➤ According to www.otomobilhaber.com
As the cherry blossoms begin to blanket the landscapes of Japan, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars introduces the Phantom “Cherry Blossom.” Inspired by Japan’s annual “Hanami” tradition of cherry blossom viewing, this bespoke design pays tribute to the fleeting beauty of Sakura and the unforgettable memories of a Japanese customer. With over 250,000 stitches and a six-month development process, the model is a true masterpiece, featuring Rolls-Royce’s first-ever sculptural 3D embroidery.
Inspired by the Sakura Season
The Phantom “Cherry Blossom” is a monumental and exclusive design commissioned by a Japanese customer, who sought to immortalize the memories of “Hanami,” a tradition passed down through generations. Hanami is a time when families and friends gather under blooming cherry trees, reflecting on the transience and beauty of life.
In Japan, cherry blossoms symbolize the rhythm of nature, the arrival of spring, and the delicate impermanence of life. With a lifespan of only about a week, the Sakura reminds people to embrace the present moment. It is through this deep cultural and emotional connection to the Sakura that the customer envisioned the creation of a vehicle that could reflect these precious memories for future generations.
Crafting a Dream: The Phantom Cherry Blossom
The conception of the Phantom Cherry Blossom took three years of collaboration between Rolls-Royce craftsmen and the customer in Japan. This unique Phantom Extended was delivered in Japan and now stands as an embodiment of not only the customer’s personal passion but also the exceptional craftsmanship and dedication of the Bespoke Collective at Rolls-Royce.
Inside the vehicle, the design evokes the feeling of sitting under a cherry tree in full bloom during Hanami. The bespoke Starlight Headliner is embroidered with a delicate cherry branch adorned with white flowers, while falling petals are stitched across the rear door panels and into the “Privacy Suite” section between the front and rear passenger compartments. The intricate embroidery is a result of over six months of meticulous work, with the headliner alone requiring three weeks and more than 250,000 stitches to complete.
The cherry tree embroidery, with its rich texture, draws inspiration from traditional Japanese weaving techniques and features the use of the offset tatami stitch. The design mimics the intricate growth of branches, interweaving under and over one another, creating a visual flow that stretches from the back of the vehicle toward the rear passengers.
Rolls-Royce’s First Sculptural 3D Embroidery
In an industry first, Rolls-Royce has incorporated sculptural 3D embroidery in the Phantom Cherry Blossom. The tactile, sculptural details add a new dimension to the interior, creating a striking contrast with the classic stitching of the falling cherry blossoms on the doors.
To achieve this innovative effect, specialists developed a new technique that allows the thread to layer upon itself, creating a self-supporting structure. Each petal is hand-shaped and positioned precisely to interact with the vehicle’s interior lighting, casting soft shadows and creating a jewel-like effect.
A Design that Transcends Tradition
The design theme continues with the bespoke umbrellas, where the interior lining features the falling leaf motif hidden within the doors. The exterior also subtly references the theme with the Arctic White crystal body, accented by an elegant hand-painted Coachline motif at the rear passenger door, complete with a cherry blossom symbol.
Martina Starke, Head of Bespoke Design at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, shared, “With this magnificent commission, we’ve brought an internationally renowned memory to the pinnacle of our Phantom with delicate embroidery consisting of over 250,000 stitches. For the first time, we’ve applied sculptural 3D embroidery that gives the falling petals a tactile, sculptural clarity.
This car represents a personal memory for the customer while showcasing the power of Bespoke to combine heritage craftsmanship and contemporary artistry.”
This breathtaking creation is not only a tribute to the customer’s memories but also a celebration of the craftsmanship and artistry that Rolls-Royce Bespoke offers to its clientele.
Source: www.otomobilhaber.com