Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled a bespoke collection symbolizing the 2024 ‘Year of the Dragon’. This bespoke collection, which commemorates the Lunar New Year on February 10, draws inspiration from the dragon, a symbol of power, success, and prosperity, and has been limited to just four vehicles, including three Phantom Extendeds and one Cullinan.
The interior and exterior of this bespoke collection feature the traditional form of the dragon, while also incorporating modern and minimalist expressions. The three collection vehicles include a fascia panel that reinterprets the dragon’s shape as a highly modern art piece, utilizing a vibrant red color that symbolizes prosperity and fortune.
The three works were born from the delicate handiwork of dedicated Rolls-Royce artists, with each taking over two weeks to complete. To achieve the complex three-dimensional motif, various shades of red were divided into four layers, resulting in a realistic 3D effect that makes it appear as if the artwork is sculpted into the fascia.
This dragon motif subtly extends into the interior space. The ‘Phoenix Red’ stitching on each of the four headrests contrasts boldly with the seat leather offered in black or white. To express the dragon’s dynamism, Rolls-Royce artisans carefully aligned the stitching direction and adjusted the density. Each embroidery consists of 5,449 stitches and took over 20 hours to complete.
Furthermore, a simplified circular zodiac design is engraved onto the piano black picnic table located at the rear of the three collection vehicles. The names of the animals representing each year are engraved in Chinese characters, with the dragon highlighted in gold. The fourth collection features bespoke artwork in the shape of a dragon, crafted from stainless steel piano black veneer.
A bespoke starlight headliner, specially made for this collection, was completed after three months of design and development work. The 677 ‘stars’ embroidered into the ceiling form an abstract dragon motif, surrounded by 667 lights. The meticulous process of achieving the perfect arrangement alone took over 20 hours.
The custom collection based on the Phantom Extended is crowned with a gallery artwork that spans across the entire fascia. This artwork, crafted from carbon fiber, is carefully protected by glass and resonates with the dynamic form of the dragon. The interior is finished with bespoke wool mats that harmoniously blend with the leather trim.
The exterior of the vehicles features unique color combinations tailored for each model. The Cullinan boasts a two-tone color scheme of crystal-finished cherry red and silvery gray, enhancing its exclusivity.
The Phantom Extended is offered in a silver and cherry red two-tone combination or a crystal-finished solid black color. The bespoke coachline included in this collection intricately integrates the dragon motif, hand-painted in Phoenix Red.
All four collection vehicles feature handcrafted bespoke coachlines in Phoenix Red, exquisitely incorporating the dragon motif. Each dragon faces to the right, symbolizing the direction of the rising sun in the east.
Jonathan Sims, Head of Bespoke at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, stated, “Rolls-Royce creates products inspired by the culture and traditions of the world, based on designs, motifs, materials, and colors that best represent our customers and hold personal significance. This bespoke collection inspired by the Year of the Dragon expresses respect for various cultures while showcasing modernity and minimalism that align with global luxury consumer trends.”
Additionally, Rolls-Royce bespoke designer Rebecca Davis remarked, “We aimed to capture the essence of the dragon, symbolizing strength and vitality, and reinterpret it in a modern way. Rolls-Royce bespoke artisans expressed the dragon from a sophisticated perspective, demonstrating how a design can transform through various techniques and craftsmanship.”
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr