Crafting Cadillac Experience: The Art of Personalisation

WRITTEN BY FÊTE CHINOISE EDITORIAL TEAM
Photography: courtesy of cadillac and rhonda lam

Cadillac is a name synonymous with a century of automotive elegance, exquisite design, and luxury. After a successful collaboration with Cadillac for our Love at Mid-Autumn campaign, our editorial team had the pleasure of joining the Cadillac Brand Experience and being among the first to visit the innovative Cadillac House in Warren, Michigan, gaining insights into Cadillac’s commitment to elevating vehicle design and personalisation.

Cadillac’s latest EV and performance lineup, where we had chances to speak with engineers and designers

LYRIQ, CELESTIQ, and Escalade IQ SUV on display

A personal collection from Michael Simcoe, Senior Vice President, Global Design, Cadillac, on display

Rooted in a rich history of craftsmanship and cultural impact, Cadillac is transforming towards a more client-centric approach. Our conversations with engineers and designers revealed a meticulous approach to crafting their latest lineup – the LYRIQ, Escalade IQ SUV, and the all-electric CELESTIQ sedan. Each vehicle, which we had the chance to observe its exterior and interior design, is tailored to diverse lifestyles; from the LYRIQ's daily functionality to the Escalade IQ SUV's family-friendly design, and the CELESTIQ's luxurious appeal for a night on the town. The LYRIQ was also one of the vehicles that we delivered our Love at Mid-Autumn mooncakes in!

One of the highlights of the night was the exclusive opportunity to preview the 2025 OPTIQ—an exciting addition to their EV lineup in North America. Positioned below LYRIQ, OPTIQ is designed to captivate the global luxury customer with spirited driving dynamics. While additional details, features, and pricing are set to be unveiled next year, OPTIQ is already creating a buzz as Cadillac’s next milestone. This sneak peek into the future of Cadillac's EV offerings reinforces their dedication to innovation and luxury.

The journey continued with a tour of the Cadillac House at Vanderbilt, a facility for CELESTIQ clients to personalise and design their vehicles. Named in homage to Suzanne Vanderbilt, an automotive design pioneer, the Cadillac House embodies a harmonious blend of historical significance and modern opulence. At the heart of the building is a 36-foot sculptural screen by Detroit-based artist Harry Bertoia, specifically commissioned for the building, consisting of an array of enamel panels coated in molten metal to give its artistic effects. Adding an extra layer of artistic expression to the facility, the art piece exemplifies Cadillac’s commitment to infusing artistry into every facet of the automotive journey, including this brand experience event.

Cadillac CELESTIQ on display in the Cadillac House

At Cadillac House, clients enjoy a direct collaboration with designers and a dedicated concierge, tailoring every aspect of their vehicle, from fabric and colour to hardware finishing. Our visit included a firsthand exploration of various workstations, providing insights into the on-site crafting process. The outcome is more than just a vehicle; it's a tangible manifestation of the owner's unique vision and taste.

Mood board for CELESTIQ clients for customisation

Hands-on working stations and demonstrations

The customisation journey extends to the Artisan Center, where skilled artisans meticulously shape each CELESTIQ. This hands-on approach ensures that every detail, spanning from exterior aesthetics to interior luxuries, serves as a true reflection of the client's preferences. Cadillac's design philosophy, driven by the belief that nothing is impossible, fosters collaborative efforts among designers to achieve innovative visions. Sharings from engineers and designers revealed the uplifting journey of overcoming barriers and infusing their latest innovations in their latest products.

What sets Cadillac apart is its commitment to client engagement throughout the design process. CELESTIQ clients actively participate in shaping their vehicle, fostering a profound sense of ownership and connection. The Cadillac House, acting as a creative hub, becomes the nurturing ground for design roots, where faith in creativity is embraced and celebrated.

Clients can discuss the design of their dream vehicle with Cadillac designers at the Cadillac House

Our journey concluded with a Detroit tour in a LYRIQ, immersing us in the town's culture and art. We had experienced the vehicle’s compatibility, functions, and comfort, including a personal favourite—the massage function, which is unexpectedly essential and suitable for an in-vehicle experience. We also tried on Super Cruise, the hands-free driving-assistance technology, which was a refreshing experience for us. With the pleasant driving experience, we can see the vision and future that Cadillac is leading into.

In essence, Cadillac goes beyond designing vehicles; they curate experiences. The intersection of craftsmanship, personalisation, and client engagement at the Cadillac House represents a novel shift in the automotive industry, positioning Cadillac as a trailblazer redefining the essence of automotive opulence.

More from Fête Chiniose

Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation’s The Fortune Ball Raises $760,000 for Patient Care

The third annual Fortune Ball hosted by Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH) Foundation brought together over 600 guests on November 23, 2024, for an heartwarming evening at the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites. This year’s event, presented by TD, celebrated the strength and unity of the Chinese-Canadian community by raising an impressive $760,000 in support of Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital.

