Lexus celebrates the international design community with "design matters" event in new york city
AKIO TOYODA HOSTS EVENT SHOWCASING LEXUS' COMMITMENT TO DESIGN
In its ongoing pursuit of innovation, Lexus is pushing the boundaries of technology, craftsmanship and design. This dedication to design both in its new products and global brand activities was celebrated with members of the design community at an event called "Design Matters" hosted by global President, Akio Toyoda, in New York City on April 19. American singer and actress, Kristin Chenoweth served as mistress of ceremonies with The Rootsand Questlove providing musical entertainment.
"This is part of the transformation of Lexus," said Mark Templin, executive vice president of Lexus International. "Lexus is expanding as a global company and we need to speak to a broad global audience. There's no better way to do that than through design. Great design transcends cultures and doesn't need any translation."
Much of the focus on design for Lexus comes from the personal commitment of Akio Toyoda itself, grandson of the founder of Toyota. "I am very passionate about cars, and especially design," said Toyoda. "To me, cars need to ignite all your senses, and one of the most important is the emotional connection you get when you see a beautiful car."
This dedication to design is evident in concept vehicles from Lexus, including the award-wining LF-LC hybrid 2+2 coupe concept and the LF-CC concept car. It is also reflected in new production models such as the stunning all-new IS sports sedan.
Beyond its products, Lexus is now further supporting international design through a variety of unique initiatives around the globe:
LEXUS DESIGN AWARD
The LEXUS DESIGN AWARD is a competition to inspire the next generation of designers, by having them demonstrate their creativity and be recognized for their accomplishments. The first 12 winning works of this prestigious award were displayed from April 9 to 14 at Milan Design Week. Among the winners, two designers received the opportunity to create a prototype of their project, with the help of two renowned designers, product designer Sam Hecht and architect Junya Ishigami.
LEXUS DESIGN AMAZING — 2013 MILAN
Lexus also staged an art exhibition at the 2013 Milan Design Week, entitled ''—amazing flow-", done by ground-breaking architect Toyo Ito and up-and-coming designer Akihisa Hirata. This installation was a combination of Lexus design philosophy and the very finest in contemporary art, architecture and design elements. Lexus intends to demonstrate here its vision of the future by surpassing conventional notions of design.
BEYOND BY LEXUS
A new lifestyle magazine, BEYOND BY LEXUS, will feature Lexus vehicle information as well as stories on travel, architecture, art and design from a global and regional perspective. The magazine will be published around the world two times a year and translated into numerous languages. The magazine recently debuted and will be available on the global website from May 1.
LEXUS BRAND CAMPAIGN
On May 1, Lexus will launch a global advertising campaign with the theme "Amazing in Motion." Featured in the campaign are spectacular larger-than-life human figures. High-technology 3-D printing was combined with fine craftsmanship to create the figures. Lexus materials, including bamboo and walnut found in the interiors of Lexus cars, as well as Lexus exterior paint, were used to construct the figures. Thanks to advanced technology and smooth artistry of puppeteers, the figures come to life on a grand scale.
LEXUS SHORT FILMS
Lexus collaborated with The Weinstein Company to support emerging directors from around the globe, commissioning them to bring five wonderful stories to life as short films. The stories are beautifully told and explore the theme that "Life is Amazing." They will debut at various film events around the world and will be featured on the Lexus global website www.lexusshortfilms.com <http://www.lexus-global.com/lexusshortfilms/> later this year. Lexus and The Weinstein Company will hold the world premiere event at the 2013 Festival de Cannes in May.
INTERSECT BY LEXUS and CRAFTED FOR LEXUS
INTERSECT BY LEXUS will be a unique space in select global cities where people can experience Lexus without getting behind a steering wheel. Neither a dealership, nor a traditional retail space, guests will be able to engage with Lexus through design, art, fashion, culture, movies, music and technology.
The space will be developed by Masamichi Katayama, the world-renowned interior designer and founder of the interior design firm Wonderwall. The first INTERSECT BY LEXUS will open in Aoyama, Tokyo, in the summer of 2013, followed by locations in New York City and Dubai.
Within the space, Lexus will display exclusive retail items CRAFTED FOR LEXUS. Lexus commissioned Japanese artists to create unique pieces that are inspired by the brand's philosophy: traditional craftsmanship with timeless beauty and innovative form and function.
More information about Lexus' design initiatives can be found at a global website:
About Lexus
With the vision of Progressive Luxury, Lexus has been pursuing and presenting values different from those of conventional luxury makes. Lexus has been striving not only to create a more luxurious experience through automobiles, but also, through such technological advancements as the Lexus Hybrid Drive, to contribute to efforts to solve numerous issues that have surfaced in the modern world.
Lexus believes that design for this competition goes beyond mastery of form and is a process in problem solving and an effort to propose solutions to shape a better society and future. Lexus therefore welcomes a wide variety of innovative ideas to overcome challenges.