Lexus Australia has unveiled its reimagined LANDMARK by Lexus Birdcage pavilion for the 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival, featuring a new architectural foundation across three levels designed by Melbourne-based interior designer Brahman Perera.

The pavilion opened with Derby Day on 1st November, where Hollywood actress Michelle Monaghan attended as exclusive guest of Lexus, alongside Kate Waterhouse, Carrie Bickmore, Lindy Klim and Governor of Victoria Margaret Gardner AC, to name but a few.

The redesigned structure features balconies on the top two levels offering views of the Flemington straight, with an expanded floorplan accommodating more guests than previous years. The three levels merge more seamlessly than the former design, creating connection between floors.

Perera, now a Friend of the Brand with Lexus, designed the interior around the theme “Synthesis” – exploring the merging of traditional craftsmanship and future technology. “Synthesis is about balance; the serene confluence of multiple layers to create an amazing sense of oneness,” Perera said. “Throughout the pavilion, handcrafted details such as timber joinery, natural stone and bespoke textiles are paired with intelligent systems: responsive lighting, interactive surfaces and AI-driven installations.”

On arrival, guests encounter a fragmented 3D-printed central sculpture, ‘Liminal Cycles’, by Slovakia-based studio Crafting Plastics, drawing inspiration from the Lexus LF-ZC concept car. The bioplastic’s UV-responsive coating reacts to light and human movement, creating simulated pulsation.

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Chef Josh Raine, former Executive Chef at Michelin-starred Tetsuya’s and now Chef Owner of 40 Res, leads the culinary program with a two-course sit-down offering and bento bar-style experience. The menu includes Spencer Gulf King Prawn with avocado miso and finger lime pearls and Hiramasa Kingfish sashimi with ponzu and shiso oil.

Large-scale collages by Melbourne artist and designer Simone Esterhuizen feature throughout, inspired by each race day’s traditional color – blue for Victoria Derby Day, yellow for Lexus Melbourne Cup Day, pink for Crown Oaks Day and red for TAB Champions Stakes Day. Florist Simone Gooch crafted Ikebana-inspired floral sculptures through the pavilion.

Level three offers desserts by Le Yeahllow alongside a Yuzu Sake Japanese Spritz with edible nori garnish. St Remio serves coffee creations including a Dubai Mont Blanc with Pistachio Cloud. The level features Mark Levinson audio with live mixed vinyl records.

The pavilion also features bespoke silk scarves adorned with Esterhuizen’s artwork in an exclusive gifting suite.

“LANDMARK by Lexus will transcend to a new level of luxury this year, offering deeply considered guest experiences,” said Lexus Australia Chief Executive John Pappas. “The essence of Synthesis is harmony; where various layers seamlessly come together to create a perfect form.”

Lexus enters its eighth year as Principal Partner of the Victoria Racing Club with naming rights to the Lexus Melbourne Cup, following a contract extension through 2027.

Lexus Australia
lexus.com.au

Photography
MAGNER MEDIA