Cover Hermès x Rolls-Royce team up for a unique collaboration on the Bespoke Phantom Oribe (Photo: Courtesy of Rolls-Royce)

The Bespoke Phantom Oribe was commissioned by the Japanese billionaire and takes inspiration from his private jets, ancient ceramic collection and Hermès’ own equestrian heritage

Japanese billionaire, Yusaku Maezawa seems to have a lot of time on his hands. He's a prominent art collector, bought BTS' Dynamite outfits from a charity auction, broke auction records for Jean-Michel Basquiat paintings and is leading the Dearmoon project, which is a private flight to the moon.

Now, Maezawa has ventured into fashion and car-making by commissioning a unique collaboration between the French fashion house, Hermès and British luxury car Rolls-Royce for the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Phantom Oribe. A supercar enthusiast himself, the one-off design is based on the Phantom VIII model and have been handcrafted by Hermès and Rolls-Royce. The two used materials and techniques that stay true to their brand but also channelled Maezawa's own interest, taking inspiration from his own private jet, his personal collection of ancient Japanese ceramics and Hermès’ own equestrian heritage.

The two-tone "MZ Oribe Green" and "Cream" colour schemes are taken from Maezawa's ceramics collection. The car's name also comes from Maezawa's Japanese roots. Oribe ware is a type of Japanese pottery dating back to the 16th century that Maezawa collects. They usually have a green glaze and cream colour, inspiring the car's colour scheme. Meanwhile, the interior pays homage to Hermès, making every surface in Enea Green leather, from the seats, door panels to the dashboard. It's also applied in areas that aren't noticeable at first such as the parcel shelf, glovebox and trunk lining. 

(Related: Rolls-Royce Builds on an Important Icon With the New Ghost)

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Other areas are finished in Seashell White to add contrast with the colour scheme including the carpets and front seats. Marking a first for a Rolls-Royce car, the armrests, door panels and the signature headliner are also covered in cream Hermès Toile H canvas. As if that's not enough, the headrests and rear for cushions also have a special Hermès piping while the glove compartment lid is embossed with the signature, Habillé par Hermès Paris. The Rolls-Royce element settles for whatever is left behind including the doors, speaker frets and rear consoles.

But that's not even the main highlight. Hermès’ equestrian heritage is showcased in the car's most spectacular feature, the "gallery". The French luxury house commissioned a piece by Pierre Pèron, known for designing Hermès’ iconic scarves to cover the veneer. The piece takes inspiration from Hermès’ horse motif and was hand-painted on Open Pore Royal Walnut and displayed behind glass as if staged in an art gallery.

(Related: Home Tour: This Fashion-Inspired Apartment Displays The Hermès Scarf As 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. It is a meeting of minds, expertise, visions and skill that represents the very best of our respective craftspeople and capabilities," says Rolls-Royce CEO, Torsten Müller-Ötvös.