Lexus Returns as Auto Partner for ‘Design Miami’
Marque’s LC Convertible Concept featured in ‘Sunshower’ exhibit Dec. 3-8.
Lexus will join the Design Miami fair as the official automotive partner for the second year. Design Miami is a global forum for influential collectors, designers and critics from around the world. Lexus, as the brand that created the world’s first luxury hybrid in 2005, will support the show’s sustainable theme with an all-hybrid fleet to chauffeur the fair’s VIP guests. Also new for 2019, Lexus will bring the stunning LC Convertible Concept as part of the brand’s first commissioned installation for Design Miami with an exhibition titled Sunshower. Rounding out their presence at the fair, Lexus will continue its “Lexus Art Series: Art and Innovation” talks with Whitewall Magazine, now in its fourth year. Design Miami happens December 3 to 8 in Miami, Florida.
For the brand’s onsite installation, Lexus has responded to the fair’s theme of “Elements: Water” by commissioning designer Nao Tamura to create an immersive, multimedia installation that evokes the wondrousness of this natural, outdoor phenomenon. “Sunshower” was curated by Design Miami Curatorial Director Aric Chen and prominent Milan-based curator and author Maria Cristina Didero. The ethereal exhibition will feature the LC Convertible Concept and reinforces the brand’s commitment to omotenashi (hospitality), takumi (artisanship) and the indoor-outdoor philosophy of engawa.
“With Lexus design, nothing is accidental,” says Brian Bolain, General Manager of Lexus International. “We hope that sense of thoughtful design will be felt throughout the installation. The design goal of the LC Convertible Concept is the expression of ultimate beauty and we are proud to display it amid the context of such talented designers.”
From the rake of the windshield to the smooth contours of the rear decklid that houses the convertible top, every line on the LC Convertible Concept was drawn to evoke an emotional response. A stunning design from every angle, the LC Convertible Concept stands as an aspirational halo vehicle for the Lexus brand.
“Design Miami is pleased to have Lexus return as our official automotive partner and to celebrate the brand’s commitment to innovation, beauty and sustainability,” says Jennifer Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of Design Miami. “Lexus’ dedication to design excellence is unparalleled. With the Sunshower exhibition and the all-hybrid vehicle fleet, the Lexus presence will be felt throughout the fair in a way that feels organic to our mission as a global design forum.”
‘Lexus Art Series: Art & Innovation’
Lexus and Whitewall Magazine will team up for the fourth year in a row and bring their ongoing discussion series to the official programming of Design Miami. The series will take place on site at Design Miami as part of the fair’s official programming. The unique series of four conversations features an international group of global art and design leaders discussing key topics relevant to the creative space.
Participants like artist Troy Simmons, automotive designer Tadao Mori, curator Aric Chen, DJ Eduardo Castillo, and advisor Claudia Paetzold will discuss topics such as the design of our future cities, the artist as disrupter, sustainability in luxury markets, as well as the transformative power of design.
“We are honored to partner with Lexus for the fourth iteration of the Lexus Art Series: Art and Innovation talks with Whitewall,” says Michael Klug, Whitewall’s Founder, Publisher, and Editor at Large. “We are excited to again be holding this year’s panels focused on the future of design, sustainability, and creative practices at the esteemed location of Design Miami.”
“This series of conversations offers a unique opportunity for us to bring together talents from various industries,” says Laurent Moïsi, Whitewall’s COO and Associate Publisher. “We are thrilled to offer a platform for these innovators to share their ideas around new technology and discuss key challenges around designing for the future.”
Based in New York, Tokyo-born designer Tamura is known for her multidisciplinary work imbued with subtlety, beauty and emotion. In addition to Lexus, she has created objects and installations for Issey Miyake, Established & Sons, WonderGlass and Artek. Tamura is the recipient of numerous awards, including a Good Design award from The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design and the ADI Compasso d’Oro International Award. Tamura participated in the 2014 “Lexus Design Amazing” exhibition during Milan Design Week as one of three international creatives to design an installation in Milan’s historic Circolo Filologic.
First launched in 2013, the Lexus Design Award is an international design competition that targets up-and-coming creators from around the world. The award seeks to foster the growth of ideas that contribute to society by supporting designers and creators whose works can help to shape a better future. It provides a unique opportunity for each finalist to work with a globally recognized designer as a mentor to create prototypes of their designs, and then exhibit them at Milan Design Week, one of the design calendar’s most important events.
Photos: Lexus
