100 photos honor 100 years of Rolls-Royce's Flying Lady

The Flying Lady figurine known as the Spirit of Ecstasy has crowned the hood of every Rolls-Royce for a century. It's about time a photographer took interest.

In honor of her 100th anniversary, a collection of 100 pictures that draw inspiration from the iconic emblem will be taken and then go on a tour across the globe.

The Spirit of Ecstasy depicts a woman leaning forward with her arms outstretched like wings. The photographer known as Rankin is shooting the collection of images celebrating her centennial. The first two images are being revealed on Tuesday. The rest will show up in coming months.

Rankin aims to capture the beauty and sensuality of the feminine form, and he turned to wife and model Tuuli Shipster for the first of his 100 portraits. Rolls-Royce says the image, featuring Shipster in silhouette and draped in flowing fabric, undoubtedly resonates the Flying Lady.

Rolls-Royce launched a commission to see that Rankin is given full artistic license to create a modern and personal interpretation of the Spirit of Ecstasy. The "Rankin: Spirit of Ecstasy" collection will evolve in the coming months to incorporate a variety of themes including power, the beauty of age, intrigue and mystery. The work will feature women of various ages and cultures.

"The images will be a statement about the modern-day Rolls-Royce," Rankin said. "The portraits will comprise a variety of perspectives . . . to reflect a unique interpretation of the figurine's connotations, while quietly symbolizing its classic underpinnings."

Along with Rankin's upcoming tour, original portraits will be presented at a range of global events. Rolls-Royce owners and guests will be invited to a series of exclusive viewings at Rolls-Royce showrooms, starting at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London on May 10.

Visit www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/rankin for more details.

By Michelle Koueiter