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Entries Open for Lexus Design Award

Shape Shifters designed by Angelene who was a prototype finalist in the Lexus Design Award 2016. Image from Instagram.

 

Entries are now open for the Lexus Design Award for 2017 and Lexus want to encourage emerging designers to enter the competition which celebrates design ideas across different categories including fashion, textiles and furniture. Next year marks the fifth anniversary of the awards, which culminates at the Milan Design Week, the world’s largest design exhibition, in April where four finalists will introduce their works to the design community.

 

“The Lexus Design Award targets creators and seeks to foster the growth of ideas by supporting designers whose work can help shape a better future,” says Andrew Davis, General Manager of Marketing for Lexus New Zealand. “They collaborate with us to build the future to change the world through creativity and design. We know there is an abundance of talented designers in New Zealand so we’re encouraging them to be bold and get their entries in. It would be exciting to have a young Kiwi designer make the cut. They will go to Milan with the full support of Lexus New Zealand behind them.”

This year’s competition had more than 1,200 entries from 73 countries and half the submissions were from students with 80% of them having had less than six years experience in design. The four finalists chosen for the Lexus Design Award prototype their designs while being mentored by globally recognised designers with a maximum production budget per prototype of approximately $40,000 (NZD). Judges will then assess the four prototypes to choose the Grand Prix winner who may receive the opportunity to bring their prototype to production. Eight other finalists will also present their design ideas at a panel session at the Lexus Milan Design Week.

 

The creative theme for the Lexus Design Award 2017 is “Yet” which mirrors one of the core philosophies in the creation of Lexus luxury cars and SUVs, “by pushing the boundaries yet fusing seemingly impossible elements.There’s no compromise, but rather harmonisation, with synergy effecting breakthroughs.” Applicants for the Lexus Design Award are invited to submit innovative designs and original interpretations that demonstrate insight into the essence of the “Yet” theme. Entries are open now and close at midnight on October 16, with the 12 semi-?finalists who make the trip to Milan being announced early in 2017.