10 minute read
TOYS
by styletome
Rolls-Royce products enjoy an expansive lifetime, ultimately becoming timeless expressions of good taste, beauty and luxurious perfection. Phantom occupies a unique, pinnacle position in this regard, being revered for its timeless elegance.
The eighth-generation of Phantom was presented in 2017. In creating the new expression, RollsRoyce designers and engineers have been guided by the requests of clients, who have implored Rolls-Royce not to make any major changes to an already iconic motor car. In answer to these client demands, only the lightest of design touches, embellishments, and adaptations have been incorporated. Indeed, it is not about what should be changed, but in fact, what should be preserved and protected.
The most obvious and important feature to be retained is Phantom’s commanding presence. This has been further enhanced by a new polished horizontal line between the daytime running lights above the Pantheon Grille. This gives Phantom a new and assertive modernity, reflecting its driver-focused character.
A subtle geometric change to the Pantheon Grille makes the ‘RR’ Badge of Honour and Spirit of Ecstasy mascot more prominent when viewed from the front. The grille itself is now illuminated, a feature debuted and popularised in Ghost. The headlights are graced with intricate laser-cut bezel starlights, creating a visual connection with the Starlight Headliner inside, and adding further surprise and delight to Phantom’s night-time presence.
Phantom’s side profile retains Rolls-Royce’s signature short front and long rear overhang, long wheelbase and broad c-pillar, the latter giving greater privacy for occupants. The silhouette preserves the elegant key lines running from the Spirit of Ecstasy to the tapering rear tail. The ‘split-belt’ line begins at the front fender and curves gently towards the rear door, emphasising the car’s long dashto-axle proportions, before falling gently towards the lantern-like rear lamps. The heavily undercut ‘waft line’ creates a strong shadow, visually signalling the marque’s unequalled ‘Magic Carpet Ride’.
The side profile is further enhanced with a suite of new wheels. A 3D, milled, stainless steel wheel with triangular facets is available to commission in a fully or part-polished finish. Alternatively, Phantom may be graced with a truly elegant disc wheel, recalling the romance of 1920’s Rolls-Royce
motor cars. This disc wheel is produced in both polished stainless steel and black lacquer, perfectly encapsulating the sense of flight on land.
Responding to Phantom clients who have previously requested a darkened chrome grille surround, black bonnet reins, windscreen surround and side frame finishers, these may now be commissioned. This aesthetic now enables Rolls-Royce to transform Phantom into the lightest of light or the darkest of dark appearances.
Phantom’s sumptuous interior remains almost unaltered: the steering wheel has been made slightly thicker, providing a more connected and immediate point of contact for the owner-driver.
Phantom and Phantom Extended have distinct characters of their own, representing two different seats of power. Phantom is now predominantly favoured by the ever-increasing number of clients wishing to be in the driving seat themselves. For those preferring to command the road from the rear seat, Phantom Extended offers the definitive super-luxurious chauffeur-driven experience.
Now, Phantom includes the debut of ‘Rolls-Royce Connected’. This enables the owner to send an address directly to the motor car from Whispers, the RollsRoyce private-members’ Application, providing seamless navigation to an event, restaurant, dealership or even the Home of Rolls-Royce itself.
‘Rolls-Royce Connected’ also displays the motor car’s location, security status and current ‘health’ condition on Whispers; at the touch of a button, the owner can contact a preferred dealership for any servicing requirements or information about the car.
As the marque’s pinnacle product, Phantom attracts an elite stratum of Rolls-Royce clients. Established and successful, at the top of their field and often in the public eye, these are determined and demanding people. It is no coincidence that Phantom attracts the most ambitious and challenging Bespoke commissions ever undertaken by Rolls-Royce. The resulting creations − each an artistic masterpiece in its own right − illustrate a broader truth: since its inception, Phantom has always been whatever the client wants it to be; not only the ‘best car in the world’, but the best car for them and their world.
Self-evidently, there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ Phantom client. Spanning the ‘poles of luxury’, they may be everyounger or older, modern or traditional, self-made or from long-established wealth. Their commissions reflect a full spectrum of interests and influences. At one extreme, Phantom takes on a subversive, almost rebellious character – youthful, dynamic and daring. At the other, Phantom transforms into an ode to luxury grandeur and timelessness.
The challenge of the RollsRoyce Bespoke Collective is to accommodate this vast expanse of client characteristics and desires in one pinnacle product. The eighthgeneration Phantom has thus been deliberately designed to offer a ‘blank canvas’ for Bespoke personalisation, capable of becoming whatever the client wishes it to be, and a true reflection of their individual style and character.
Phantom’s great strength and appeal is that it allows clients to position themselves anywhere between these ‘poles of luxury’, defining luxury on their own terms. And wherever that point happens to lie, they have the assurance that Phantom itself is − technically, materially, aesthetically and dynamically − still the ‘best car in the world’.
