The phrase too much money and not enough sense springs to mind.
Be that as it may, the Rolls-Royce ‘one of one’ Phantom Orchid, designed specially for Singapore — is an impressive motor car.
Orchids have long been a focal point for art through the ages, but this is the first time they have been picked for a Rolls-Royce commission.
The Phantom Extended model was chosen as the ‘blank canvas’ for this commission, drawing on the skills of the Bespoke Collective at the Home of Rolls-Royce.
UK-based artist and textile designer Helen Amy Murray and her team have undertaken pioneering bespoke work with Phantom’s Gallery – a wholly contemporary and luxury reinterpretation of a motor car’s fascia and instrument panel area.
Murray was inspired by several kinds of orchids, including the Singapore Orchid, spending over 200 hours relentlessly refining her design and artwork with a team of six.
“I started by focusing on the actual orchids, which promptly led me to realise that colour was key to capturing the essence of the species,” he said.
“I have created artworks featuring orchids in the past, but my idea for the Gallery was to create something in realistic full colour, which pushed us to refine our digital printing skills.
Murray started by illustrating the design by hand before creating a digital version that she could print directly onto the silk crepe satin.
The final part of the process involved a meticulous hand-sculpting of the flowers, releasing layers of fabric to create a 3D effect.
Inside designer Yohan Benchetrit applied his talent to the Bespoke orchid-inspired Picnic Table Inlays in the rear which, when opened, gracefully reveal a beautiful layer of orchids set into Piano Black veneer.
He added Bespoke treadplates with a similar theme, but no text — to welcome the owner and passengers into the car.
The interior was furnished with elegant, natural colours that provide a soothing ambience akin to an Orchid Sanctuary.
To complete this special ‘one of one’ Phantom, a unique paint was specially created using the latest technology.
Arctic White was chosen as the base colour, with a tint of violet added — inspired by orchids.
Combined with fine glass particles through a special process, the result is a stunning pearlescent appearance.
Under bright light, the technology creates a shimmering effect like no other, changing as an observer views the motor car from different angles.
An eye-catching single coachline on either side of car incorporates a Bespoke motif, inspired by an orchid, completing the theme.
The making of Phantom Orchid's gallery
Symbol
Rolls-Royce Phantom Orchid
Helen Amy Murray
Tray table
Glovebox
Motif
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