After a four-year project, the Phantom Syntopia is the culmination of the inspiration that came from the legendary fashion icon’s 2018 collection of the same name.
Having been hijacked by marketing departments, the word “bespoke” has become so overused and misapplied by the luxury industry that its true meaning is rapidly being diluted. With the Phantom Syntopia, an acclaimed collaboration with Iris van Herpen, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has advanced the actual definition for 116 years.
Described as the “most technically complex bespoke model” ever produced by the iconic British marque, the exquisite one-off was revealed today.
“We have a good relationship with the designer Iris van Herpen and know what she is envisioning in the world of fashion,” explains Rolls-Royce design director Anders Warming. “We started a dialogue with her saying, ‘wouldn’t it be great to bring this client together with your vision, in our car.”
Warming described the creative experience as “three minds coming together” in what vacillated between “planned process” and “spontaneous event.” The process was certainly a balancing act. “We’re very conscious of what is a Rolls-Royce statement,” explains Warming, “but, at the same time, [we] had to make sure that the dreams and aspirations of the client met with the dreams and aspirations of this incredible designer, Iris van Herpen.”
One of the many unique features of this extended Phantom Series II is its opalescent-black paint scheme, which features reflective pigment applications throughout the body. 3,000 hours were reported to have been spent on that customization element alone.
While the exterior tailoring is impressive, it only serves as a warmup for the actual headliner inside. “You have this impression of weaving water when you look up,” observes Warming. “You’re basically watching a progression of shape; it’s the first time we’re bringing a true three-dimensional sculpture, in this case out of leather, to the Starlight Headliner.” The car’s hood also features a similar design element.
Among more than 1,000 hides, a single piece of leather was selected for the overhead installation in the cabin. By revealing the nylon fabric that’s hand-stitched behind the hide, numerous slices enhance the dimensionality. In addition, 162 petals of glass-organza are adorning the headliner.
From the total of 995 luminaries that make up the heavenly effect, each petal is paired with a fiber-optic light. Van Herpen’s artisans completed the intricate ornamentation by hand after temporarily moving to the automaker’s Goodwood headquarters to complete it.
A similar 85-petal arrangement adorns the Gallery installation on the dash, while the rear-passenger tables and selected surfaces in the cabin are lacquered with glass particles.
“For this special collaboration, I was inspired by the concept of ‘Weaving Water’ and transformed the sense of being in movement into an immersive experience of fluidity inside the Phantom,” Van Herpen said in an official statement.
“The powerful movement of the Phantom is woven into the shifting three-dimensional waves inside the car to embody the ingenuity of nature.” In 2018, van Herpen released the Syntopia fashion line, heavily influenced by design elements from the outdoors.
There is also a carefully curated tactile story within the interior. “We see the use of textile as a fashion statement,” says Warming about Rolls-Royce’s increased use of textile. “You don’t need to omit leather, but you can use leather as a contrast to textile.” As an example, the Syntopia’s front seats are made of hides colored Magic Grey, while the back seats are made of silk blends intended to look like the moon reflected in the sea.
In accordance with Rich Report, there will be a feature not previously included in a vehicle bearing the Spirit of Ecstasy that is unique to the Syntopia, and that feature is the specially developed fragrance. Ever-so-subtly diffused through the headrests, the fragrance is reminiscent of cedarwood, leather, rose, lemon, and, appropriately, the iris flower.
The sartorial sedan is complemented by an elegant dress designed by Iris van Herpen that will reflect the “Weaving Water” style taken with the dress. It is projected that the Phantom Syntopia will take six months to complete, but it will be delivered in May.
According to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Americas president and CEO Martin Fritsches, the Phantom Syntopia is not just a benchmark, but also a bellwether for the marque’s expanding clientele. “More than ever, we’re attracting a new customer base, a younger customer base, and they are also more creative and have a clear understanding of ultra-luxury.” Fritsches said.
Due to that, they’re extremely demanding, which encourages us to create more creativity, which ultimately creates more value. Regarding the Phantom Syntopia’s value, it’s rumored to carry a seven-figure price.
