Lotus to unveil new clothing line

Lotus will launch its Lotus Originals brand of outerwear, knitwear and leather goods on Feb. 23 during London's fashion week, the automaker said on Monday.

The new line will include cashmere sweaters and hand-stitched leather jackets inspired by 1970s driver suits.

"We have developed a collection that is luxurious in a classic, understated way so it is easy to wear every day yet still make you feel part of our very special brand," said Wiebke Bauer, director of licensing and merchandising for Lotus.

The line will also include polos and T-shirts with vintage Lotus logos, racing stripes and car silhouettes. Block numbers commemorate the first Lotus that Colin Chapman built in 1948, as well as famous Lotus racing victories in the 1960s and '70s.

The Lotus Originals Web site will launch on Jan. 29 at www.lotusoriginals.com. Lotus is planning to open a Lotus Originals store in late 2011.

By Brad Constant