Prime position Lexus marquee revealed for 2019 Melbourne Cup Carnival

A massive seated dining room and dramatic art using one kilometre of recycled linen will feature in this year’s Lexus marquee, as the site laps up its prime position. SEE INSIDE

The exterior of the Lexus Birdcage Marquee for 2019.

The Australian native landscape is the inspiration for the exclusive Lexus Birdcage marquee this year, which boasts three levels of luxury design, food and hospitality for celebrity and VIP guests.

With the largest ever seated dining room within the Birdcage, 90 guests at a time will dine on a specially crafted four-course menu by emerging Australian chefs Matt Stone and Jo Barrett of hatted Yarra Valley restaurant Oakridge.

“Expect to see Australian native flavours coupled with the vibrancy of re-purposed spring produce that will give life to food that would otherwise be wasted,” Stone says.

The Australian landscape is the inspiration behind the Lexus marquee this year.

Recycled linen will be used to make a statement.

VIP guests dining on the impressive third level will be seated under a dramatic installation by renowned architect Koichi Takada featuring more one kilometre of recycled linen designed to emulate Australia’s famed paperback trees.

Elle Macpherson in the Lexus marquee last year. Picture: Alex Coppel

Megan Gale was a guest of Lexus on Oaks Day last year. Picture: Sam Tabone/Getty Images

Lexus Australia Chief Executive Scott Thompson says the Landmark by Lexus marquee infuses Japanese values of warmth and hospitality with design inspirations taken from Australia’s rich native landscape.

“Each year, Lexus works with master craftsmen to bring to life our core Japanese philosophies of anticipation, thoughtfulness, and hospitality,” he says.

Ricky Ponting and his wife Rianna Jennifer Cantor pose outside the Lexus Marquee on last year’s Oaks Day. Picture: Sam Tabone/Getty Images

Isabella Carlstrom and Moana Hope at the Lexus marquee for Derby Day last year. Picture: Alex Coppel

The Japanese brand value ‘Omotenashi’, meaning to wholeheartedly look after and anticipate guests needs, guides every touch point of the project.

The multistorey building.

A car will take centrestage near one of the bars.

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INSIDE THE NEW LOOK BIRDCAGE

SHOULD CUP DATE BE CHANGED?

Sustainable artist Joost Bakker returns to work with Lexus, creating statement centrepieces throughout the three levels that use Australian natives and biodegradable products including eucalyptus, melaleuca, cypress and other foliage.

“These natives pay homage to the Australian landscape and lend themselves to the neutral colour and rich textural palette within the pavilion,” he says.

Special guests will include Megan Gale, Rachel Griffiths, Rebecca Vallance, Mack Horton, Emma Freedman, Matt Preston and Jodi Gordon.