The Sakura season in Japan has enthralled people the world over. But Rolls-Royce has taken it a step further by unveiling a new bespoke Phantom inspired by the Cherry Blossom. Handcrafted in Goodwood, the Phantom Cherry Blossom is a one-of-a-kind motor car that pays homage to the ephemeral beauty of Sakura, the cherry blossoms so beloved in Japan.
This exclusive commission, created for a discerning client in Japan, beautifully captures the fleeting nature of life, a theme deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
In Full Bloom
In Japan, cherry blossoms hold profound significance, symbolising the arrival of spring and the transient nature of existence. Their brief, one-week bloom inspires the centuries-old tradition of Hanami, where families and friends gather to celebrate beneath the blossoms.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom Cherry Blossom captures this essence, with the client wishing to preserve cherished memories of Hanami, spanning childhood and parenthood, in an heirloom that will endure through generations.
The vehicle’s interior is a testament to Rolls-Royce’s unrivalled craftsmanship. Over 250,000 stitches of delicate embroidery adorn the cabin, representing a cherry tree in full bloom. The Starlight Headliner, a Rolls-Royce signature, features a cherry bough embroidered with soft white blossoms.
As light plays across the threads, the intricate detailing is revealed, with the branches appearing to intertwine in a seamless graphic. Satin-stitch cherry petals, created with precision to catch the light, fall across the rear doors and Privacy Suite partition.
Spirit Of The Season
In a Rolls-Royce first, the Phantom Cherry Blossom includes three-dimensional embroidery, where individual cherry petals are sculpted by hand to create a tactile, almost floating effect. This innovative technique required the artisans to layer thread upon itself, shaping each petal into its final form before stitching it into place. The result is a striking contrast to the classic embroidery, with soft shadow effects created by the unique positioning of the petals.
The cherry blossom theme extends beyond the interior. The car’s exterior features a Crystal over Arctic White coachwork, complemented by a hand-painted coachline that subtly tapers along the rear passenger door, incorporating a delicate cherry blossom motif.
Even the bespoke umbrellas, hidden within the car’s doors, carry the falling petal motif, adding yet another layer of thoughtful design to this extraordinary motor car. The Phantom Cherry Blossom is more than just a vehicle; it is a tribute to the beauty of impermanence, a lasting legacy, and a work of bespoke artistry that embodies the very spirit of Hanami.
(Images: Rolls-Royce)
