Fashion Designer Joseph Abboud Creates Rugged and Romantic GMC Sierra Concept: Cure Truck

DETROIT — Mixing automotive and fashion design has resulted in five new General Motors Concept: Cure vehicles for 1999, including a rugged and romantic version of the GMC Sierra designed by Joseph Abboud.

Abboud's rugged and romantic version of the GMC Sierra combines under- stated elegance with confident strength in an earth-toned exterior of khaki and olive tones. Highlights include luxurious textured leather seats with shearling headrests; a weathered "worry stone" encased in the center console, weathered brass details, and an Old World map headliner to complete the ambiance of the ultimate urban adventure vehicle.

"Concept:Cure is a very special program for me," said Abboud. "My mother and sister died from breast cancer. It's a disease we really have to find a cure for. I know I speak for my colleagues when I say (Concept:Cure) is not about a monetary or PR opportunity for us, it's about doing something really good.

I think good things come from good concepts and Concept:Cure is one of them. It's a very special project and I'm proud to be a part of it."

"I'm really glad we're designing the Sierra," he added. "Even the name `Sierra' says it's rugged, it's American, it's masculine. It says a lot of things I like to say about my clothes. Design today isn't so much about fashion as it is about style. And style is not about a season, it's about being timeless and that's important whether you are talking about a suit, something for your home or a new automobile."

Sierra Brand Manager, Jim Kornas, agrees, and said Abboud's approach to design and penchant for quality attracted his team. "Sierra owners appreciate the uncompromising integrity and straight-forward styling of the Sierra pickup," said Kornas. "It is designed for accomplished individuals and so are Joseph's clothes — there is a sophisticated, masculine elegance to his menswear collection."