Fiat Showed A Born This Way Edition Punto In 2011 That It Insisted Wasn't A Lady Gaga Special Edition
Picture it — Bologna, Italy, December 2011. You're making your way downtown, walking fast, faces pass and you're auto show bound. You push past the crowds that used to swarm auto shows, and walk up to the Fiat booth. You spot the most powerful version of the updated Punto hatchback, and notice something unusual. No, not the unique matte yellow paint with metal flake in it, though that does look nice. Do those seats say "born this way"? They sure do. Fiat produced a "Born This Way" special edition of its then-new Punto that it insisted wasn't inspired by Lady Gaga's impregnable anthem "Born This Way," which was conveniently released earlier that year.
Fiat claimed that its Punto Born This Way concept was created by the Fiat Style Center to showcase the new Punto's decisive, passionate and magnetic spirit. Sure, Fiat. Nobody would want to capitalize on the pop star's feel-good anthem of the year, arguably of the decade. Articles written about the Punto Born This Way concept from 2011 stress that the special edition was not associated with Lady Gaga, though they cited the ironic timing of the two uses of the phrase.
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The Fiat Punto Born This Way show car featured the most powerful engine that Fiat had planned for the Punto at the time of reveal, a 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo four that produced 135 horsepower and about 152 pound-feet of torque. That's not particularly polarizing, but its details sure were. The Born This Way special edition was shroud in a bespoke combination of Fiat's "to touch" matte yellow paint that also contained metal flake to make it sparkle. It also had a contrasting gloss black roof, door handles, and 17-inch alloy wheels as well as a custom B-pillar design.
The real Born This Way influence is apparent on the show car's interior where parts of the dashboard and the center portion of the seat upholstery were emblazoned with "Born This Way" messaging in distressed yellow and gray block letters. Fiat called it "InkLeather" upholstery and justifies its distressed appearance as a "lived-in" effect. Regardless of its justification, the pattern also featured words including provocative, irreverent, open minded, daring, and iconic.
Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" was an anthem encouraging radical self-acceptance, regardless of your perceived flaws and/or unique traits. Details about the 2011 Fiat Punto Born This Way edition are slim, but it doesn't look like it ever made its way to production. I'm not mad that it didn't get produced; while I like the paint color and the 'high performance' powertrain, the interior is a bit gauche. I wonder what known automotive enthusiast Lady Gaga thinks about it.
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Travel + Leisure
5 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
I Spend Every Summer in the South of France—These Are the 15 Effortlessly Chic Styles I Always Pack, From $30
When I first moved to Nice nearly 15 years ago, my vision of the Riviera was Grace Kelly glam. I packed two massive suitcases full of pieces that made sense in my hometown of Miami (mini dresses, stilettos) but instantly looked out of place on the French Riviera. Don't get me wrong—the South of France is one of the most glamorous spots on the globe. In addition to summering there every year, I've gone to galas in Monaco, drinking champagne next to Justin Bieber, and attended a 500-person dinner party on the fourth of July where Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett serenaded the off-the-runway Chanel-clad crowd. The French practically invented the concept of quiet luxury, so you'll see far fewer labels (apart from the stylish strip of shops on La Croisette in Cannes) in the Riviera. What I quickly learned, though, is comfort is key, especially in summer when days can be sweltering and there's not an air-conditioned space in sight. Of course, the French know how to make anything look stylish with the right silhouette or accessories, so a few simple basics like breezy linen pants, a perfect little white dress, and a pair of classic espadrilles will go a long way in your suitcase if you're headed to the South of France. Sézane may be a Parisian label, but the looks capture the South of France's breezy, effortlessly chic style. I recently added this embroidered dress to my spring wardrobe and have worn it consistently since everywhere from wine tasting in the Luberon at Domaine de Fontenille to Monte-Carlo during the Grand Prix. On breezier days, I throw on another new staple piece from Sézane, the suede oversized Will jacket, and a pair of patent lug-sole loafers, while on warm sunny days in Provence, it's perfect with a pair of slide sandals and a stack of chunky gold bangles to add a little shine. Don a pair of wedges and a raffia clutch, and Sézane's Elvina dress doubles as an evening look for dinner in a charming hilltop town like Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Flip-flops are an instant giveaway that you're a tourist on the Riviera. At the beach, the French go two directions—casual espadrilles or sophisticated sandal slides. I'm a fan of the latter, since they're versatile enough to go from a day of sightseeing to a nicer dinner and evening out. The downside: they're often hard to break in and don't provide enough support. This pair from Kenneth Cole, however, offers the best of both—they're stylish and have a slight block heel to give you some height, yet the cushioned footbed ensures you'll be comfortable during a full day of strolling around. Tanks in France are never too tight or revealing. Women prefer looser fits that can easily be layered or tucked into pants or a skirt. The neckline of this gorgeous tank is flattering on almost any figure, and the silhouette will make any ensemble look instantly pulled together. I'm a huge fan of this moss green shade, especially in summer, since it pairs nicely with cream-colored pants or a white midi-skirt. 