After checking into the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel, we were excited for a fun filled weekend of design and fashion hosted by Lexus. Their executive team graciously greeted us on the opening evening at an intimate dinner party.
The view from our room at the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel.
The following morning, we were given a tour of the Lexus design facility called the Calty Design Center located in Newport Beach. In 1973, Toyota launched Calty Design Research and became the first major car manufacturer to set up design operations in Southern California. While Calty is focused on design, their facilities in Ann Arbor Michigan concentrate on the production of the vehicles. We were given a behind the scenes glimpse at the design process of their concept cars.
LF-LC Concept Car
After a fantastic outdoor lunch at the Calty Design Center, we were given a preview of the Lexus LF-LC concept car. This super sleek and chic vehicle features crisp clean lines and is a vision of what every premium sports car should be. Sumptuous curves blend smoothly into dynamic angles, creating an inviting display of lines, shadows, and corners.
“Our entire studio worked to develop this beautiful interpretation of Lexus originality,” said Kevin Hunter, president of Calty.
The core value of the Lexus brand are visionary, exciting and originality and the Lexus LF-LC definitely shows this. One of our favorite features of the LF-LC is the lightweight glass roof that reminds us of modern architecture by the esteemed Spanish-based architectural firm, A Cero. The greenhouse design enhances the driver’s visibility and experience, defining the car of the future.
The interior of the car resembles a cockpit of a jet. When you sit in it, you feel emerged in its design with soft textures, organic shapes, and a clean ambiance. Deeply scooped side panels, a curved console, and the space-like glass roof creates a daring environment of intrigue, excitement, and adventure.
Lightweight, race-inspired front seats are formed and encompass multiple layers with innovative controls and bespoke stitching. “This thought-provoking design exercise is a stunning expression of creativity,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group Vice President and General Manager. “Combined with a next-generation hybrid powertrain, this concept promises a rewarding driving experience that is also kinder to the environment.
LC 500
Next was a preview of the Lexus LC 500, which highly resembled the LF-LC concept car. The 2×2 luxury coupe features a flowing carbon-fiber room (glass roof standard) with sexy chic curves and a futuristic design. The “L” shaped daytime running lights rest below a Triple LED headlamp unit designed to include one of the industry’s thinnest projectors enabling a low hood with a short front overhang.
One word to describe the interior of the car is “seductive.” With its magnesium alloy paddle shifters, supple leather and Alcantara seating surfaces, it is the epitome of craftsmanship and fine design.
Koji Sato, Chief Engineer said: “We spent more than triple the usual amount of R&D time to pursue linear steering and to find the sweet spot for road contact feel. We also focused our efforts on suspension rigidity and enhancing geometry. Thanks to advancements in product engineering, we are now at a world-class level for suspension rigidity, and performance when lateral G’s are applied.”
Zang Toi
As a true Malaysian icon, Zang Toi’s designs have been worn by some of the most influential people in the world. With elegance, high design and craftsmanship, it made sense for Toi to become one of Lexus’ brand ambassadors. Dressed in a mini-kilt, you can tell that Zang Toi thinks outside of the box. As he showed his gowns on statuesque models, you can definitely tell that he knows how to blend the lines of fantasy and reality together. His gowns have been the talk of the Met Gala and San Francisco Opera for their whimsical flavor and creative ambiance.
Lexus Marketing Manager Brian Bolain interviews Zang Toi.
Lexus General Manager Brian Bolain interviewed Zang Toi in an intimate setting. From New York’s Award of Excellence and recent Vivid Magazine’s award for the top 8 most influential Chinese Americans, his designs stand the test of time.
For more information visit Lexus.
Directed by David Christopher Lee
Director of Photography: Patrick Reynoso
featuring Caryssa Ramirez
Edited by Joe Correa
featuring Part of Me by Vaja.