Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom Orchid commissioned for Singapore

MANILA: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled the “one of one” Phantom Orchid that was specially designed for Singapore. The orchid was chosen as a symbol of perseverance, beauty, and power. Orchids have long been a popular subject for art, but this is the first time they have been selected for a Rolls-Royce commission. The orchid is considered the most coveted ornamental plant; it is attractive, exotic, graceful yet hardy.

The Bespoke Collective at the Home of Rolls-Royce brought together designers, craftsmen, and artisans over the course of two years to produce a masterpiece of this caliber.

“Phantom Extended, our pinnacle motor car, was chosen to be the ‘blank canvas’ for this commission,” Rolls-Royce Bespoke Lead Designer Michael Bryden stated. “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.”

Phantom’s Gallery is a fully modern and luxury recreation of a motor car’s fascia and instrument panel area, on which Murray and her team have undertaken pioneering bespoke work.

The UK-based artist and textile designer was inspired by various kinds of orchids, including the Singapore Orchid, and worked relentlessly with a team of six to create her design and artwork.

“I started by focusing on the actual orchids, which promptly led me to realize that color was key to capturing the essence of the species. I have created artworks featuring orchids in the past, but my idea for the Gallery was to create something in realistic full color, which pushed us to refine our digital printing skills,” Murray said.

Rolls-Royce Bespoke Designer Yohan Benchetrit created bespoke orchid-inspired Picnic Table Inlays in the rear, which when opened, smoothly reveal a lovely layer of orchids inlaid into piano-black veneer. The occupants are also welcomed by bespoke treadplates with a similar theme sans text. The interior suite, on the other hand, was decorated in soft, natural colors that evoked the feeling of being in the Orchid Sanctuary.

A unique paint was specially formulated using cutting-edge technology to complete this “one of one” Phantom. The base color was Arctic White, with a violet tinge applied to represent orchids. Combined with fine glass particles through a unique process, the outcome is a dazzling pearlescent effect. The paint technology forms a shimmering effect in bright light that changes as the viewer looks at the car from different angles. The theme is completed by a striking single coachline, which features a bespoke motif inspired by an orchid, on either side of Phantom.

“It draws parallels with the Singapore I know; a thoroughly modern garden city merging nature and technology effortlessly in its make-up,” said Bryden, who also designed the “one of one” SG50 Bespoke Ghost for the country’s 50^th anniversary. “It was the first time we had produced a motor car to celebrate such an occasion, so I am again delighted to have participated with Yohan and the Bespoke Collective here in Goodwood to create another masterpiece for Singapore.”

Photos from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Also read: Rolls-Royce looks back at Bespoke highlights in 2021