01-07-2010 The lights of Chelsea Bridge shone a little brighter last night when supermodel Erin O’Connor welcomed Vauxhall’s new electric car to the capital dressed in an equally electrifying design by British fashion icon, William Tempest.

The Vauxhall Ampera is a pioneering new car that delivers low-emissions* and is constantly powered by electricity¹ . With its official release date in 2012 fast approaching, the car made its first appearance on UK roads this month, embarking on a whirlwind maiden voyage that ended last night in London.

Tempest‘s exclusive electric dress, which has been named the ‘Erin Electric,’ features over 1,000 dazzling lights and Swarovski crystals²  and was tailored exactly to Erin O’Connor’s famous figure. The illuminated creation’s panelled styling is also modelled closely on the car, while its cut-out sections lend both power and femininity to the design.

Commenting on the occasion, Erin O’Connor said: “I’m a real supporter when it comes to helping the environment, and the Vauxhall Ampera is a massive leap in the right direction, so it was an easy decision to welcome it to London. Of course, I also leapt at the chance to team up with my friend William again and have the pleasure of wearing another one of his stunning designs!”

William Tempest’s collections have excited the fashion world, bringing the young designer a meteoric rise to fame and a major celebrity following including Emma Watson, Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham, amongst others. Commenting on what sparked his imagination for the dress, Tempest said:

“When Vauxhall approached me about designing a dress to celebrate the Ampera, I was really excited. My thoughts for the design immediately turned to bringing to life the electric nature of the car, and what better way than with an actual electric dress?”

Wendy Towler, spokesperson for Vauxhall, comments: “The Vauxhall Ampera is truly innovative, and just like William’s dress, there’s nothing else quite like it. With both William’s and Erin’s cutting-edge style and green credentials, we felt the Ampera presented the perfect opportunity for them to collaborate again on something they are both passionate about.”

1. When it goes on sale in early 2012, the Vauxhall Ampera will be unique in providing British motorists with the potential of zero tailpipe emissions* for those who cover fewer than 50 miles between charges. It also offers the option of a 350-mile range via its range-extender petrol engine/generator. In either mode, the Ampera's wheels are always driven by an electric motor.

2. The dress is constructed with 200 Light Emitting Diodes and 1,000 Swarovski crystals.