The luxury car is a one-of-a-kind commission that was created in collaboration with celebrated Dutch fashion designer and haute couture artist, Iris van Herpen.
The Phantom Syntopia is the most technically complex commission that the company’s Bespoke Collective has ever undertaken. It was developed over four years and has been designed to provide the ultimate driving experience while being a work of art in its own right.
The Phantom Syntopia Story
The Phantom Syntopia is named after Iris van Herpen’s 2018 collection, which was based on the principles of biomimicry. This concept involves using patterns and shapes found in nature to inspire works of art. The Phantom Syntopia is a reflection of this idea, with its shimmering exterior and intricate interior.
The Phantom Syntopia is a collaboration between two luxury brands – Rolls-Royce and Iris van Herpen. The car’s design is inspired by Iris van Herpen’s concept of “Weaving Water.” The aim was to create an immersive experience of fluidity inside the car, with the powerful movement of the Phantom woven into the shifting three-dimensional waves to embody the ingenuity of nature.
In an interview, Iris van Herpen said that the world of Rolls-Royce is similar to haute couture. Just like every garment she creates is one-of-a-kind and tailor-made to the client’s individual measurements, every Rolls-Royce is also a unique piece of art created for an individual client.
Exterior Coachwork: Iridescent Magnetism
The Phantom Syntopia’s exterior is the epitome of iridescence. The Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective developed a one-of-a-kind “Liquid Noir” paint to create the shimmering effect. The paint is iridescent, revealing undertones of purple, blue, magenta, and gold when viewed at different angles. The effect was achieved by overlaying solid-black paint with a mirror-like pigment, chosen for its color-shifting properties.
To add a subtle, elegant shimmer, the team developed a new technique for applying pigment to the clear coat. The process took several months, including over 3,000 hours of testing and validation alone. The Phantom Syntopia’s hood features a subtle rendering of the Weaving Water motif that appears throughout the interior, produced by carefully redistributing the pigment during the finishing process.
Interior Suite: Three-Dimensional Art
The Phantom Syntopia’s interior is a work of art that showcases the intricate craftsmanship of Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke Collective and Iris van Herpen’s team. Some interior elements were handcrafted at Rolls-Royce’s home in Goodwood, United Kingdom, by the company’s leading craftspeople, while others were created in Iris van Herpen’s Amsterdam atelier, alongside her Haute Couture garments.
On opening the coach doors, one’s attention is immediately drawn to the most technically challenging version of Rolls-Royce’s signature feature, the headliner. It was crafted using a single sheet of leather, selected from over 1,000 hides. Precise symmetrical cuts reveal a silver “liquid metal” texture made from woven nylon fabric underneath, used in Iris van Herpen’s “Embossed Sounds” collection, giving the headliner a three-dimensional appearance.
The headliner is finished with 162 delicate petals made of glass organza, applied by members of Iris van Herpen’s Couture team, who traveled to Goodwood to undertake the work. The entire headliner alone involved almost 700 collective hours of work.
Finest Details: Bespoke Commissions
No luxury commission would be complete without the most intricate and detailed features that are synonymous with Rolls-Royce. The Phantom Syntopia includes several Bespoke elements that set it apart from any other motor car in the world.
The ‘Silver Lake’ Motif is incorporated into the exterior and interior of the car. Hand-painted by Rolls-Royce’s resident master craftsman, Mark Court, this intricate artwork reflects the organic shapes and flow of water.
The Bonnet motif is inspired by the metallic elements in Iris van Herpen’s “Radiation Invasion” couture collection. Produced in pure silver, it is the most delicate of all the exterior Bespoke elements.
The most intricate Bespoke feature is found in the centre console of the Phantom Syntopia. The complex wood marquetry, inspired by the structural forms found in the works of influential architects such as Le Corbusier and Sir Richard Buckminster Fuller, is formed from 25 individual wood veneers. Each element is laser-cut and hand-assembled to create a three-dimensional effect that creates the impression of the wood floating in space. The process of cutting and assembling the wood required over 100 hours of careful craftsmanship.
The Phantom Syntopia was also equipped with a Bespoke timepiece created by Swiss luxury watchmaker, L’Epée 1839. The timepiece is integrated into the fascia of the car and features an intricate spiral design inspired by the ‘Weaving Water’ motif.
Driving Experience
As a one-of-a-kind vehicle, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Syntopia delivers a driving experience that is unparalleled in every way. The car is powered by a 6.75 litre V12 engine that delivers an effortless driving experience. The engine produces 563 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, enabling the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 5.1 seconds.
The Phantom Syntopia is equipped with an advanced air suspension system that delivers a smooth and comfortable ride, even on the roughest of roads. The suspension system automatically adjusts to changes in road surface and driving style to deliver the ultimate driving experience.
Final Thoughts
The Rolls-Royce Phantom Syntopia is a masterpiece of Bespoke craftsmanship that showcases the company’s commitment to creating the ultimate luxury motor car. Created in collaboration with renowned fashion designer and Haute Couturière Iris van Herpen, the Phantom Syntopia is a unique and innovative vehicle that combines cutting-edge technology with the finest materials and craftsmanship.
From the shimmering exterior finish to the intricate wood marquetry and the bespoke timepiece, every detail of the Phantom Syntopia has been carefully crafted to create a vehicle that is truly one-of-a-kind. The driving experience is equally exceptional, with a powerful V12 engine and advanced suspension system delivering a smooth and comfortable ride.
In creating the Phantom Syntopia, Rolls-Royce has once again pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the luxury automotive sector. The Phantom Syntopia is a true work of art, a bespoke masterpiece that is sure to be admired and cherished by discerning patrons of the brand for generations to come.
