Ford Brand Design exists to shape how Ford tells its story visually. But we’re also consulted, from time to time, to work with partners and push the boundaries of what’s possible within a specific vehicle’s design framework.

Ford’s latest effort is a collaboration with fashion brand alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet and Bronco.

How do these two brands connect? We know what Bronco represents: outdoor capability, confidence, and the freedom to go over any type of terrain. That rugged identity resonates strongly with our current buyer, which is around 70% male. Partnering with alice + olivia, a brand that embodies female self-expression, uniqueness, and freedom, is an opportunity to show women that, yes, they can conquer deserts dunes and mountain paths and forest trails, but can also enjoy Bronco on a beach, doors off, roof off, being free and having fun.

That’s Bronco, too.

This collaboration originated with a + o's merchandise line. They provided distinctive creative assets – bold designs and patterns – and our task was to translate that energy onto and into Bronco without sacrificing any of the Go Over Any Type of Terrain capability that’s a Bronco hallmark for 60 years. The result is style, color, and material choices that show Bronco in a different light but with the same capability, just as we intended.

Finding our North Star

The Brand Design team is perfect for tackling projects that go beyond traditional industrial design. From graphic design to animation, trend forecasting, and storytelling, the varied backgrounds of our team members were a major advantage on this project.

Which leads us to our concept: Two Bronco Sasquatches, as a representation of the strong, independent, self-determined alice + olivia woman. Bronco's interior reflects bright finishes and elevated materials. The exterior is bold and expressive with striking, colorful patterns. But each vehicle tells its own story.

Bronco: Storm Floral Edition

Our first creation had to capture alice + olivia's bohemian spirit while remaining unmistakably Bronco – a delicate balance that could make or break the collaboration. Their iconic "storm floral" print for the season became our hero element. We advocated for the striking floral print to envelop the entire exterior, transforming the Bronco into a rolling garden that would stop traffic on any beach.

For the interior, inspiration came from seagrass fabric – materials a + o frequently uses in their collections. Since actual straw seating would be impractical and uncomfortable, we found an automotive-grade solution: beautiful light wood dashboard paneling that subtly referenced natural textures while feeling elevated and refined.

The real transformation came with our hardware decisions. We replaced standard silver elements – handles, knobs, badging – with gold painted pieces; and custom dashboard in a light wood-like material. The gold painting made the interior look like it was wearing jewelry, and the lighter wood gave it a nod to beach culture. That light interior became my favorite element; it represented a departure from evolution typical adventure-ready Bronco aesthetics, proving we could bring high style to a place of function and capability.

Bronco: Denim Chevron Edition

Our second collaboration Bronco targeted another facet of the a+o identity – the vintage-loving, denim-wearing adventurer with western flair. We wrapped this Bronco in alice + olivia's bold denim-inspired chevron print reminiscent of the Free Wheeling Broncos, creating a modern interpretation of vintage beach culture. Again, pale gold-painted hardware continued our "vehicle wearing jewelry" theme.

The Chevron's interior presented an interesting challenge. We wanted authentic denim to capture that vintage feel, but real denim in a convertible vehicle creates practical issues. Our solution was an exceptional version of Bronco’s water-proof marine-grade vinyl upholstery that perfectly replicated the look of denim, paired with rich camel leather. The result is a cohesive, lived-in aesthetic that felt both nostalgic and contemporary while also speaking to the rugged character of the Bronco brand.

Making Art of Capability

Treating these as unique "pieces of art" allowed us to focus on style and creative expression with Bronco while retaining the tried-and-true capability of these Sasquatch package-equipped vehicles. They’re proof Bronco can do style and luxury without sacrificing hallmarks like off-road performance and functionality. They can be playful, fashion-forward, and resonate with entirely new demographics while maintaining authentic Bronco DNA.

Taking these concepts from sketches to rolling artwork showed us that Bronco partnerships don't have to fit a single mold. I hope that when people see these vehicles, they not only see alice + olivia's designs, but that unexpected collaborations can speak to new audiences in their own language.

Lori Maday is Global Creative Director, Brand Design.