Heron Preston Partners with Formula E on Fashion, Materials and GEN4 Design
Creative Partnership Marks New Era in Fashion and Engineering
The long-term creative partnership between Heron Preston and the all-electric Formula E championship marks a new era at the intersection of fashion and engineering. This is not just a commercial deal but a deep exploration of material innovation, sustainability and the future of motorsport apparel. The collaboration will be officially presented to the public for the first time at ComplexCon Los Angeles, taking place Saturday and Sunday. At the event, Preston will offer a preview of a clothing capsule including T-shirts, long-sleeve tees and hoodies, all made from fabrics derived from his eX-Ray concept. Alongside these apparel pieces, a fourth-generation Formula E car (GEN4) will be on display, featuring an exclusive body design personally created by Preston.
Breaking News
Hollywood Elite Honor Carpenter, Theron, and Domingo at Academy Museum Gala
The Next Generation of Collagen: Small Peptides, Big Claims
The Impending Rise of Cobalt Blue in 2027 Fashion
The Secret to a Flawless Autumn Complexion is Sunscreen LayeringeX-Ray Concept Applies Racing Principles to Clothing
In a statement to WWD, Preston highlighted the parallel between the two worlds: „Formula E reconstructs what a race car can be, and eX-Ray does exactly the same for clothing.” He explained that eX-Ray represents his concept for the most advanced products in his portfolio, labeled L. E. D. (Less Environmentally Destructive). The process involves examining every layer of a garment, from material composition to manufacturer identity, with precision similar to an X-ray. The „eX” prefix denotes example, meaning the standard toward which the entire brand is oriented. For the Formula E series, the collection’s base is eX-Ray recycled cotton, ensuring the philosophy applied to the car is reflected in the textiles.
First Phase Uses Recycled Cotton from Factory Surplus
For this initial testing phase, Preston uses eX-Ray recycled cotton sourced from factory waste (pre-consumer) and leftover materials from old collection inventories. He noted that pricing, production scale and distribution channels are still being determined as the partnership evolves. Looking ahead, the long-term vision includes exploring materials recovered directly from motorsport, such as carbon fiber, metals and other car components. Although this process has not yet begun, the opportunity lies in understanding how these resources can be transformed through design.
Collaboration May Expand to Fan Merchandise and Race Materials
The partnership could potentially extend to fan merchandise, accessories and new uses for racing materials, though the product roadmap is still forming, according to Preston. The GEN4 car features a distinctive aesthetic, combining Preston’s signature orange hue with chrome and matte details. Text-based graphics highlight technical specifications such as „Zero Rare Minerals” and „Maximum Power of 600kW.”
Partnership Reflects Preston’s Philosophy of Honest Design
Preston recalled that a few years ago he took control of his brand and rebuilt it around a simple idea: to build honest things. He refers to using real materials and authentic functionality, without simulations. He considers this partnership one of the clearest manifestations of that philosophy to date. The initiative connects his decade-long work in creative recycling with a sport genuinely attempting to transform its industry.