Rolls-Royce recently announced their latest inspirational piece, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Orchid. Designed specifically with Singapore in mind, the Phantom is extremely rare as just one singular model has been produced. Looking to the orchid for motivation, the team chose this reference to serve as a representation of beauty and strength. Serving as a withstanding focal point in the history of art, this marks the first instance of an orchid being incorporated into a Rolls-Royce commission. Exemplifying the attributes of elegance and glamour with a light but edgy flow comes to Rolls-Royce Phantom Orchid.
BESPOKE COLLABORATION
The new commission comes as a partnership with the Bespoke Collective and the withstanding Rolls-Royce team. This imperative duo saw the likes of top designers and artists coming together to create a work of art.
Michael Bryden, Lead Designer, Rolls-Royce Bespoke, spoke on the Phantom and how it came to its full loveliness. He stated, “[the] Phantom Extended, our pinnacle motor car, was chosen to be the ‘blank canvas’ for this commission. Our concept envisaged a balanced yet progressive design, which echoes the values of the Singapore region. The orchid is seen in many facets of Asian life, a reminder that the resilient adapt and thrive regardless of the evolving environment. Phantom is the only motor car in the world to feature the Gallery, a space that enables one to exhibit art, sculptures, or objects of self-expression in the sanctuary of Phantom’s interior. For Phantom Orchid, we collaborated with award-winning artist Helen Amy Murray to create a unique, hand-sculpted silk artwork. The delicate materials and techniques that were deployed in the creation of this piece are protected behind an application of pure glass, that runs uninterrupted across the fascia of Phantom. Finished in an elegant blend of Grace White, Havana and Smoke Grey with Dark Olive stitching, the interior evokes the calm and serene nature which is inherent to the character of Phantom.”
HAND-SCULPTED ART
Through the association with Helen Amy Murray and her team, a new wave of work with Phantom’s Gallery has been generated. Their fresh and innovative design transformed the interpretation of a motor car’s presence.
Helen found creativity from the orchid, often referencing the Singapore Orchid, hence as to why the commission was constructed with the location as muse. She worked around the clock, totaling over 200 hours of subtlety refining her designs with her team of six.
The design came to initially through Helen’s hand drawings and sketches, before moving to a digital media that would ensure the success of the piece. Through the virtual enhancements, the team was able to print the art directly onto the silk crepe satin. More handwork came into play for the final part of the layout process, where they hand-molded the flowers to stimulate a 3D force.
ORCHID SANCTUARY
Rolls-Royce Bespoke Designer Yohan Benchetrit worked his magic on the interior of the Phantom. He started with an orchid-motivated Picnic Table Inlay through the rear of the suite. Moving on, Bespoke treadplates were an addition that mimicked a like theme sans text to all who hopped into the motor car. Natural colors finished out the interior of the Phantom, adding to the luxurious experience imitated.
GLORIOUS EXTERIOR
To add to the exclusivity of this Phantom, a distinct paint was crafted using advanced, modern paint technology. The color started with a base of Arctic White with a light tint of violet was laid over, motivated by the main inspiration for the piece, orchids. The addition of fine glass particles within the paint color establishes a dazzling aura.
