The beloved Lexus Design Pavilion may be one of the most memorable parts of any given year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival and 2017 is promised to be one of the best yet.

The annual design project will again sit within Flemington’s famed birdcage enclosure where it will welcome 700 guests across Derby, Cup and Oaks Day. 

This year’s event, titled Future Cave will feature a three-level space conceptualised by eco-warrior Joost Bakker, and accessorised with interiors that come courtesy of Etic Studio. Wall panelling reminiscent of a cabin, a rich colour palette, and plenty of natural light inspired by the Japanese Kiriko glass ornament has also been promised. All inspired by a Lexus model of course – the forthcoming luxury sedan Lexus LS to be exact. With it being the races, there will also be flowers in abundance from renowned floral artist Dr Cooper, decorating the pavilion across all three levels inspired by Flemington’s finest garden roses.

To accompany the outlandish interiors, the pavilion will host a collection of different culinary and sensory experiences. These will include the chance to have your portrait taken by photographer Hugh Stewart, sit down with a MECCA Cosmetica perfumist to choose your most suited scent, and experience Lexus’ own ‘L Finesse’ gin bar serving a Japanese influenced gin created by the brand.

Level two of the pavilion will play home to the much loved Lexus dining room. A menu curated by ambassador Ben Shewry of Attica and executed by Zac Nicholson (head chef of Rockpool Melbourne) will be served to guests.

“Each year we strive to work with the best emerging and established talent to showcase Lexus’ dedicated to Omotenashi [Japanese for “hospitality, treatment, reception and service”] and in 2017 our ninth Lexus Design Pavilion will take this concept to an unprecedented level,” says Lexus Australia chief executive Peter McGregor. “The Lexus brand ethos of ‘Experience Amazing’ guides every aspect of our biggest design project in Australia and in 2017 our striking yet humanised design will create an unparalleled experience, allowing guests to appreciate the full luxury of the new LS sedan.”