Catherine Martin Luhrmann AC and Lilly Luhrmannto join Lexus for Crown Oaks Day
28 Oct 2026
Lexus welcomes Catherine Martin Luhrmann AC and Lilly Luhrmann to Crown Oaks Day, celebrating creativity across generations
Lexus will welcome internationally acclaimed costume and production designer Catherine Martin Luhrmann AC and her daughter Lilly Luhrmann to Crown Oaks Day on Thursday 5 November, bringing together established mastery and a new generation of talent to the 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival.
As one of Australia's most acclaimed designers, Catherine has built an internationally recognised career spanning film, theatre, costume and production design. A four-time Academy Award winner, her celebrated work on productions including The Great Gatsby, Australia, Elvis and Moulin Rouge! demonstrates the extraordinary vision, technical expertise and meticulous attention to detail that have made her one of the most influential creatives of her generation.
The attendance of Catherine and Lilly brings a personal dimension to this year's LANDMARK by Lexus theme, A New Dawn. Inspired by Akebono, the Japanese expression for the moment before sunrise, A New Dawn explores what emerges when experience meets fresh thinking, and when enduring traditions are carried forward in new ways.
For Lexus, it reflects the Japanese tradition of Shikinen Sengu, where a shrine is periodically rebuilt so that knowledge, skills and techniques are preserved and carried forward across generations. The principle inspired the Lexus LFA Concept making its Australian debut at LANDMARK and reflects a pivotal moment for the Lexus brand as it honours its legacy while embracing a new era of design, technology and electrification. That same balance of continuity and reinvention is woven throughout this year's LANDMARK experience, shaping everything from the creative collaborators chosen to bring the theme to life through to the stories they tell.
Lexus Australia Chief Executive Jack Hobbs said Catherine and Lilly's attendance perfectly captures the spirit of A New Dawn.
"We're delighted to welcome Catherine Martin Luhrmann AC and Lilly Luhrmann to LANDMARK by Lexus for Crown Oaks Day.
"Catherine's career is defined by extraordinary creativity, precision and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her ability to continually reinvent while remaining true to her craft is something we deeply admire at Lexus.
"Welcoming Catherine alongside Lilly makes that story even more meaningful. It reflects a belief we hold strongly at Lexus that the future is built by carrying forward the knowledge, values and passion that shape true mastery.
"That idea sits at the heart of A New Dawn, and we're thrilled to share this year's LANDMARK experience with Catherine and Lilly."
Catherine Martin Luhrmann AC said the opportunity to attend LANDMARK by Lexus with Lilly added a deeply personal element to the occasion.
“Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary craftspeople whose skills, knowledge and dedication have shaped the way I approach creativity.
"I've always believed that great design comes from a combination of technical mastery, collaboration and a willingness to explore new ideas. Being able to share that appreciation for creativity with Lilly makes attending Crown Oaks Day together with Lexus particularly special.
"The idea of A New Dawn, and recognising the next generation while honouring the people and traditions that have come before us, is something that really resonates with me."
Catherine and Lilly will be welcomed to LANDMARK by Lexus, the brand's three-level pavilion in Flemington Racecourse's Birdcage Enclosure, where A New Dawn comes to life through collaborations that pair established expertise with new perspectives.
From multi-generational creative partnerships to the vehicles on display, the experience reflects the Lexus belief that progress is at its most meaningful when it builds on the foundations laid before it.
As one of Australia's most acclaimed designers, Catherine has built an internationally recognised career spanning film, theatre, costume and production design. A four-time Academy Award winner, her celebrated work on productions including The Great Gatsby, Australia, Elvis and Moulin Rouge! demonstrates the extraordinary vision, technical expertise and meticulous attention to detail that have made her one of the most influential creatives of her generation.
The attendance of Catherine and Lilly brings a personal dimension to this year's LANDMARK by Lexus theme, A New Dawn. Inspired by Akebono, the Japanese expression for the moment before sunrise, A New Dawn explores what emerges when experience meets fresh thinking, and when enduring traditions are carried forward in new ways.
For Lexus, it reflects the Japanese tradition of Shikinen Sengu, where a shrine is periodically rebuilt so that knowledge, skills and techniques are preserved and carried forward across generations. The principle inspired the Lexus LFA Concept making its Australian debut at LANDMARK and reflects a pivotal moment for the Lexus brand as it honours its legacy while embracing a new era of design, technology and electrification. That same balance of continuity and reinvention is woven throughout this year's LANDMARK experience, shaping everything from the creative collaborators chosen to bring the theme to life through to the stories they tell.
Lexus Australia Chief Executive Jack Hobbs said Catherine and Lilly's attendance perfectly captures the spirit of A New Dawn.
"We're delighted to welcome Catherine Martin Luhrmann AC and Lilly Luhrmann to LANDMARK by Lexus for Crown Oaks Day.
"Catherine's career is defined by extraordinary creativity, precision and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her ability to continually reinvent while remaining true to her craft is something we deeply admire at Lexus.
"Welcoming Catherine alongside Lilly makes that story even more meaningful. It reflects a belief we hold strongly at Lexus that the future is built by carrying forward the knowledge, values and passion that shape true mastery.
"That idea sits at the heart of A New Dawn, and we're thrilled to share this year's LANDMARK experience with Catherine and Lilly."
Catherine Martin Luhrmann AC said the opportunity to attend LANDMARK by Lexus with Lilly added a deeply personal element to the occasion.
“Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary craftspeople whose skills, knowledge and dedication have shaped the way I approach creativity.
"I've always believed that great design comes from a combination of technical mastery, collaboration and a willingness to explore new ideas. Being able to share that appreciation for creativity with Lilly makes attending Crown Oaks Day together with Lexus particularly special.
"The idea of A New Dawn, and recognising the next generation while honouring the people and traditions that have come before us, is something that really resonates with me."
Catherine and Lilly will be welcomed to LANDMARK by Lexus, the brand's three-level pavilion in Flemington Racecourse's Birdcage Enclosure, where A New Dawn comes to life through collaborations that pair established expertise with new perspectives.
From multi-generational creative partnerships to the vehicles on display, the experience reflects the Lexus belief that progress is at its most meaningful when it builds on the foundations laid before it.
