BEYOND CONVENTION
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BLACK BADGE DAWN has really set the bar high, even by ROLLS-ROYCE standards, this beautiful car continues the legacy of the manufacturer’s impressive lineage with the developments in design, style and, of course, power. Where else would our Publishing Director, CHIRINE HALABI enjoy such a marvel than in London, the luxury brands’ birthplace.
We’ve said it before and we will say it again, we simply love the Rolls-Royce brand! For ladies of leisure, mums on school runs, the boss woman hustling from one meeting to another, or even a single young female enjoying a night on the town with her girls, Rolls-Royce has never let us down. And why would it? It seems that every automobile they create is a work of art and this has been true for almost a century of vehicle production. Ohlala’s front woman had the pleasure of taking the Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge for a spin… chauffeur driven of course! The thought of being at the helm of such eponymous luxury of such a Rolls-Royce model is always a thrill for us and we made sure to lap up every moment of the experience. When I landed in London and the driver was waiting for me at the airport for a journey with Rolls-Royce, I was expecting to find the one and only prestigious Phantom waiting for me, but, no, to my surprise… a Black Badge Dawn! My first thoughts? Stunning! Just by entering and discovering the beautiful black and red leather interior of the Black Badge.
“There are few feelings that can match the excitement of being powered along the tarmac by a vehicle of this calibre.”
Dawn I just thought RR Motor Cars Doha must have researched the woman I am through social media as they couldn’t have done better while choosing the car they had appointed for my long weekend ride! Slipping inside the new Black Badge Dawn, an immediate feeling of luxury and class enveloped us. As expected, Rolls-Royce’s attention to detail and use of high-quality materials was obvious and the overall design of the interior has been developed for performance and practicality. This model offers a complete range of digital features that are operated seamlessly. This system has been perfectly designed to provide the driver with an interactive experience that increases their control over the vehicle’s performance. This Rolls-Royce model houses a screen where the user interface can be adjusted to cater to personal requirements. You know what that means ladies; put your bff’s on speed dial, your favourite playlist on repeat and put the heel to the shield. There is no doubt it’s a magnificently built vehicle that employs the best of what the British brand has been offering with the latest in technology.
It is fair to say that we were instantaneously impressed with the overall shape and design of this new open-top four-seat drive. As expected of a Rolls-Royce, its lines and curves seemed to effortlessly sweep along the length and breadth of the vehicle giving its appearance a perfect balance of power and style. With the perfect silhouette, the front end of the Black Badge Dawn has been crafted to perfection. Black Badge Dawn’s muscular prowess hints at the power that lies within. Carbon fibre composite wheels form a halo around the self-righting Rolls-Royce emblem. Let’s just say, if you need a good spotlight for those impromptu after sunset photos in the coolest locations, the beams have got your back too! Enhanced torque, refined suspension and an optional sports exhaust deliver a more spirited driving experience. Spirited? Yes, they certainly had me down to a tea matching my characteristics to said beauty on this trip – ‘Dawn’ is the best friend I never knew I needed. Ah just stunning, especially when my lovely driver Doug opened the rooftop as he drove me through London streets down to Rosewood London hotel.
No matter if you’re pedalling it down the highway to your next mani-pedi appointment or gaining your daily caffeine fix, the Black Badge Dawn adjusts to the road and driving style. In my role as Publishing Director I’m certainly an ‘Emblem of Expression’ as is this victorious model with her glamorous embellishments. Striking colour combinations. Artisanal detailing. These are motor cars customised by their patrons themselves, with absolute panache. All of these features and many more, ensure the Black Badge Dawn has a bold and beautiful presence on any road.
“FOR OUR ROLE WE LOOK AT EXPLORING THE HISTORY OF THE BRAND AND TRYING TO BRING THESE HERITAGE STORIES THAT WE CAN TELL WITH THE FEATURES IN OUR CARS” – MATTHEW DANTON, BESPOKE DESIGNER AT ROLLSROYCE MOTOR CARS
As with any Rolls-Royce, the real excitement began once the ignition was engaged. There are few feelings that can match the excitement of being powered along the tarmac by a vehicle of this calibre. And there’s no better feeling than being in a car that is as powerful on the outside as it is under the bonnet. The performance of the Black Badge Dawn is bolstered by both its efficient handling and breaking that keeps the driver in full control throughout the driving experience. Doug being the gentleman that he is made sure I was in my element, allowing me to drink in all the senses that this drive allowed.
As far as aesthetics go, the Black Badge Dawn shines bright like a diamond! Hot seats, wind blowing in my hair, beautiful trees all made for an exhilarating diva drive experience in this moving salon, I just didn’t want to make it to the hotel. This car has totally changed my vision of RollsRoyce as all I wanted was to take control of this car and press the fuel pedals for a high speed drive. Certainly not! No more generic thinking that ‘Rolls-Royce is a car for a driver’, no! This car should be in the hands of smart ladies wanting to feel the real waves of luxury, fashion and adventure.
By the time we arrived at the Rosewood London, our already sky-high opinion of the Rolls-Royce brand was once again solidified. Black Badge Dawn is for those who reject conformity and live on their own terms. It’s for the innovators, trailblazers, rule-breakers — and above all — those who dare.
We attended the launch of the new RollsRoyce Art programme where Matthew Danton, Bespoke Designer At Rolls-Royce Motor Cars talked about Muse, a forward-looking vision that fosters creativity through collaboration with artists who share their passion for pushing technical and conceptual boundaries. Muse’s flagship initiative invites emerging and midcareer artists to submit a moving-image work that delivers an immersive sensory experience. Artists will be identified by expert nominators worldwide and selected by a jury of leading curators and artists, in a two-phase, two-year process. Only one artist will be chosen to develop a final work. The inaugural commission will be unveiled in 2021. All of this beautiful experience is amplified by this programme and also The Spirit of Ecstasy Challenge showcases a celebration of both tradition and innovation, asking creative virtuosi to re-imagine the sculptural figurine that graces the bonnet of Rolls-Royce motor cars.
I for one love Modern Art as I feel that it is an engaging trap to the senses… as modern art itself is an innovation, experimentation with form, the shapes, colours and lines that make up the work with a tendency to abstraction; and an emphasis on materials, techniques and processes does in fact spotlight the exact definition of Rolls-Royce interiors! I totally understand this joint venture which is such an innovative and smart venture. Rolls-Royce is certainly more than just a pretty face.