLAC-
Gift | A complimentary Barneys New York original handkerchief embroidered with the Cadillac logo for those who test drive at any Cadillac dealer nationwide.
Additionally, those who purchase a Cadillac during the campaign period will receive a 50,000 yen gift card usable at Barneys New York.
Dates | Saturday, September 8, 2018, Sunday, September 9, 2018
Venue | All Cadillac authorized dealers nationwide (*Some locations excluded)

The Vice Manager of Barneys New York Yokohama Store Examines the Cadillac XT5

Cadillac and Barneys New York Collaboration Campaign





Inquiries


GM Japan Customer Center


0120-711-276 (Reception hours 9:00–18:00, open year-round)





Inquiries


Barneys New York Customer Center


0120-137-007 (Reception hours 11:00–20:00, closed January 1)