'A must in your wardrobe,' one shopper wrote, adding they're already planning to get more colors—and I'm already thinking I'll do the same. I love a poppy coral color in summer to break up my mostly neutral wardrobe, and this tiered maxi dress at Quince is one of the most eye-catching I've come across this season. The perfect transition piece from day to night, this dress is both comfortable and still elevated thanks to the smocked waistband and voluminous three-tiered skirt. The coral shade would pair beautifully with mahogany-colored thick-strapped leather sandals or heels, or you could dress it down for a day of sightseeing with leather-lined espadrilles or white Superga sneakers. Tailored pants can be tricky for me, since I'm on the short side. But this linen pair from Madewell comes in a petite size, meaning appropriate ankle-bearing length for my 5-foot-1 frame. What's great about these pull-on linen pants is that they're super comfortable yet look styled thanks to the shape of the curved barrel leg. They're the epitome of South of France chic and would look just as fashionable with a simple tee as a flouncy transparent blouse. When I was living in Nice, a denim dress like this one from Madewell became my staple in summer. Easy to throw on and look pulled together, it's the perfect piece for the South of France. For a morning strolling through the main market in the Cours Saleya, I bring a classic Provençal-style basket bag and wear leather slides, while in the nearby medieval villages like Èze, I trade out sandals for Keds sneakers to have more support on the slippery cobbled streets. I sometimes even wear my denim dress as a swimsuit cover-up, rolling it up and keeping it in my beach bag. The style in the South of France shifts from androgynous to soft and feminine, heavy on embroidery and eyelet trim. While some of these looks can cost hundreds at shops in Saint-Tropez, this shirt from is almost identical to what you'd find on the French Riviera. Slightly cropped, this crochet top looks great with everything from a high-waisted skirt or shorts to a bathing suit and linen pants. Pastels are big in the South of France, but as someone who is typically on the safe side, peach and mint tones are the most you'll see me in. However, I've been loving the butter yellow trend this year, and this pale yellow shift dress from Everlane is the perfect shade for summer. The retro silhouette reminds me of Jane Birkin and drapes in the right places. Perfect for an afternoon of museum hopping around spots like Musée Picasso in Antibes or Musée National Marc Chagall in Nice, you can quickly elevate the look for evening with a pair of slingback flats or wedges. This Seafolly bathing suit is a splurge, but this is a swimsuit you can wear year after year and never get tired of. The sweetheart neckline and underwire support give it a corset-like feel that's sexy yet still sophisticated. The pattern is versatile and can pair with breezy linen pants or denim shorts, or, my favorite way to wear a one-piece swimsuit, as a bodysuit. At a beach club like Byblos Beach in Ramatuelle, near Saint-Tropez, I'd wear it with a button-down linen top (buttons open, of course) and a pair of crochet pants with raffia wedges, and voilà—I'm ready to go from la plage to the beach club's boho-chic restaurant. At beach clubs in the South of France, a cover-up is just as much about fashion as swimwear itself. I prefer to have more coverage than just a sarong and love the fact that these daffodil-patterned pants can double as a set with the matching bandeau bikini top. The poppy print looks similar to styles from brands like Farm Rio and Zimmermann—yet they're a fraction of the price, and now on sale, nearly 25 percent off. They may be breezy and designed for the beach, yet they're fashionable enough to sport through town when paired with a white linen button-down top or thin knit tank. Straw is synonymous with summertime, especially in the South of France, where you'll find baskets at every shop. While I love the classic market baskets for shopping, I prefer a more structured tote as a purse. This hand-woven shoulder bag at Amazon is the ideal size, since it's large enough to hold a Turkish towel for the beach and a bikini, yet won't feel like it's weighing you down. What I love most is that it's packable and can be used both as a personal item on a plane or stuffed in a suitcase and never lose its shape. You'll notice that unless you're on the beach, most locals in the South of France don't wear anything short or tight—and this includes denim shorts. Instead, go for a vintage-inspired fit with a mid-length hem and baggy cut like these classics from Levi's. Great to wear with a tucked-in button-down linen top or simple tee, they're an easy basic to throw into your suitcase and sport during the day or over a bikini at the beach. They could even transition into evening at a casual restaurant in Nice, like iconic La Merenda, when paired with block heels or wedges. In the summer, I practically live in linen since it's lightweight and breathable—the key to surviving scorching summer days (especially when many places in the South of France don't have air-conditioning). Wide-leg linen