In what must be a first for the global launch of a Rolls-Royce, a hint of jasmine managed to overpower the aromas of leather and finely polished metals when the cover was taken off the Wraith Inspired by Fashion, a rolling showcase of the depth of talent from the brand's Bespoke unit.
The aforementioned jasmine hue was liberally applied to the interior and exterior of a Wraith shown late last week in New York, which was introduced by Rolls-Royce designer Michelle Lusby. The 27-year-old member of the Bespoke team, formerly a furniture and fashion designer, was ebulliently proud of the choice of materials like silk and piano laquer finish that replace Rolls-Royce's standard of wood and leather.
"Everyone assumes that Rolls-Royce is quite traditional as a brand, but actually, we are constantly looking for new and innovative materials," she said. "We go out to the Milan Furniture Fair. London is at our doorstep. We’re always looking for new inspirations."
As for the choice of jasmine for the accent color, Lusby said it was seen "on catwalks," and "quite striking." (The Wraith Inspired by Fashion can also be ordered with purple or red accents in place of the green-tinted jasmine.) Lusby's own inspirations for Bespoke design come "from the most random of things," she noted, such as the feel and look of a button.
She sees opportunity in working with leather as a three-dimensional material, as well as incorporating new materials silk—a textile she worked with on the Phantom Serenity concept shown in Geneva. Although she was tight-lipped about some of her upcoming projects, like Rolls-Royce's first sport-utility vehicle, Lusby hinted that "what we will show will be absolutely amazing."
The Wraith Inspired by Fashion follows the Wraith Inspired by Film, and Rolls-Royce hinted that there are more evolutions on the theme yet to come.
Alas, despite her specific involvement in the project, and with Rolls-Royce in general, there's at least one reason why the Wraith Inspired by Fashion will not likely be Lusby's daily driver: She hasn't yet taken the company-mandated driving test.
"I think I’m too nervous to drive it," she said.
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