Nissan Micra Special Version Designed by Otazu

Press Release

Glamour Inside Out

Following in the footsteps of 11 world-famous designers - including Yves Saint Laurent, Jean Charles de Catelbajac and John Galliano - jewellery designer Rodrigo Otazu has styled a pure white Micra. Nissan set no limits and no requirements -- every designer's dream. The Micra Otazu has become an exceptional car with a high glitter-'n-glam profile. There's now a lot of silver on the exterior, which is accentuated by fine stones. The interior has also been made into something special by the use of imitation fur upholstery in Chesterfield style. There's a lot of sparkle and glitter in the interior. The Micra Otazu amazed the public for the first time at the Millionaires Fair in the RAI in Amsterdam (9 - 12 December). Dutch customers will be able to buy a Nissan Micra Otazu from February.

Dazzling middle point

Rodrigo showed this unique Nissan Micra to those present at the Millionaires Fair on 9 December. The car was on the Otazu and Binc stand until 12 December. It will be in the Dam shop window of the Bijenkorf in Amsterdam from today, 21 December, until 9 January 2005. The Micra Otazu will dazzle you on the Nissan stand at the autoRAI (9 - 20 February 2005). The work of art will be presented to the American singer Kelis at this exhibition, who will use the car to promote her newest single "Millionaire".

'With love'

The Nissan Micra Otazu will be available to Dutch customers from February 2005. This Micra Otazu - available in limited numbers - has been given the recognisable 'with love' symbol. This 'with love' symbol by Rodrigo, in the form of a heart, can be found on both the car's bodywork and in the interior. Special attention has been paid to the interior with a subtle use of the heart. The special key ring is a desirable jewel in itself, as is the window and gear lever hanger. The sales price of the Micra Otazu is not yet known.

Workshop with Otazu

The www.micra-otazu.nl site went live in the middle of December. You can find all the information you want about the Micra Otazu on this special website. You can also take part in a quiz via this site - the star prize is a workshop with Otazu on 14 February at the autoRAI, together with 10 other winners, where you will all make the ultimate Valentine's jewel.

Biography of Rodrigo Otazu

Rodrigo Otazu was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. As a photo model for Calvin Klein, Rodrigo travelled the world. Sydney inspired him to make his first jewel. This creation was published in the Australian edition of Vogue and a new star was born.

As a model for the designers Ungaro, Ozbek and Lacroix, Rodrigo travelled throughout Europe, ultimately to end up in Amsterdam, which is where he opened his design studio. Not long afterwards, he was approached by Mart Visser and Frans Molenaar and then by Rifat Ozbek and asked to make designer fashion jewels for their fashion shows.

Rodrigo's collections were an immediate success with retailers and the press. Celebrities like Kelis, Lauren Hill, Aretha Franklin, Destiny's Child, and Lil' Kim were attracted to the glamour and exuberance in Otazu's designs. In September 2002, Britney Spears asked Rodrigo to design her jewels for her 'White Snake' performance during the MTV Awards. This was his final breakthrough and meant that his jewels can now be bought in 20 countries throughout the world.

Meanwhile, other prestigious companies have also discovered the power of Rodrigo's talent. Gassan Diamonds, a well-known diamond dealer in Amsterdam, approached Otazu to combine forces. The combination of fine diamonds and the creative talent of Otazu resulted in an impressive collection. This success has led to the design of Rodrigo's third exclusive diamond collection. He will launch a 'prêt à porter' collection of gold and diamonds at the beginning of 2005.

The fashion industry is also ogling Otazu's designs. This is the second year that Rodrigo has made a few special items for Christian Lacroix' s fashion line. The joint venture has been so successful that Lacroix has asked Otazu to design the catwalk for him. Clements Ribouro's show glittered with Otazu's jewels during the London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter ' 04.

Line extensions are soon to be introduced under the Otazu label. Rodrigo will shortly launch his first shoe collection, followed by a collection of special home decorations. The most recent proof of Rodrigo's creative spirit is the launch of special sunglasses.

Rodrigo has earlier said that he would like to style a car. Nissan gave him carte blanche to do this in 2004. This resulted in the exclusive and one-time design of the Nissan Micra and a special, limited customer version of the Micra.

In spite of all his successes, Rodrigo is still looking for new challenges. His unique approaches enable Otazu always to remain one step ahead. "Why are my jewels so special? Because they are 'me'. Emotion is the force of my designs, which is why they are so successful; they are pure", so says Otazu.