2012 Ford Focus Dress Blends Edward Scissorhands, Lady Gaga

Just the Facts:

• Ford commissioned a fashion designer to make a dress out of parts from a 2012 Ford Focus, with the result being part Edward Scissorhands, part Lady Gaga.
• The outfit includes a biker jacket made from the cover of the car seat.
• A complementary necklace is also made from Ford Focus parts.

DEARBORN, Michigan — Ford commissioned a fashion designer to make a dress out of parts from a 2012 Ford Focus, with the result being part Edward Scissorhands, part Lady Gaga. The exercise was part of the 100th anniversary of Ford in Britain.

The dress is noteworthy because it's the first time the automaker has used the words "Ford Focus" and "crinoline-style bustle" in the same press release. A crinoline is a hooped petticoat, while a bustle is a pad worn under a skirt that puffs it out from behind.

Scottish designer Judy Clark, who once worked for the late Alexander McQueen, was commissioned to create the dress in one week by Ford. Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen created the bridal gown for Kate Middleton, who married England's Prince William last April.

The automotive-themed dress has an Edwardian look reminiscent of Helena Bonham Carter in the Harry Potter movies, as well as the 1990 Edward Scissorhands movie. The back of the dress is made up of small auto parts stitched into a small crinoline-type bustle, says Clark on her blog. The outfit includes a biker jacket made from the car seat and the speedometer of the Focus, along with spray-paint leather and lace. Under the jacket is a gauze and chiffon corset appliquéd with copper wire. Red taillights from the car accent the skirt.

"Ford only asked for a dress but I could not resist making the whole outfit," wrote Clark. "Do you think Lady Gaga would be interested?"

English designer Katherine Hawkins made a complementary necklace from Ford Focus parts that she says is supposed to look "robotic." Hawkins can't "name the pieces she used" because "she doesn't drive," said Ford in a statement.

It is not uncommon for the automotive and fashion industries to intersect. Purses made out of seatbelts have been on store shelves for years, while fashion designers frequently lend their name and talent to automotive design.

Inside Line says: The Ford Focus meets the runway, with a strange result.