For car enthusiasts, the idea of a dream restoration project is irresistible, a chance to reimagine an iconic vehicle using the finest materials, attention to detail, and a deeply personal touch. For Teddy Santis, founder and creative director of Aimé Leon Dore (ALD), this dream became a reality through an extraordinary collaboration with Porsche. Since 2020, the New York-based fashion and lifestyle brand has partnered with Porsche to produce a series of bespoke, restored classics, merging Porsche’s automotive heritage with ALD’s modern aesthetic and dedication to craftsmanship.
Aimé Leon Dore: The Brand and Its Vision
Founded in 2014, Aimé Leon Dore rose to prominence for its timeless yet contemporary take on apparel, blending classic menswear with the influences of street culture. The brand is celebrated for its clean, elegant designs, commitment to quality, and cultural storytelling, making it a natural partner for Porsche, a marque synonymous with craftsmanship, performance, and understated style. This shared ethos laid the foundation for an ongoing series of creative collaborations, resulting in a collection of meticulously restored Porsche models that blend art, history, and innovation.
2020: Porsche x Aimé Leon Dore 911 Carrera 4 (Type 964)
The partnership’s debut project set the tone for a series of breathtaking collaborations to come a restoration of a 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 (Type 964) that perfectly captured the essence of both brands. The car’s exterior was painted in a striking, clean shade of white, chosen to echo the façade of Aimé Leon Dore’s flagship store in Manhattan. This choice wasn’t merely aesthetic; it symbolised a shared commitment to timeless, understated elegance. The subtle color acted as a canvas for design flourishes that paid homage to Porsche’s storied legacy, including the addition of the Pegasus logo, a celebrated emblem from Porsche’s racing heritage, and a custom rear grille badge designed specifically for the collaboration.
A standout feature of the exterior design was the inclusion of a ducktail spoiler, a subtle yet impactful nod to the 911 Carrera RS 2.7, an icon in Porsche’s motorsport history. This detail underscored the project’s intention to blend heritage with contemporary design. The result was a car that balanced simplicity with boldness, offering an aesthetic that was both classic and modern—a perfect manifestation of the philosophy underpinning the collaboration.
Inside the car, Aimé Leon Dore’s meticulous approach to material innovation and luxury craftsmanship was on full display. The cabin was transformed into a haven of refinement, starting with Schott sunflower leather, which enveloped the dashboard, steering wheel, and door panels, infusing the space with a warm, inviting richness. To complement this, the seats featured Loro Piana houndstooth fabric, a material synonymous with sophistication and heritage. This thoughtful combination of textures added depth and character, creating an interior that was as tactile as it was visually striking.
Further enhancing the ambiance, the headliner and sunroof were clad in matching suede, offering a seamless continuation of the car’s opulent design language. The seats, meticulously crafted by RECARO, were a testament to the precision and attention to detail that defined the project. Every element of the interior was carefully considered, from the material choices to the stitching, creating a cohesive and harmonious space that celebrated the artistry of both Porsche and Aimé Leon Dore.
This restoration isn’t just a reimagining of a classic car; it was a statement of intent. By blending Porsche’s engineering legacy with Aimé Leon Dore’s design ethos, the debut project demonstrated the potential of their partnership – a perfect marriage of performance and artistry, tradition and innovation. It was a car that didn’t just turn heads but also set a new benchmark for what could be achieved when two iconic brands come together with a shared vision.
2021: Porsche x Aimé Leon Dore 911 SC
In 2021, Aimé Leon Dore and Porsche built on the success of their first collaboration with a restoration of the Porsche 911 SC (1978–1983), a model deeply connected to the personal history of ALD’s founder, Teddy Santis. Growing up, Santis was captivated by the car’s distinctive silhouette and rugged charm, a fascination that inspired the thoughtful design choices for this project. The restoration was finished in Olive green, a shade that exudes both nostalgia and elegance.
Beyond the paintwork, the car features a range of personalised touches that tell a story. A custom-designed roof rack, loaded with curated items, is a heartfelt nod to Santis’ childhood vacations with his family in Greece, where long journeys and shared moments became cherished memories. The addition of auxiliary rally lights, mounted on the hood, evokes the adventurous spirit of classic rally cars, enhancing the car’s vintage aesthetic while maintaining its functional edge. Together, these details reflect Santis’ passion for design that celebrates both utility and the beauty of well-loved objects as they age gracefully over time.
Inside, the interior is a masterclass in blending tradition with innovation. Persian carpets (symbols of artistry and cultural heritage) were repurposed as luxurious floor mats and door panel inlays, adding a sense of warmth and individuality to the car’s interior. These unconventional yet elegant touches are paired with crème-coloured bouclé and leather seats, skillfully crafted by RECARO, ensuring a tactile and visual experience that feels as comfortable as it is refined.
