October 29, 2024 |
After Supriya Lele‘s SS24 collection which saw luxury car manufacturer Bentley provide leather offcuts for the production of a jacket and corset, the pair have joined forces once more. Creating a unique colour way for its motors called Nīla Blue, Bentley’s bespoke studio, Mulliner, is offering its customers access to a one-of-one model of its Bentayga S model coated in the bold shade. “Nīla Blue feels like a culmination of my journey and heritage,” Lele says about project. “The name itself, derived from the Sanskrit word for ‘sapphire’, speaks to my roots. I’ve always had a profound connection to the colour blue – it’s a recurring theme in my collections. This particular shade captures a sense of subtlety and depth, embodying both my cultural narrative and the elegant fluidity that defines my work. It’s about finding that perfect balance between familiarity and innovation.”
The British-Indian designer has used her eponymous brand to explore her heritage in a way that feels equally delicate and defiant. With a distinct focus on craft, Bentley fits with Lele like a glove. “Bentley is synonymous with luxury and bespoke craftsmanship – qualities that align beautifully with my vision,” says Lele. “Bentley’s ethos of individuality and innovation resonates with my desire to create pieces that tell a story, making this partnership a natural extension of my artistic expression.”
Innovation and craftsmanship integral to both brands is at the heart of the collaboration, with Mulliner’s commitment to pushing creative and technical boundaries in the field of automobile customisation being a particular perk for Lele. “Working with Mulliner’s designers was really inspiring. Their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to craftsmanship resonate deeply with my own values. It was definitely a collaborative dance; we exchanged ideas, pushed boundaries, and really dove into the possibilities of bespoke design. There’s a shared passion for creating something extraordinary that transcends both fashion and automotive worlds.”
This might not be the last time you see a Bentley-Lele team-up. “I would love to explore more collaborations. The process of developing Nīla Blue has opened up a world of inspiration for me and was a natural follow up from our project last year where I was able to work with Bentley materials within my collection. Each collaboration brings new possibilities, and I can’t wait to see where our creative journey takes us next.”
Photography courtesy of Bentley.
