Forget the race track – the one place everyone will want to be this Cup day is the Lexus Design Pavilion within Flemington’s iconic birdcage enclosure. A racing season highlight year after year, the 2017 edition is set to be the most luxurious yet, thanks to a host of indulgent experiences and gourmet delights (and of course, flowing champagne).
Inspired by the new Lexus LS – a luxury flagship sedan that will make its debut in Australia this week ahead of its April 2018 launch – and brought to vivid life by Joost Baker, this year’s pavilion, intriguingly crowned the ‘Future Cave’, spans three levels and will play host to 700 lucky guests across Derby, Cup and Oaks Day.
Built entirely from recycled materials and 100 per cent reclaimed concrete, with interiors by Etic Studio’s Emilie Delalande, the ‘Future Cave’ owes its elegance to 3D wall panelling that evokes the LS cabin design and a dreamily sophisticated pink colour palette with distinctive Sketch London vibes.
The cave is illuminated by breathtaking light installations by acclaimed Australian industrial designer Henry Wilson, inspired by the Japanese Kiriko glass ornaments in the door of the LS sedan. Renowned floral artist Dr Cooper has filled the space with masses of Flemington’s roses, the perfume of which is rivalled only by the divine Lexus x Mecca Cosmetica fragrance experience. Strictly invitation only, guests are custom-matched to a luxury perfume (think Le Labo, Byredo, Diptyque and Malle) by Mecca’s fragrance concierge. Better yet? After the race, guests will find a gift of their fragrance waiting at their doorstep.
The custom creations don’t stop there – also on level three, famed Australian photographer Hugh Stewart will be taking guests’ portrait and the Lexus L Finesse gin bar will serve Japanese-influenced cocktails. And don’t even get us started on the food.
“Each year we strive to work with the best emerging and established talent to showcase Lexus’ dedication to Omotenashi [Japanese for hospitality, treatment, reception and service] and in 2017 our ninth Lexus Design Pavilion will take this concept to an unprecedented level”, says Lexus Australia chief executive Peter McGregor. “The Lexus brand ethos of ‘Experience Amazing’ guides every aspect of our biggest design project in Australia and in 2017 our striking yet humanised design will create an unparalleled experience, allowing guests to appreciate the full luxury of the new LS sedan.”
Search #ExperienceAmazing on Instagram to see more photos from the space.
