Rolls-Royce’s latest bespoke creation was commissioned by Japanese billionaire, Yusaku Maezawa, an entrepreneur, art collector and lover of supercars. The Phantom Oribe was envisioned as part of a pair; a “land jet” meant to complement his newly commissioned private jet. It seems that good things come in pairs for Maezawa. He ordered a new car and a private jet, and comissioned two iconic brands to bring his latest project to life. This special automobile represents the “deep, genuine” partnership between craftsmen at Rolls-Royce and Hermès, resulting in yet another stunning iteration of the marque’s flagship automotive.
Amongst his extensive plethora of artworks, is a special collection of Japanese pottery known as Oribe ware. It served as the car’s namesake and inspired the unique, green and cream colour scheme, specially developed for Maezawa by Rolls-Royce’s Surface Finish Centre in Goodwood, West Sussex. The British marque also made the “MZ Oribe Green” paint available for Maezawa’s use on his private jet. To complement the custom green, the lower bumpers and side skirts were painted in cream, completing the Oribe-esque aesthetic.
While the Phantom Oribe’s exterior is undoubtedly stunning, the real magic of any Rolls-Royce lies behind its doors. Hermès took point on most of the interior design, covering much of the surfaces in Enea Green leather uphoslstery, including the steering wheel, back seats, duchess door handles and climate control buttons. The verdant colour scheme even extends to areas that aren’t particularly noticeable at first glance such as inside of the glove box and all-important champagne cooler.
Other areas like the front seats and lambswool carpets are finished in Seashell White to add contrast, keeping with the Oribe-inspired theme. The headrests cushions and calf supports are adorned in the French house’s special piping while the armrests, door panels and signature headliner are covered in cream Hermès Toile H canvas, marking a momentous first for the British marque. Finally, the glove compartment lid is embossed with the signature Habillé par Hermès Paris, signifying the mutual admiration and respect of the two makers.
Elegant as the upholstery might be, the most fascinating feature of this car is the Gallery, an appointment unique to the Phantom. For this build, Hermès commissioned a piece of art to represent its iconic equestrian themes. The piece is based on one of Pierre Péron’s designs and took inspiration from the Hermès horse motif. Masterfully hand-painted on Open Pore Royal Walnut and then displayed behind glass, the Phantom Oribe’s Gallery adds a touch of French artistry to the quintessentially British automobile.
Yusaku Maezawa’s bespoke Phantom Oribe embodies the meeting of three distinct cultures, coming together to create a truly magnificent work of functional art. “This majestic and tasteful Rolls-Royce Phantom demonstrates what is possible when talented people from two of the world’s great houses work closely together alongside a far-sighted, inspirational client like Maezawa-san,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Rolls-Royce’s CEO. “It is a meeting of minds, expertise, visions and skill that represents the very best of our respective craftspeople and capabilities.”
You can find out more about this and other bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantoms on the marque’s website.
All images courtesy of Rolls-Royce.