The Lunar New Year arrives on 10 February and ushers in the ‘Year of the Dragon’ (the Wood Dragon, in particular) as per the recurring cycle of the Chinese zodiac signs. All the “Dragon babies” born this year are considered quite lucky in that they’re supposed to have desirable personalities and lead better lives. Speaking of the good life, luxury automaker Rolls-Royce is celebrating the event as only they know how: with the introduction of four ‘Year of the Dragon’ bespoke commissions. For all the lucky dragon babies born in previous years, here’s a custom ride just for you.
No stranger to bespoke creations, Rolls-Royce took direct inspiration from Chinese culture and the mighty dragon when designing their latest offerings. One might call it a perfect pairing, as both the luxury automaker and the dragon itself have come to symbolise power and success around the world. Each of the four rides was designed and handcrafted at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood by the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective, who conceived a modern and minimalistic dragon emblem just for the occasion.
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Using the dragon as their guide, the Rolls-Royce bespoke team injected new detail into three Phantom Extended models and one Cullinan, all while staying true to the iconic design language and performance specs of each car. Three of the bespoke commissions feature hand-painted dragon artwork on the exterior fascia panels, a process that took over two weeks to execute and involved meticulous layering in various hues to generate a 3D effect. Meanwhile, all four commissions have a decorative stripe (aka the Coachline) in Phoenix Red with the incorporation of a dragon motif.
The interiors are no less stunning or distinctive—naturally—with embroidered Phoenix Red dragons on the headrest for each of the four seats. Look to the bespoke Starlight Headliner and one will find a dragon symbol composed of 677 luminous stars, marking the first time that Rolls-Royce has ever implemented this extraordinary visual. These are but a few examples of the tasteful thematic details lying in wait for lucky owners.
Rolls-Royce Bespoke Designer Rebecca Davies said, “Our aim was to create a modern interpretation of the dragon capturing its essence as a symbol of power. The design evokes a sense of motion and energy, expressing the dragon as a driving force, all rendered with depth and complexity to reflect its commanding spirit and presence. It was an inspirational journey for our Bespoke Collective to reinterpret such a significant icon; our Bespoke artisans added their own subtle dimension and character to the dragon expression, showcasing how a single design can be transformed through different mediums and craft techniques.”
Each ‘Year of the Dragon’ model is presented in a unique colourway to drive home (no pun intended) the signature allure. The project doubles as an international celebration of the Lunar New Year but also Chinese cultural heritage and its glorious symbolism at large. Put all that aside and you still have some downright incredible bespoke rides that any modern collector would love to own. After all, no one argues with dragons.
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