It's a typical grey, English-weather-kind-of-day with a slight drizzle when my chauffeur-driven Black Badge Ghost pulls in at the inner sanctum of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex. Surrounded by 17ha of southern England's lush and verdant scenery, the contemporary low-rise buildings - designed by venerated British architect Nicholas Grimshaw - and perfectly coiffed trees lining the entrance, a combined exercise in geometry itself, give away some clues of the extraordinary world that unfolds inside.
Only a handful of editors from around the world have been invited for a privileged sneak preview of Phantom Syntopia, the most technically complex Bespoke Phantom ever produced in the presence of couturier Iris van Herpen herself, who spent the past three years working with the Rolls-Royce's Bespoke Collective team on the project.
The finishing touches to Syntopia were done just days earlier, and we are among the very first to behold this one-of-a-kind creation. Admittedly, I feel a little starstruck at the prospect of meeting a fashion designer whose work I have long admired, and excited to witness the result of two luxury houses closely collaborating to push the boundaries of innovation, craftsmanship and luxury.
Phantom Syntopia takes its name from the Dutch designer's landmark 2018 collection, designed on the principles of biomimicry in which art is inspired by patterns and shapes found in nature. Like the collection, which comprises a series of sculptural garments brought to life through movement, Phantom Syntopia seeks to represent the elusive, ethereal beauty of fluid motion in solid materials through its Weaving Water theme. More about that later. The curtain is about to be raised on a creation Rolls-Royce hails as "the most ambitious, singular and highly Bespoke Phantom we have every created", according to CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös, who has vowed that it will never be replicated.
Denne historien er fra May 2023-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
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Denne historien er fra May 2023-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Sailing Into A Dream
Scenes from the fantasy feature Game of Thrones come to life in the otherworldly landscapes of the Arctic Circle.
Here Come The Sun Seats
Italian furniture has long held the crown for blending luxurious, sophisticated design with impeccable craftsmanship.
ABSOLUMENT FAB
France's premier fair for fine-art and antiques returns for its third edition inside its new home in the Grand Palais.
Through the Director's Lens
Filmmaker JIA ZHANGKE and his protégé RAFAEL MANUEL share their perspectives on life, cinema and their current projects.
THE CUTTING EDGE
Having long played quiet supporting roles in the gem industry, gem cutters are finally having their day in the sun. Four acclaimed independent master gem cutters share more about their love of the craft and the creation of their best pieces.
Spheres of Power
Following up on the gold- and titanium-focused Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams launch collection, the superstar now turns to pearls for a softer, but no less striking, second act.
Horological Masterpieces Reimagined
Beyond the wrist, these timekeepers transcend all traditional boundaries.
WILD IMAGINATION
Cartier's latest category-spanning Panthère de Cartier novelties showcase the endless ways in which the panther continues to inspire.
READY FOR ACTION
The latest watch to come from the celebrated Richard Mille and McLaren partnership looks set to be another trailblazing timepiece.
THE RIGHT ANGLES
Twenty-five years after the launch of its last new collection, Twenty-4, Patek Philippe introduces the Cubitus range.
