As was the case with the 4^th edition of the Lexus Design Awards India (LDAI), this year’s event was also held virtually due to the pandemic. LDAI received over 650 entries this year and awards were presented in 14 categories with two special mentions. The virtual event was also created with the support of the Association of Designers of India (ADI).

Lexus Design Awards India (LDAI): what is it?

LDAI is the Indian edition of the international Lexus Design Awards, which was founded in 2013. The Indian edition is now in its 5^th year, and as before, aims to nurture creative talent in the new generation. Besides rewarding and recognising participants, the awards also pairs finalists with globally recognised designers – who serve as mentors through the process – thereby helping them.

Speaking to Autocar India on why Lexus chose to back a category like design awards, Maharaj Mukherjee, executive vice president, Lexus India said, “Lexus has always looked to design as a differentiator and as the company has done itself, we want to use design to solve challenges that are present around us, and even those that could arise.”

And on why Lexus chose to have an Indian edition Giri Venkatesh, vice president, Lexus Asia Pacific said, “India has rich culture and that includes one in design and creativity, and so the idea about bringing the awards to India is about respecting this design culture and encouraging it.”

LDAI winners

Among the winners, the student category award was won by Priya Manjunath for her entry ‘Ki Auxetic Textile’. The 3D formed Auxetic fabric enables a very quick and efficient fabric production process which prints out cloth that can be used for fashion and other purposes, including, as she points out, “upholster a Lexus if the company would like to”.