Lexus L-finesse - elastic diamond -

Lexus art exhibition comes to Milan Design Week

Lexus will be returning to the 2008 Milan Design Week with an art exhibition entitled Lexus L-finesse ’elastic diamond’, as in previous years it will combine Lexus L-finesse design philosophy with the very finest in contemporary art and design elements from Japan.



The exhibition will take place in Milan’s Museo della Permanente art gallery, from April 16th till 20th, during the world’s largest design exhibition, the Salone del Mobile di Milano.



In collaboration with groundbreaking Japanese design company nendo lead by Oki Sato, Lexus will reveal a new expression of its design philosophy L-finesse. A unique synergy of two distinct sets of values: leading-edge and finesse.



The 2008 Lexus exhibit, which has been conceived on a breathtakingly grand scale, will feature a dynamic installation exploring the perceptual contradictions of hard crystalline forms interacting with tactile and elastic materials.



The resulting fluid unity of lighting, movement and structure is designed to highlight the multi-faceted, yet seemingly contradictory elements, which distinguish Lexus L-finesse design.



The exhibition will also feature a molded model based on the Lexus LF-Xh Hybrid SUV concept car unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, as well as an art chair called “diamond chair” modeled by advanced technology and specially made for Lexus.



Based on the conviction that pursuing the L-finesse message through different artists and fields brings innovation that transcends stereotypes, Lexus has participated in Milan Design Week since 2005. This year with the participation of nendo Lexus is taking another major step forward in raising international awareness of this ideal.

L-finesse Design



L-finesse is an acronym of “Leading-edge” and “finesse”, two factors that define both the history, and future of the Lexus brand. Drawing from Japanese aesthetic values, L-finesse creates a unique dynamism based on the visual contrast between the purity of simplicity and the depth of “intriguing elegance”. Seamless anticipation, a major facet of L-finesse, also adds a sense of individual presence to all Lexus design, by creating a personal and individual experience for each and every customer.





Artist Profile

nendo (design office)



nendo was established as a design office in 2002, led by Oki Sato (born in Canada in 1977, completed a Master’s degree in architecture at Waseda University). nendo features an international client list and is active in many fields, from architecture to interior design, product design, and graphic design. Winner of numerous awards — including a special mention in 2003 from Salone Satellite Design Report in Milan (Italy), a nomination as 'best furniture' from I.D. Annual Design Review (U.S.) and a Good Design Award (Japan) — Sato was selected as one of the “100 globally-respected Japanese achievers” and nendo one of the “100 global small businesses to watch” by Newsweek magazine in 2006 and 2007.

Lexus



Launched in 1989, Lexus has become world-renowned for its pursuit of perfection, the quality of its products and for its unique concept of complete customer service. Today, Lexus remains the first, and only, premium automotive manufacturer offering a comprehensive hybrid model range comprising of the RX 400h, the first hybrid SUV; the GS 450h, the sport performance hybrid sedan; and the flagship LS 600h. Further reinforcing the traditional Lexus values of peerless build quality, interior luxury and state-of-art technology, the L-finesse design philosophy has been a highly significant factor in positioning Lexus as a uniquely desirable global brand.



Lexus has expanded to more than 60 counties/territories and in 2007 global sales reached approximately 518,250 units, with 9.2% hybrid vehicle sales share.





Design & Art Exhibition Details



Title :   Lexus L-finesse - elastic diamond -

Exhibited works:     Molded car based on the Lexus LF-Xh, an hybrid SUV concept car unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. “diamond chair”, art chair specially made for Lexus.



Furniture and installation designed by nendo, planning and direction by Lexus

Address                            Museo della Permanente, Via Filippo Turati 34, 20121 Milan



Dates                                  April 16th till 20th, 2008, from 11:00 to 20:00

Press preview                  Tuesday, April 15, 2008, from 11:00 to 15:00



Vip Opening Reception  Tuesday, April 15, 2008, from 19:00 to 21:00 (Entrance by invitation only)



Cocktail  Party                  Wednesday, April 16, 2008, from 18:00 to 20:00