SonyaWhen I think of Mercedes I think of strength, confidence and reliability. So, when Mercedes-Benz Canada recently announced a partnership with iconic Canadian designer Kimberley Newport-Mimran of Pink Tartan, it caught my attention. The She’s Mercedes Power Suit Project officially launches on International Women’s Day, March 8.
When Kimberley was asked by Mercedes-Benz Canada to design this special collection she developed the concepts with three high profile Canadian women: Mitsou Gélinas, Melissa Grelo, and Stacey McKenzie. Their individual interpretations reflect what the power suit means to them.
Television co-host Melissa Grelo’s power suit pay homage to her upbringing on her family’s horse farm and her love for the equestrian world. She’s an ambassador for GEM, an organization that mentors high school girls who face different barriers to success. 
Mitsou Gélinas is a powerhouse in her own right. As a musician, actor, entrepreneur, radio and television personality, writer and mother she’s worked hard to earn her all her successes in life. She’s also the spokesperson for the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation.
Stacey McKenzie is someone who turns heads as soon as she enters a room. As a model, motivational speaker, and television host as well as judge on various Canadian shows, her presence is always welcomed and her confidence sparks joy with everyone within her radius.
While the suits were designed with the three women in mind. But what really touched me what happened after the suits were revealed. Each woman offered their power suit to another strong female in their life. A sister, a childhood friend, a colleague.
She’s Mercedes Power Suit Project explores how every woman expresses her own power differently. It’s about her own power and how one’s personal style can help express self-confidence that comes from within.
“The goal of the She’s Mercedes Power Suit Project is to spark conversations about how women achieve and exude confidence,” says Virginie Aubert, Vice President of Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Canada. “Through this collaboration, we worked with
three successful Canadian women who shared their stories of finding self-confidence and their unique perspectives on personal style as a tool to express it. We hope their stories will inspire women across Canada to consider the roots of their own confidence, explore new ways of expressing themselves, and take steps to help empower the women in their own lives.”
She’s Mercedes is a global platform that aims to celebrate and connect successful women, empowering them to be their best by inspiring confidence, innovation, and collaboration.
Starting on International Women’s Day, the collection will be available for purchase online at mercedes-benz.ca as well as pinktartan.ca. A portion of the proceeds from the suits will go to Dress for Success, a global non-profit organization that provides professional attire to low- income women, helping to support them in the job search and interview processes.
Here’s an interesting bit of history… I had recently learned that the driving forces behind the Mercedes-Benz brand wasn’t just about inventor Karl Benz. In fact, it was Bertha, his wife and business partner, who played a critical role in one of the most successful and powerful car brands in the world. Bertha was the first person to drive long distance in an automobile. She was also credited for the invention of brake lining back in the late 1800’s.
Learn more about The She’s Mercedes Power Suit Project here.