Ronnie Fieg, the founder of the New York lifestyle label Kith, has been a household name for every BMW M fan since at least 2020. With the exclusive BMW M4 Competition x Kith edition model, which was limited to 150 pieces, the designer worked with M GmbH to create a coveted collector's item that combines the sophisticated world of fashion with the high-performance character of the BMW M4 Competition Coupé. The Kith founder himself is a true M enthusiast: the brand has influenced him since childhood, and he now collects M cars, especially classics. All of his cars have been magnificently restored and personalized with unique Kith design details. In a BMW M Magazine exclusive, Ronnie Fieg shows off his exciting collection and gives an interview about his special relationship with the strongest letter in the world.
Where does your special relationship to BMW come from?
It came from my grandfather’s BMW M3 E30, which was his prized possession. Seeing his passion for that car really rubbed off on me and helped me build an emotional connection to BMW from a young age.
Favorite memory in a BMW?
It’s actually one of my earliest memories, which is driving around in the summertime with my grandfather in his car. He passed away when I was seven, but the feeling of that moment has stayed with me.
So I really own five models, but have collected multiples of them so it’s hard to pick a favorite. I love them all for different reasons and they all hold a special place in my heart. I think the E24 M6 is the most classically designed BMW to date. The E30 M3 is one of, if not the most important vehicle in the history of BMW M. It paved the way for so many other performance models from the brand. Then there’s the E31 850 CSi which was so ahead of its time that even today I believe it’s the most beautiful modern sports car there is.
The two cars I drive the most are the 850CSi and the M760, which is funny because they are two standouts in BMW’s history of V12 engine models. Owning both of those is really special because I feel like they epitomize the best of what BMW has offered in performance over the last thirty years.
Where do you keep your cars now?
It’s split between the two areas where I live, which is Brooklyn and East End.
What was your first car?
It was a 1995 5-speed Nissan Maxima.
Any cars missing in your collection?
The BMW M1, the BMW E28 M5 and the BMW E36 M3.
These are transformational times for a high performance brand like BMW M. What is your take on electrification?
I love seeing how BMW is evolving and where the brand is going. I think as long as the driving experience is never compromised, a brand like BMW can be who leads us into the future.
What is the most recent BMW you bought?
I have a very special model being restored as we speak. I don’t want to share what it is until I have it in my hands.
Thank you for the interview and the exclusive insight, we are looking forward to further exciting collaborations between BMW and KITH.
RONNIE FIEG.
New York-based lifestyle brand Kith was founded in 2011 by Ronnie Fieg, who had already made a name for himself as a respected designer in the contemporary fashion scene. Born and raised in Queens, Fieg established himself on the footwear and fashion scenes at the age of 12. His enthusiasm for BMW also became apparent at an early age. Kith seeks to shift the current landscape of fashion landscape and is also known for its collaborations with major brands like Nike, Moncler, Disney, Coca-Cola and Versace.