pants are one of the best investments you can make for the season, since they can double as loungewear, beachwear, or even airport attire for long-haul flights (much chicer than leggings). This European-inspired pair from Quince is now more than half off, and while the elastic waistband and relaxed fit give it a pajama-like feel, it looks much more elevated—and expensive. Aviators are classics, but skip the metal frame in summer and opt for something more playful, like this oversized pair from Free People. The retro style looks much more expensive than it is and will definitely make a statement, whether you're wearing them while lounging at the new Jacquemus Beach Club at the Monte-Carlo Beach Club or dining seaside at Nammos Cannes. Plus, the price point makes them an easy addition for your summer rotation, and you won't have to worry too much if you lose them. The quickest way to stand out as a tourist is by wearing an oversized floppy hat. The idea may seem glamorous, but the French are all about subtlety. Instead, sport a wide-brim Panama hat like this Amazon-loved one, which you can fold and carry in your beach bag. Not only does it have UPF 50+ sun protection, it even comes with a detachable chin strap, so no need to worry about it blowing away on a boat day around Cannes's Lérins Islands. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Buzz Feed
a day ago
- Buzz Feed
27 Affordable Abercrombie Items To Update Your Closet
An everyday skort dress with skater vibes that Avril Lavigne herself would totally approve of. Equal parts cute and punk-tastic, its built-in shorts let you kickflip into the day in total style. Promising review: "This dress is so comfortable and versatile! Can be dressed up or down, and love the built-in shorts." —EmmaredPrice: $52.50 (originally $70; available in sizes XXS–XXL and six colors) A body-skimming tee that hugs you just right — sleek, soft, and ready to serve main tee energy no matter how you sport it. Promising review: "The perfect casual cute shirt. I love the buttery material and length is cropped but long enough to meet top of shorts for my long torso." —AfmomPrice: $19 (available in sizes XXS–XXL and 15 colors) A linen blend mini skort because sometimes you want the breezy look of a skirt with the chill, no-flash confidence of shorts. These babies are made for sunny day slaying. Promising review: "Obsessed with this skort! 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Newsweek
a day ago
- Newsweek
Millennial Man Rediscovers 2008 Photos—No One Prepared for What They Show
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A man has gone viral for showcasing his teenage years when he had first discovered the powers of Photoshop. Calvin Bremer, 36, from St. Louis, Missouri, was in his late teens in 2008, when Myspace, Lady Gaga and emo fashion ruled the teenage online world. And when he found Photoshop, which allowed him to edit his own selfies, he told Newsweek that he was "having the time of my life." "I always had a fascination with art and creating things," Bremer said, and with the photo-editing software "my imagination could do anything, so I taught myself graphic design before I even went to college for it." For years, Bremer had kept the photos he created—and when he stumbled upon Reddit sub u/blunderyears, in which people share embarrassing photos of their childhood or teenage selves, he knew he had the perfect thing to post. In a post shared on June 11, which racked up more than 71,000 upvotes, Bremer shared a series of photographs, the first showing his teenage self sharing a kiss with pop star Britney Spears. From left: Calvin Bremer uses Photoshop to kiss Britney Spears and show his love for Lady Gaga. From left: Calvin Bremer uses Photoshop to kiss Britney Spears and show his love for Lady Gaga. Reddit u/gucci-milk The next, a topless Bremer with fake tattoos on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. Other edited snaps show him posing with the lyrics to Lady Gaga's classic song "Poker Face" decorating the background, wearing Pikachu merchandise, and playing a guitar—which he admitted in a caption he does not "even know how to play." Reddit users loved it, with one calling it "such a flashback," and another praising it as "quality blunder material." "I bet your Myspace page was awesome, though," one commented, as another added: "This is some of the best late 2000s cringe I've ever seen. This is some blunder years." And as one person put it: "It's a testament to just how cringey we millennials were that the amount of quality content on this subreddit seems to be neverending." From left: Bremer appears on the front cover of "Rolling Stone" magazine, and pretends to play the guitar. From left: Bremer appears on the front cover of "Rolling Stone" magazine, and pretends to play the guitar. Reddit u/gucci-milk Bremen said that he never imagined his post would have the reaction it did. "It made me smile seeing everyone cringe, laugh, and relate in unison. The days of Myspace and millennials running the internet is truly funny to look back on!" Launched in 2003, social-media network Myspace peaked in 2008 with 115 million users. However, it was soon overtaken by Facebook in terms of unique visitors, according to data from Statista, and was unable to recover. And as for whether his early adoption of Photoshop helped his career, Bremer said that his job role is "not fully graphic design-based, but I still use Photoshop and other Adobe programs a lot in my job." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures you want to share? Send them to life@ with some extra details, and they could appear on our website.