LUXURY ESSENTIALS
TOM FORD TOBACCO VANILLE The richly-blended combination of spices, wood sap, tobacco leaves, and vanilla of this classic fragrance the perfect addition to any fall wardrobe. The rich tobacco notes and sweeter vanilla tones blend together to form a sensually masculine scent that is ideal for both everyday wear and special occasions. $215 nordstrom.com
TOM FORD MEN’S FRANKLIN AVIATOR SUNGLASSES Tom Ford sunglasses are known for being both glamorous and luxurious. This pair’s sleek black frames and timeless design will add an effortless elegance to any outfit that will make you the eyewear envy of all your friends. $360 bloomingdales.com SALVATORE FERRAGAMO PINTO MEDALLION CAP-TOE OXFORD These Salvatore Ferragamo leather oxfords are a sure way to be on trend this season. The brogue detailing and clean design exude both sophistication and style that will enhance your wardrobe. $620 neimanmarcus.com
DOLCE & GABBANA SINGLE GUSSET LEATHER BRIEFCASE The clean lines and structured design of Dolce & Gabbana’s Single Gusset Leather Briefcase make it a fall wardrobe staple. Complete with interior zip and organizational pockets, this Italian-made briefcase is a must-have. $1845 neimanmarcus.com
JOHN HARDY METEORITE & BLACK SAPPHIRE CUFF LINKS These earth-inspired cufflinks made from black sapphire, meteorite and sterling silver are the perfect accessory to enhance your everyday suit. The subtle elegance of the beautifully crafted cufflinks will add an air of sophistication to your wardrobe. $550 bloomingdales.com
A HEALTHY WAY OF EATING
Supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), DASH ranks high on nutritious plans lists. Its acronym stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. Although the diet’s primary aim is to lower blood pressure and to improve blood lipid levels, DASH can have a positive effect on your waistline too. Unlike other diets that promise miracles and place restrictions on important food groups, DASH focuses on limiting daily sodium intake and adding more whole grains, fresh fruit and veggies to your plate. Six or fewer servings per day of lean meats are also allowed. In other words, you cut out the junk: Avoid processed foods (which are loaded with sodium) and limit refined sugars and saturated fats.
Coronary heart disease and stroke are two of the leading causes of mortality in the United States. A typical American diet consists of 3,300 milligrams of sodium per day, and according to Harvard’s School of Public Health, 75 percent of the sodium comes from processed foods. Why is high salt intake so dangerous? Diets high in sodium increase blood pressure, which strains your heart. Eventually this can damage your blood vessels and organs. According to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, individuals who consume large amounts of sodium, and low amounts of potassium, have a higher risk of dying from a heart attack. But the good news is that by changing your dietary habits you can minimize your risk!
DASH is a healthy way of eating because the plan is rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, fiber, and protein. Moreover, DASH research showed that a diet plan containing 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day lowered blood pressure. And a plan containing only 1,500 mg had an even greater effect. So, who should try DASH? Individuals who have high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic kidney disease, African Americans, and adults aged 51 and older. According to the Mayo Clinic, the diet “is also in line with dietary recommendations to prevent osteoporosis, cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.”
What about shedding those extra pounds? Well, it’s no secret that eating more veggies (while avoiding saturated fats and refined sugars) can help you maintain a healthy weight. Nutrition expert Marla Heller, MS, RD, used the DASH research to develop a weight-loss plan that promises better health. During phase one, you cut out whole grains and fruit. During this 2-week, “low-carb transition phase,” you will immediately notice effects on the waistline. In the second phase you reintroduce fruit, starchy veggies, and whole grains into your diet. Take note that the DASH plan has more daily servings of fiber that can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals. This is why it is highly recommended that you gradually increase your intake of fiber-rich foods. You should also chat with your physician about what sodium level is right for you. And, if your main goal is to lose weight quickly, aim for 1,600 calories per day.
Of course, a healthy weight-loss plan should include exercise too. In a 2010 study, overweight participants with high blood pressure who exercised and followed the DASH diet plan, lost on average 19 pounds in 4 months. As always, consult with your physician about the right type of exercise for you and your goals. For more information on the DASH Diet Weight Loss Solution, visit dashdiet.org
FIT & STYLISH
AHTLETA ZEPHYR PRINT TANK Great for working out, commuting, work, and travel. Featherweight Stretch™ fabric made with recycled polyester feels silky sleek and light as air. $69 / Athleta.com
LULULEMON DOUBLE ROLLER LULULEMON INVIGORATE HIGH-RISE TIGHT 25" Focus on your strength, not your sweat. Powered by Everlux™, our fastest-drying fabric, the ultra-breathable Invigorate collection handles heat and sweat during intense workouts. $128 / Lululemon.com
Let’s roll. Release post-sweat tension in your back, arms, and legs with this two-in-one roller. $58 / Lululemon.com
NIKE NIKE FLEX STRIDE RUNNING SHORTS The Nike Flex Stride Shorts have an all-new woven fabric and enhanced breathability in high-sweat areas. Their soft brief liner provides secure support where you need it most. Convenient pockets stash items on the run. $50 / Nike.com
ADIDAS ULTRABOOST SHOES Your next big run is right around the corner. Embrace minimalism and still stand out while you train in these Ultraboost Shoes. They have an Adidas Primeknit upper that stretches to give your feet full freedom while you run. Responsive cushioning gives you back what you put in for endless energy. $180 / Adidas.com