In 1983, Toyota’s chairman Eiji Toyoda initiated a secret undertaking to reimagine the luxury automobile. It involved 60 designers, 1,400 engineers, 2,300 technicians, approximately 450 prototypes and cost more than $1 billion. This scrupulous quest for perfection produced the first Lexus car. A more recent case in point is the latest iteration of the Lexus NX—the third since its launch in 2014—featuring improvements to over 95 percent of the car.
Form and function epitomised, the all-new Lexus NX gives new definition to the luxury compact mid-sized SUV experience in a handsome body. A juxtaposition of sinewy and angular lines lend to a graceful yet muscular and dynamic appearance, merging at the front to a more upright spindle grille that elevates its cooling performance. These curves continue into the interior, which has been reworked by Lexus’ Takumi artisans for optimised functionality and intuitive driver-vehicle connectivity. Not least, the latest technology and expanded functions for the Lexus Safety System+ provides greater empowerment and protection.
A campaign titled ‘What’s Next’ to launch the new ride invited Tiffany Lovage to give her interpretation of the car. Both a fitness instructor and illustrator who create arresting visual narratives, her mantra ‘Grow with the Flow’ describes her go-getter, free-spirited view on life. It is also the name of her hand-painted mini murals on the car’s doors.
“I’ve never worked with cars before so I was stoked. My impression of Lexus is that they pride themselves in craft and luxury. My creation is inspired by the dual personalities of the all-new Lexus NX—a balance of grace and strength—and features tropical botanicals such as the birds of paradise, Monstera palm and banana leaves. They are delicate, just like the elegant ambience of the all-new Lexus NX’s cabin, but also bold and full of colour as is the adventurous nature of the ride,” says Lovage, whose moniker of the Lovage plant reflects her passion for botany.
The plant’s multifaceted uses as herb, vegetable and spice also represent Lovage’s malleability in both art and sporting spheres. “My art style is adaptable. I like to try a multitude of things. My current regular mediums are digital and acrylic paints [applied to] various forms such as murals, canvases and leather goods.” On sports, her interests run the gamut of softball, Muay Thai, calisthenics and boxing. “It has served as the yin to my yang. One is more chaotic and physically demanding, where the other brings out the right side of my brain with creativity,” expounds Lovage.
The Lexus collaboration is a fine partnership, not simply for what both artist and automobile represent. The car truly suits her lifestyle. “The first thing [I appreciate] is its spaciousness as I tend to carry a lot with me when I’m on the move. If I’m working on murals, I have a huge container of paints, brushes and materials,” she shares. Transporting outdoor activity gear and driving her beloved hound Riot to the beach is also a breeze. Alongside the comfort and quiet, the panoramic glass roof is a dream for the self-proclaimed “lover of the sun”.
Beyond looks and utility, the Lexus NX’s metamorphosis presents an inspiring narrative. “The all-new Lexus NX is about rewriting possibilities of what the future could be as you venture, rediscovering oneself,” Lovage ruminates. In her case, pushing through the disruptive Coronavirus pandemic, as well as a knee injury and two surgeries in recent times saw her rising like a phoenix out of ashes.
My creation is inspired by the dual personalities of the all-new Lexus NX—a balance of grace and strength—and features tropical botanicals such as the birds of paradise, Monstera palm and banana leaves
In Singapore, Lexus offers three powertrains. Aside from the hybrid Lexus NX 350h and the sporty Lexus NX 350F SPORT, the Lexus NX 450 + F SPORT Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) reflects the brand’s eco consciousness—a direction Lovage herself pursues. “Sustainability is important for our future and I try to work with sustainable practices, from collaborating with companies that stand for the notion to reusing food jars as paint buckets. Every little detail counts,” Lovage asserts.
In line with Lexus’ Omotenashi principles of hospitality, new owners of the all-new Lexus NX can enjoy the Lexus Signature Care programme—the most comprehensive ownership experience covering a suite of aftersales care services worth up to $10,000. Visit the Lexus Boutique to book a test drive today.