Design Moments 從設計尋根

As the Year of the Dragon draws to a close, we take a moment to revisit some of the standout designs that captured the essence of the Dragon. From fashion and spirits to accessories and home décor, these creations have made a lasting impression. Which one is your favourite, and what are you most excited about as we welcome the Year of the Snake?

Dragons and Power: The Origin and Evolution of the Dragon Motif in Chinese Art History 飛龍在天萬乘之尊：龍紋在中國藝術史中的起源與演變

For millennia, representations of dragons have been deeply ingrained in Chinese art across a variety of media. The dragon’s various depictions highlight its pivotal role as a representation of the divine, a symbol of imperial authority, and a dynamic force capable of warding off malevolent influences. Through its role as a benevolent deity, it’s believed to bring auspicious events, such as rainfall, and to foster life on earth.

Unfolding a Botanical Tapestry: Exploring the Intricate Design of Vancouver’s Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden 從中山公園看蘇州庭園之美

Vancouver’s Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is one of a small number of what are known as traditional scholar’s gardens. When it opened 38 years ago, it was the first classical garden built outside China in the country’s most sophisticated style, which was developed centuries ago in the southern city of Suzhou.

Still Glowing Strong: Hong Kong's Neon Heritage Burns Bright Amid Preservation Projects Spotlighting a Vivid Aspect of Contemporary Chinese Culture 香港霓虹地標的二次生命

Growing up in Hong Kong, Cardin Chan often walked confidently at night on streets illuminated by giant neon signs whose kaleidoscopic beams pierced the darkness, forming phosphorescent pathways that mapped the city into distinct districts with their own visual signatures. Featuring customized logos and Chinese calligraphy, the signs had been emblazoning the facades of family-run restaurants, bars, shops and theatres for decades, infusing Hong Kong’s commodity-driven economy with kinetic energy, character and otherworldly glamour.

‘Love at Mid-Autumn’ Campaign Raises $65,000 for Scarborough Health Network and the Fête Chinoise Cultural Foundation

Our "Love at Mid-Autumn" campaign returned for its fourth year, culminating in a successful Thank You Cheque Presentation Event last Friday at the Scotiabank North Tower. Born in a time of uncertainty, the campaign continues to spread love throughout the community, achieving a new milestone by raising $65,000 for Scarborough Health Network and the Fête Chinoise Cultural Foundation.

Fading Treasures: The Elegance of Hong Kong's Hand-Lettered Signage 褪去的珍寶：香港手寫手製招牌的魅力

Hand-written Chinese character signs often serve as prominent features in local movie backdrops and nostalgic tourist photos. Hong Kong's oldest storefronts proudly display hand-painted lettering, embodying a unique charm that image makers strive to cherish — from filmmakers to photographers like renowned Hong Kong-based French photographer Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze. These signs, with their graceful strokes, have become iconic symbols of the city's culture, offering a nostalgic glimpse into its bustling urban landscape — enjoy every image!

Bamboo Mood: Jiang Qiong Er Blends French Art de Vivre X Chinese Culture in Roche Bobois Collaboration

What’s the mood of bamboo? In her latest collaboration with French Luxury Lifestyle Brand Roche Bobois, renowned Chinese designer Jiang Qiong Er 蔣瓊耳 has beautifully captured the French Art de Vivre and Oriental Spirits and fashioned an environment that blends comfort with aesthetic allure.

Biblio Bash 2024 Supports A Blooming Canadian Community of Newcomers

The Toronto Public Library Foundation’s Biblio Bash once again graced the halls of the Toronto Reference Library yesterday, continuing its tradition since 2017. This annual black-tie fundraiser brings authors, literary enthusiasts, and philanthropists together to support the Toronto Public Library’s most pressing needs. This year, the funds raised will unlock opportunities for newcomers to Canada to support vital library services that assist individuals and families settling in our city.

The Pier & The Aria Suite: Cathay Pacific's Human-Centric Ethos Redefines The Flying Experience

Now that the pandemic is behind us, travel is at new heights of demand as families make up for lost time. Cathay Pacific is one of the most coveted carriers for long-haul travel to Asia, and for many of our readers, it is exciting to witness breakthroughs in the flying experience when they make a long trip home or to a place where their family is rooted, dotted with art and culture, and of course, increased comfort during the journey.

Samantha Tan: Racing to be Seen 宋心心：全速前進

When the green flag drops at the top of a race, Samantha Tan feels the adrenaline coursing through her veins. The 26-year-old motorsport professional knows the course like the back of her hand and at this point, any doubts she might have had about how to navigate it have vanished. Her focus becomes laser-sharp as she revs to the finish line.

Hello, West Coast! Fête Chinoise’s Inaugural Signature Event Hailed the Year of the Dragon in Exquisite Style

At our inaugural Vancouver edition, we welcomed the Year of the Dragon and the 9th edition of our Magazine in an unforgettable star-studded evening with almost 200 guests at Shangri-La Vancouver. We were delighted to support the Chinese Canadian Museum, who wheeled in their almost-100-year-old wooden dragon head for the red carpet, which guests were delighted to pose with.