Industry, Logistics & Shipping

Lexus supports Design Miami as automotive partner

Lexus, a leading automotive manufacturer, has joined the 2019 Design Miami/ fair as the official automotive partner for the second year, underlining its passion for design at the ongoing global forum for the most influential collectors, designers, curators and critics from around the world.

The event which opened on December 4 will run until December 8, and is being held at Miami Beach, Florida, US.

Lexus, as the brand that created the world’s first luxury hybrid in 2005, extended its support to the show’s sustainable theme with an all-hybrid fleet that chauffeured the fair’s VIP guests.

Also new for 2019, Lexus brought the stunning LC Convertible Concept as part of the brand’s first commissioned installation for Design Miami/ with an exhibition titled Sunshower. Rounding out its presence at the fair, Lexus continued the successful Lexus Art Series: Art and Innovation talks with Whitewall, now in its fourth year.

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 features the LC Convertible Concept, reinforcing the brand's commitment to omotenashi (hospitality), takumi (artisanship) and the indoor-outdoor philosophy of engawa.

Guests are being invited to experience Sunshower, relax in the space, use its charging stations, and sample Ooho, innovative water capsules made of edible seaweed extract.

Brian Bolain, general manager of Lexus International, said: “With Lexus design, nothing is accidental, and we believe that sense of thoughtful design is 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 such talented designers,” he added.

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.

Jennifer Roberts, chief executive officer of Design Miami, said: “Design Miami/ is pleased that Lexus has returned as our official automotive partner and is celebrating the brand’s commitment to innovation, beauty, and sustainability.”

“Lexus' dedication to design excellence is unparalleled. With the Sunshower exhibition and the all-hybrid vehicle fleet, the Lexus presence is felt throughout the fair in a way that feels organic to our mission as a global design forum,” he added.

Furthering its commitment to innovation and sustainability, Lexus has partnered with Notpla to serve Ooho, the edible water droplets. Notpla is a company dedicated to creating advanced packaging solutions that disappear, naturally.

The Ooho edible water droplets were previously a finalist in the 2014 Lexus Design Award and have been served at the London Marathon. For the first time they are available in the US, and Design Miami/ guests are able to sample the sustainable water solution at the Lexus booth at various times throughout the week.

Lexus and Whitewall Magazine have teamed up for the fourth year in a row bringing their ongoing discussion series to the official programming of Design Miami/. The series are taking place on site at Design Miami/, as part of the fair’s official programming.

The unique series of four conversations feature an international group of global art and design leaders who will discuss key topics relevant to the creative space.

Participants including 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 future cities, the artist as disrupter, sustainability in luxury markets, as well as the transformative power of design.

Michael Klug, Whitewall's founder, Publisher, and Editor at Large, said: “We are honoured to have partnered with Lexus for the fourth iteration of the Lexus Art Series: Art and Innovation talks with Whitewall.”

“We are excited to again hold this year's panels—focusing on the future of design, sustainability, and creative practices—at the esteemed location of Design Miami,” Klug added. – TradeArabia News Service