With the enchanting pink petals of the Sakura season just past the calendar, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars recently unveiled the Phantom Cherry Blossom. As with most upper-echelon carmakers who cater to the hyper-wealthy, if you have the cash, they can create whatever you want your new ride to be. This unique one-of-a-kind Phantom Extended commission captures the beauty of cherry blossoms and is inspired by a Japanese client’s special memories of this natural wonder.
The Phantom Cherry Blossom design kicked off three years ago when Rolls-Royce artisans teamed up with the commissioning client in Japan to fully grasp what they wanted. The result? An elegant motor car that’s not just a way to get around but a stunning piece of art, crafted with a ton of attention to detail. It perfectly captures the client’s personal vision while showcasing the exceptional talent and dedication of the Bespoke Collective.
Rolls-Royce turning one customer’s love of cherry blossoms into automotive art
In Japan, cherry blossoms, or Sakura, are so much more than just beautiful flowers. They symbolize the rhythms of nature, the arrival of spring, and the bittersweet beauty of impermanence. Since these blooms last only about a week and have already come and gone, they remind us to try and appreciate every moment in life. This idea is deeply rooted in Japanese art, literature, and philosophy.
The tradition of ‘Hanami,’ or ‘flower viewing,’ brings people together to enjoy these fleeting blooms. Friends and families gather under cherry trees, having picnics and soaking in the temporary beauty of the season. It’s a time to connect, relax, and create lasting memories.
One client in Japan wanted to hold onto their special Hanami moments from both their childhood and the time spent with their kids. They envisioned their bespoke Phantom as more than just a car; it’s meant to be a legacy for their family—a way to pass down the essence of Hanami through the generations. This creation is designed to be a treasured heirloom, celebrating all those small yet meaningful moments in life.
“Cherry blossoms are cherished in Japan as a symbol of the ephemeral nature of life and the beauty of transience. With this magnificent commission, we translate an internationally renowned moment into our pinnacle motor car, Phantom, with exquisite embroidery comprising more than 250,000 stitches. For the first time at Rolls-Royce, we have applied three-dimensional embroidery that gives the falling flower petals a tactile, sculptural quality. Developed using ancient Japanese stitching techniques, this motor car represents a deeply personal memory for the client and demonstrates the power of Bespoke in uniting individual meaning, heritage craftsmanship and modern artistry.” – Martina Starke, General Manager, Bespoke Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Rolls-Royce used more than 250,000 stitches to create the Cherry Blossom
The Cherry Blossom uses 3D embroidery
