Cinque Terre, the picturesque region on the Mediterranean coast of northern Italy, known for its charming villages, pastel-colored houses and, not least, the terraced vineyards on the steep slopes, has now become the inspiration for a luxurious one-off from Rolls-Royce.
Bespoke Phantom »Inspired by Cinque Terre« is the name of the special model made exclusively for an – unnamed – client, which incorporated the essence of this idyllic landscape into its design. Even the vehicle’s exterior color, a deep, rich blue, is meant to evoke the waters of the Ligurian Mediterranean, accented by a hand-applied double coachline in Navy Blue and Jasmine. A subtle grape motif also adds another exceptional touch to the exterior design.
A motif that is also found in other elements of the vehicle, such as the elaborate inlay on the two integrated stainless steel picnic tables complete with gold-plated elements, or in the form of delicate vine branch embroidery on the rear doors. According to Rolls-Royce, the latter finishes, which can truly be described as works of art, consist of 9,215 stitches and were produced using two different techniques: The grapes were stitched in satin stitch, with the threads carefully aligned according to the angle at which the light hits the surface. This is to give each grape a natural hue and luster. For the vine leaf, in turn, the Bespoke team used a so-called Tatami stitch, which provides a textural contrast and enhances the tactile qualities of the embroidery.
Another embroidery masterpiece can be found on the Bespoke Starlight Headliner, which is decorated with a map of Italy embroidered in 14,338 individual stitches. Five luminous stars, precisely hand-positioned on the edge of the coastline, are meant to symbolize the picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre – Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. The completion of that embroidery work is said to have taken more than a month.
One of the other highlights is found in the expansive dashboard – also known as »The Gallery« – which features a specially commissioned artwork that likewise echoes the colors and architecture of the Cinque Terre villages. The composition was first digitally sketched, then hand-applied with water-based acrylic paint to achieve the finest possible detail before finally being covered with several coats of clear lacquer. Also, the elements of the painting were positioned in the Gallery so that the details of the artwork can easily be admired by all vehicle occupants.
The cost of this custom Rolls-Royce Bespoke Phantom »Inspired by Cinque Terre« was not communicated, but the model is said to have already taken its place in the – certainly illustrious – collection of the anonymous client. [RED]
