Erin O’Connor: Ampera on Chelsea Bridge.

The lights of Chelsea Bridge shone a little brighter recently  when supermodel Erin O’Connor welcomed Vauxhall’s new electric car to the capital dressed in an equally electrifying design by British fashion icon, William Tempest.

Zero emissions

The ‘dual-fuel’ Ampera is Vauxhall’s interim answer to an electric vehicle which uses battery power to drive an electric motor at the wheels; when the battery runs down, a petrol-driven generator maintains the electricity supply. Motorists have the potential of zero tailpipe emissions if they cover fewer than 40 miles between charges, with a 350-mile extended range when the generator kicks in.

With its official release date in 2012 fast approaching, the car made its first appearance on UK roads this month, embarking on a whirlwind maiden voyage that ended in London.

Erin Electric

Tempest‘s exclusive electric dress, dubbed the ‘Erin Electric,’ features 200 light emitting diodes and 1,000 Swarovski crystals and was tailored exactly to O’Connor’s famous figure. The illuminated creation’s panelled styling is also modeled closely on the car, while its ‘cut-out sections lend both power and femininity to the design’.

O’Connor said: ‘I’m a real supporter when it comes to helping the environment, and the Vauxhall Ampera is a massive leap in the right direction, so it was an easy decision to welcome it to London. Of course, I also leapt at the chance to team up with my friend William again and have the pleasure of wearing another one of his stunning designs!’

Meteoric rise

Tempest’s collections have excited the fashion world, bringing the young designer a meteoric rise to fame and a major celebrity following, including Emma Watson, Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham, amongst others.

He said: ‘When Vauxhall approached me about designing a dress to celebrate the Ampera, I was really excited. My thoughts for the design immediately turned to bringing to life the electric nature of the car, and what better way than with an actual electric dress?’

Vauxhall spokesperson Wendy Towler added: ‘The Vauxhall Ampera is truly innovative, and just like William’s dress, there’s nothing else quite like it. With both William’s and Erin’s cutting-edge style and green credentials, we felt the Ampera presented the perfect opportunity for them to collaborate again on something they are both passionate about.’

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