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ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS CELEBRATES DESIGN LEADERSHIP DURING NYCxDESIGN 2026

ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS CELEBRATES DESIGN LEADERSHIP DURING NYCxDESIGN 2026

“New York is one of the most important creative ecosystems in the world. It is a place where disciplines intersect, and ideas evolve rapidly. For me and my Rolls-Royce design team, it is essential to engage directly with this energy—to listen, to learn, and to translate these insights into our design work. At Private Office New York, we see this every day. Each client brings a unique perspective shaped by their world, and our role is to interpret that as something timeless, personal, and unmistakably Rolls-Royce. The experience of creating these motor cars is as important as the motor car itself.”

Domagoj Dukec, Director of Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Held in New York City, NYCxDesign represents one of the world’s most dynamic gatherings of creative talent across architecture, fashion, industrial design, and the applied arts. For Rolls-Royce, engagement in this environment reflects a belief that great design is shaped not only within studios, but through meaningful interaction with global culture and creative communities.

During NYCxDesign, Domagoj Dukec engaged with dozens of leading designers and emerging talents, participating in conversations that spanned disciplines and generations. These interactions are central to his philosophy: that design excellence is informed by curiosity, openness, and a willingness to learn from diverse perspectives.

A focal point of Rolls-Royce’s presence is Rolls-Royce Private Office New York—an exclusive, invitation-only Bespoke atelier that has rapidly become a vital creative hub for the marque.

Since opening in the heart of New York City’s vibrant and increasingly luxury-focused Meatpacking District, Private Office has welcomed clients, engaging in some of the most complex Bespoke projects ever undertaken by the brand for its growing American clientele.

Through conversation and research, Private Office experts work with the client to understand their wishes, desires, and dreams. The luxurious studio houses a vast array of samples: fabrics, paints, leathers, and textiles in diverse colors and finishes, as well as locally-sourced artworks and artefacts, curated to inspire the creative process. During this process, designers and clients work together to create a unique Rolls-Royce that reflects the individual’s tastes and personality. Once the initial design is agreed upon, they will together follow the progress of the commission and communicate directly with the artisans in Goodwood (headquarters for Rolls-Royce), who are entrusted with transforming the visions into a one-of-one masterpiece.

Private Office New York will also give clients access to future Rolls-Royce Private Collections. These exclusive, themed collections highlight the Bespoke Collective’s artistry, with each project extending inspiring narratives through craft, design, and engineering. They act as showcases for the marque’s creative and technical capabilities, thereby inspiring clients to ever-more elaborate personal creations.

The cultural energy of New York plays a direct role in shaping these commissions. Clients bring influences from art, architecture, yachting, and contemporary design, which are then translated into motor cars that reflect not only individual identity but also the broader creative landscape in which they live.

Rolls-Royce’s participation in NYCxDesign also reflects its broader legacy of forward-thinking design. Since its rebirth in the Goodwood era, the marque has balanced innovation with a deep respect for its heritage—an approach that continues to define its identity today. From early coachbuilt motor cars to contemporary Bespoke and Coachbuild commissions, Rolls-Royce has consistently redefined the boundaries of luxury while preserving the core principles of craftsmanship, proportion, and elegance.

This philosophy is particularly evident in the marque’s modern era, where clients increasingly seek not only personalization but meaningful creative collaboration. Through initiatives such as Private Office and Coachbuild, Rolls-Royce enables clients to participate in a design journey that transcends traditional notions of ownership, creating motor cars that are both works of art and reflections of individual vision.

Ilene Shaw, representing DesignXNY, welcomed Rolls-Royce’s participation: “We are delighted to have Domagoj Dukec and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars as part of NYCxDesign 2026. Their commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and cross-disciplinary dialogue aligns perfectly with the spirit of the festival. It is inspiring to see a brand of this heritage engage so openly with emerging and established designers in New York.”

Ilene Shaw

As Rolls-Royce continues to expand its global creative footprint, its presence in New York highlights the importance of place, culture, and human connection in shaping the future of design. By engaging directly with the world’s leading creative communities, the marque ensures that its motor cars not only remain technically exceptional, but culturally relevant and deeply personal.

Through Dukec’s participation in NYCxDesign 2026, Rolls-Royce reaffirms its position not simply as a manufacturer of motor cars, but as a true House of Luxury—one that listens, learns, and creates in dialogue with the world around it.