Discover Nīla Blue: Bentley Mulliner and Supriya Lele's Exclusive Collaboration
Bentley Motors is excited to reveal its ongoing collaboration with celebrated British fashion designer Supriya Lele, introducing the bespoke colour Nīla Blue, available solely to Mulliner customers. Inspired by Lele's Indian heritage, Nīla Blue, named after the Sanskrit word for "sapphire," epitomises the perfect marriage of personal history with artisanal craftsmanship. This unique shade merges automotive luxury with high fashion, showcasing the pinnacle of innovation, craftsmanship, and personalised expression.
Mulliner, Bentley’s bespoke division, is famed for its capability to create any colour imaginable. Drawing inspiration from fashion, art, or personal memories, Mulliner’s artisans collaborate closely with clients to craft bespoke paints that capture each individual's vision and style. Nīla Blue exemplifies how Mulliner can realise unique creations, turning client aspirations into a tangible expression of exceptional craftsmanship.
Supriya Lele, known for her sensual and elegantly crafted designs that celebrate the body, has always drawn inspiration from the colour blue, frequently featuring it in her collections. Her affinity for this colour is deeply rooted in her Indian heritage. It is influenced by William Gass's philosophical treatise 'On Blue' from 1976, which delves into the symbolic importance of blue about sex, sleaze, and sadness. This subtle and distinct bespoke colour reflects the luxurious restraint and lasting elegance that characterise both her collections and Mulliner’s design ethos.
To highlight Nīla Blue, Supriya co-created a unique specification with Mulliner designers, exploring bespoke finishes. A specially commissioned Bentayga S showcases Nīla Blue, matching the lower bright ware with the exterior paint and adding a pinstripe to the 22” sports style wheels in the new blue, complemented by a bright Mulliner White accent on the carbon fibre body kit. The interior boasts bespoke features like satin black Naim audio speaker grilles and open pore black stained crown cut walnut veneers, all framed by Nīla Blue edging. This exclusive model exemplifies the bold confidence inherent in Lele's work, featuring luxurious and experimental elements that advance her label’s fluid silhouettes.
Supriya Lele remarked, “Creating the colour for Bentley has been an exhilarating and special endeavour. Colour is central to both my practice and brand identity. This unique shade of blue is distinctive yet subtle, capturing the essence of creativity in its nuanced difference.”
David Parker, Chief Commercial Officer at Mulliner, stated, “The Bentley Mulliner Bespoke Studio continually stretches the limits of what is possible. This collaboration allows customers to explore a world where imagination sets the boundaries. Nīla Blue represents subtlety and depth, mirroring both Supriya’s artistic vision and Mulliner’s expertise in crafting the finest bespoke finishes. It appeals to those with discerning tastes who value understated luxury.”
Nīla Blue is exclusively available through the Mulliner Bespoke Studio, with enquiries welcome at Bentley retailers.
