Kia Reveals the All New Kia Telluride, a Designer-Designed SUV Full of Rugged Elegance

The 2020 Kia Telluride
The 2020 Kia Telluride. Photo: Kia Motors America

What better place to make a splash than at New York Fashion week?

Lights, cameras, fashion and…a rugged new SUV? That was the highlight of New York Fashion Week’s Spring/Summer 2019 collections as Kia revealed the all new Telluride at designer Brandon Maxwell‘s show.

The South Korean auto giant partnered with  Maxwell for the showcase of his spring and summer collection on September 8th at the Classic Car Club of Manhattan. The partnership brought a taste of high fashion to the unveiling of this all-new SUV, the Kia Telluride, which will make its way into dealer showrooms in 2020.

The rugged but luxurious 8-passenger SUV, which was the star of the show, is anticipated for its luxe and authentic details, proportions and capability that will put comfortably alongside other fashionable off-roaders like Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz.

Further Reading: Meet the Karl Lagerfeld of cars: Kia’s chief designer Peter Schreyer

The 2020 Kia Telluride
The 2020 Kia Telluride. Photo: Kia Motors America

Rugged But Elegant Enough to Take On Texas… And Help Improve Education

Raised in Marfa, Texas designer Brandon Maxwell is not just a small town boy. He gained popularity once he became a stylist for Lady Gaga and has dressed everyone from Oprah to Michelle Obama. Maxwell said he first learned about Kia when he was a child because his Mom used to drive him to school in a Kia. He wanted to work with Kia because of the company’s values and their passion for helping others through various charities. Maxwell got a chance to combine his passion for fashion and aesthetic by helping to design the new Kia Telluride. And the payoff for him? In addition to the partnership, Kia is helping to fund schools in Marfa and designating Telluride models for teachers to trek to continuing education classes in other parts of the state.

GIVING BACK IS THE MOST FASHIONABLE THING WE CAN DO! This is me dancing with excitement hours before my SS19 show. This was such a major collection for me and my team; together we designed something that we felt was beautiful and represented where I came from and that also allowed us to give back in a big way to Marfa, Texas, the place where I designed this collection, through our partnership with @kiamotorsusa . While I was in Marfa I learned that the their education system is in dire need of funding that is necessary to achieve educational standards. I am honored to partner with Kia as they make a substantial donation to the Marfa Schools and launch their new line, the #KiaTelluride, that was at my show on Saturday evening. A #KiaTelluride will be gifted to the teachers, enabling them to commute to Austin and Dallas for continual professional training. Additionally, Kia will be providing funding for technological advancements and educational programming necessary to give children of Marfa the quality education they deserve. I would never be where I am without the support of others and my own education. Together with Kia, we hope to afford others the opportunity to realize their full potential and chase their dreams. Thank you @kiamotorsusa — this means so much <3

A post shared by Brandon Maxwell (@brandonmaxwell) on

Further Reading: The Kia Sorento 3 Row SUV has a sophisticated elegance all its own  

Maxwell, and Marfa, Add Balance to Telluride’s Authentic Appeal

From his upbringing in Texas and his work in high fashion, Maxwell perfectly understands the balance of ruggedness and sophistication. The Kia Telluride has many high-end design touches such as leather ties tie-downs for the hood and roof-rack as well as buckle hardware and leather upholstery. There is even a snorkel in case you are driving in deep water! When asked what his favorite design features of the car were, Maxwell expressed that he loved his logo on the dashboard and the beautiful green exterior of the car.

The Kia Telluride is set for release in summer 2020. With classic features and style aesthetic, this 8-Passenger SUV is sure to turn heads!

A Girls Guide To Cars | Kia Reveals The All New Kia Telluride, A Designer-Designed Suv Full Of Rugged Elegance - Kia Telluride Is The Star Of The Brandon Maxwell Runway Show At Ny Fashion Week. ???? @Rebelcarchick
Kia Telluride is the star of the Brandon Maxwell runway show at New York Fashion Week. ???? @rebelcarchick

Disclosure: I was Kia’s guest for this reveal event; accommodations were provided but all opinions are my own.

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Rachel Kapur
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