Lexus Returns to Design Miami/ as Official Automotive Partner and Exhibitor

Lexus has joined this year’s Design Miami/ fair as the official automotive partner for the second year - underlining the marque’s passion for design at the global event, which convenes some of the most influential collectors, designers, curators and critics from around the world.

Lexus - the brand that created the world’s first luxury hybrid in 2005 - supported the event’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 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 featured the LC Convertible Concept, reinforcing the brand's commitment to omotenashi (hospitality), takumi (artisanship) and the indoor-outdoor philosophy of engawa. Guests were invited to experience SUNSHOWER, relax in the space, use its charging stations and sample Ooho; innovative water capsules made of edible seaweed extract.

“With Lexus design, nothing is accidental, and we believe that sense of thoughtful design is felt throughout the installation,” says Brian Bolain, General Manager of Lexus International. “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.”

Lexus and Whitewall have teamed up for the fourth year in a row, bringing their ongoing discussion series to the official programming of Design Miami/. Participants included artist Troy Simmons, automotive designer Tadao Mori, curator Aric Chen, DJ Eduardo Castillo and advisor Claudia Paetzold, who discussed topics such as the design of future cities, the artist as a disrupter, sustainability in luxury markets, as well as the transformative power of design.