Every element in the design was handcrafted, underscoring the meticulous attention to detail that defines the ALD x Porsche collaboration. The Porsche 911 SC restoration was the second tribute to Porsche. It’s an expression of personal history, cultural inspiration, and the artistry of materials brought together in harmony. Through this project, Aimé Leon Dore and Porsche once again demonstrated their shared vision for creating timeless objects that celebrate heritage while remaining undeniably modern.
2023: Porsche x Aimé Leon Dore 356 B
The third chapter in the Aimé Leon Dore and Porsche partnership took a journey back in time with the restoration of a 1960 Porsche 356 B, a model that represents one of Porsche’s earliest forays into sportscar design. This restoration embraced the 356’s vintage charm while introducing a sophisticated modern twist that honored both the car’s historical significance and ALD’s contemporary aesthetic.
One of the most striking transformations was the decision to remove the front and rear bumpers, a bold design move that enhanced the car’s streamlined silhouette. This adjustment not only modernised the look but also emphasised the elegance of the 356’s iconic shape. The exterior was then finished in a bespoke Midnight Blue paint, a deep and refined color that perfectly complemented the era of the vehicle. To complete the look, the car was fitted with brushed aluminum wheels and white-wall tires, imbuing it with a sense of post-war glamour and sophistication reminiscent of its original time period.
The interior of the restored 356 B continued the theme of understated luxury, showcasing Aimé Leon Dore’s eye for detail and texture. The seats were upholstered in Midnight Blue leather with tartan-patterned inserts, a subtle yet striking choice that added a layer of depth and character. The floor was lined with alpaca leather mats, an unexpected and luxurious material that elevated the tactile experience of the cabin. These elements were crafted with precision and care, reflecting ALD’s ethos of blending traditional craftsmanship with modern refinement.
As with previous collaborations, ALD incorporated signature motifs that tied this project to the broader narrative of the partnership. Custom grille badges, designed specifically for the car, served as a nod to Porsche’s racing culture and heritage, while fog lights added both functionality and a vintage touch. These recurring details underscored the consistency and thoughtfulness behind every ALD x Porsche restoration.
The 1960 Porsche 356 B restoration was a celebration of Porsche’s origins and ALD’s ability to reimagine the past through a contemporary lens. By combining historical reverence with modern craftsmanship, this collaboration bridged eras, creating a vehicle that feels as timeless as it does innovative. It stands as a testament to the shared vision and passion that continues to define the Aimé Leon Dore and Porsche partnership.
2024: Porsche x Aimé Leon Dore 993 Turbo
The latest chapter in the Aimé Leon Dore x Porsche series is the reimagined Porsche 993 Turbo, a model celebrated as the final air-cooled 911 and a defining icon of the 1990s. For this restoration, the car is finished in Mulberry Green, a colour that has become synonymous with ALD’s signature style. The rich hue not only pays homage to the brand’s aesthetic but also elevates the car’s presence, exuding a timeless sophistication. Completing the exterior are matching Turbo Twist Rims accented in gold, which seamlessly tie together elegance and sportiness.
While visually stunning, the restoration goes beyond appearances with significant technical upgrades, drawing inspiration from the performance-oriented 993 Turbo S. Among the enhancements are an upgraded exhaust system and a ‘whale tail’ rear wing, iconic for its aerodynamic and visual impact. These additions give the car a bolder, more aggressive edge, perfectly complementing its refined aesthetic and hinting at its impressive capabilities on the road.
The interior is a masterpiece of opulence and craftsmanship. The interior is cloaked in dark brown leather, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, with lambswool accents adding layers of texture and comfort. Every detail is meticulously designed to reflect both ALD’s luxury ethos and Porsche’s precision engineering. The monochromatic colour scheme extends to the floor mats, seats, and instrument cluster, ensuring a cohesive, polished look.
What truly sets this 993 Turbo apart, however, are the personal and meaningful touches that ground it in ALD’s origins. The gear knob, for instance, is crafted in gold and shaped like the Unisphere, the iconic Queens, New York landmark, tying the car back to where Aimé Leon Dore was founded. The door sills are inscribed with the phrase, “A team from outta Queens with the American dream,” a tribute to the brand’s journey from a neighborhood in New York to an international symbol of style and creativity.
This latest restoration is a statement of passion, heritage, and innovation. By merging ALD’s distinctive design language with Porsche’s storied performance legacy, the reimagined 993 Turbo represents the pinnacle of a shared commitment to craftsmanship and a vision that honours the past while shaping a future.
A Collaboration Beyond Cars
Each Aimé Leon Dore x Porsche project is more than just a car restoration; it’s a set of cultural statements. Many can see the influence automotive engineering has had on fashion design, this partnership celebrates a shared commitment to craftsmanship, storytelling, and legacy. These vehicles are works of art that embody the ethos of two brands dedicated to excellence, and they continue to inspire enthusiasts worldwide.
With each new model, the collaboration deepens, proving that when two visionaries unite, the results can transcend industries and create timeless icons.
