Fiat to Unveil '500 by Gucci' During NY Fashion Week

Hold onto your handbags. Fiat says it will unveil upscale Gucci-themed versions of the otherwise proletariat 500 coupe and 500c convertible on Fashion’s Night Out, September 8, to kick off New York Fashion Week.

Developed in collaboration with Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini and Fiat's Centro Stile, Fiat says the two models, one finished in pearl-glass black paint and another in pearl-glass white, are inspired by neo-classic black-and-white film.

“With Gucci as our design partner, we’ve amplified the Italian style of our Fiat 500 with unique exterior and interior looks that will make the car truly unique on the road,” says Laura Soave, head of Fiat brand in North America. “This special edition adds dimension to the Fiat 500 portfolio and will appeal to North American customers who appreciate Italian style just as much as modern technology, value and fuel efficiency.”

The black model features polished chrome details with a black and white interior that’s intended to project a contemporary and racy attitude, while the white version gets satin chrome detailing and an ivory-and-black interior that conveys a softer and more-sophisticated look. A signature Gucci green/red/green web stripe runs along the side of the coupe, or across the convertible’s cloth top. Chrome cursive “Gucci” signatures adorn the doorframes and hatchback, while the car rides on retro-inspired 15-inch aluminum wheels with interlocking "GG" hubcaps and signature Gucci green brake pads. Specific upholstery and trim accents continue the Gucci design theme throughout the cabin.

The Fiat 500 by Gucci editions will arrive at Fiat dealerships in December, along with assorted Gucci-branded travel accessories to ensure a truly chic driving experience. Pricing has yet to be announced.

Bomb at teacher's home investigated

Six North Carolina high school students are suspected of putting a bottle bomb in a teacher's mailbox, police say.

No one was hurt by the device, comprised of Drano and aluminum foil in a plastic bottle, found last week, The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer reported Tuesday.

Bud Cesena, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools' police chief, said the teen suspects, at least most of whom are soccer players at Butler High, allegedly had planned to put the bottle bomb at the home of a girlfriend and only placed it in the Butler teacher's mailbox after being scared off. They apparently didn't know a teacher lived at the residence, Cesena said.

"I feel pretty good that they were just stupid," Cesena said.

The chief added that the type of bomb made was not as dangerous as one using gasoline or gunpowder, but has been known to produce shrapnel.

"Depending on the amount of product you use, it can be very, very dangerous," Cesena said.

Ryan McIntyre, 18, and Nicholas Fichman, 16, were both charged with misdemeanor criminal property damage for allegedly damaging the inside of the mailbox. The other students were not identified because they had not been charged.

Police were looking into whether or not a Butler High faculty member had been a part of the scheme, as a parent of a soccer player said the teenagers were talking about the prank after practice and showed their coach the bomb materials.