A New Dawn theme marks the Spring Racing mood at Landmark by Lexus in 2026 – with Melbourne interior design studio Hecker Guthrie back in the saddle after 13 years since it last partnered with the Japanese car manufacturer at Flemington.

Hecker Guthrie channels a sunny optimism at this year’s three-storey cornerstone pavilion – with a colour palette that captures all the spectrum of yellows from sun-kissed golden hour to amber tones and a citrus boost on the top floor bar dubbed Gigi. It makes the perfect accompaniment to the dishes created by culinary collaborator Jason Jones of Entrecôte who also sunnies up French classics with a Japanese persuasion on a plate here.

Stage curtains in mustard velvet hug a backdrop of yellow florals all created by floristry whizz Ruby Bakker and her father Joost Bakker. Hecker Guthrie’s founding principal Paul Hecker leans into the yellow palette with aplomb, and says it felt like an obvious choice given the 2026 theme ‘A New Dawn at Landmark by Lexus’.

“Yellow is optimism, vitality, it is something youthful and speaks well to the Spring Carnival,” says Hecker. “We saturate the pavilion with yellow, but it’s more of a base colour, and we accent the space with white sofas and other furnishings. It becomes dramatic, bright and light-filled throughout.”

Hecker Guthrie’s director Stacey Van Harn says the interior firm celebrates 25 years this year, while Lexus is marking 24 years sponsoring the Melbourne Cup. The synergy between both brand milestones plays out ever so delightfully within – a commitment to innovation while also remaining true to its DNA. There’s technical artistry at every turn.

The ideation

Inspired by akebono, the Japanese word for the moment just before sunrise, the experience unfolds through light, colour, design and the craft of this year’s collaborators.

“The interior reflects a mix of heritage and tradition with innovation across both our brands,” says Van Harn. Where interior design in residential projects take months to complete, at Landmark by Lexus, the designers weave their magic in a fast-paced approach that is simultaneously quietly unhurried.

There’s a custom Perspex table that runs six metres long in the Gigi wine bar upstairs, while custom lighting adds a yellow neon inspired glow in all its contemporary light bulb moment. It’s is almost ghost like and a wonderful architectural experimental.

You’ll also see Fleur Studios’ stainless steel tables and MCM House sofas that are purposefully large and statement like.

“We add Dichroic film to glass tables, while chrome and silver accents in the space add a textural element across all levels,” says Van Harn. “The space is designed to be light, bright and reflective. And you have a beautiful view of the race track where ever you are.”

“We want people to feel joy when they come inside; the gestures are bold, simple and singular all at once,” says Guthrie. Golden ash-coloured carpet welcomes you on arrival, while Camm Upholstery is responsible for the large huggable pillows – made from imported European fabrics.

A contemporary nod to a Japanese noren comes through at the speakeasy bar where Hecker Guthrie brings a modern glow to an ancient concept.

Front Runner by Nine

Elsewhere around the Birdcage, Ed&Ed Studio is the design team behind Nine’s marquee. It has brought jockey silks to life within the two-storey pavilion; where interiors are fitted with harlequin patterns. It’s bold colours throughout – from deep blues to dusty pinks and greys.

“The interior is bright, playful and fun and the rich connection to jockey silks is captured elegantly in this room,” says Bruce Keebaugh of The Big Group, which teams with the menu offering here. Chloe Szukilojc of CSStudio adds to the floral charm; where relaxed luxury, geometry and an original artwork on paper by multimedia artist Shaina Lavine welcomes you as you arrive.

G.H. Mumm

At The G.H. Mumm 1827 Express, the marquee is all about luxury train travel from a different era. It brings an element of James Bond carriage-chase meets the Orient Express to the track. “G.H. Mumm 1827 is all about luxury train travel and about the journey, and we’ve been inspired by Europe – captured through carriages, the lush fabrics and a deep rich mahogany colour to rewind the clock,” says PIM director Mike Edkins.

There are subtle hints of timber throughout, but the signature racy red of previous Birdcage years has been replaced with a more elegant hue this time around. A swanky private room upstairs is where Maison Bâtard’s executive chef Adam Sanderson unveils a specially crafted canapé for no more than 40 to 60 lucky marquee guests who pair the scalloped morsel with a vintage glass of Mumm.

The deep crimson-coloured room with a circular service bar adds warmth, while soft linen, blushed pinkish red-toned chairs and warm timbers earth the exclusive room. According to G.H.Mumm champagne ambassador Chris Sheehy: “The romance of vintage travel is all about rewinding the clock 100 years at G.H.Mumm. We’re bringing that warmer colour palette to the space and pairing it with our best interior palette of leather chairs, luggage racks and a bar that’s sophisticated and where dishes are paired with our best champagne on the day,” he says.

Don Julio Hacienda

The tequila house Don Julio Hacienda makes its debut on Millionaires’ Row; bringing a sunny disposition, Curtis Stone as chef and a side of Mariachi to the track. According to Don Julio’s events and sponsorship manager Angus Johnston, the interiors are all about bringing a Mexican al fresco mood indoors. This is captured in a colour palette of dusty pinks and caramel hues with cactus plants dotted throughout.

“We have teamed up with celebrity Mexican-American chef Claudette Zepeda to really bring an element of Mexico to Melbourne Cup Carnival this year,” says Johnston. “The look and feel leans into a Hacienda vibe with colour washing that conjures a feel-good Mexican mood to the seated areas, while the private dining room of El Secreto Bar is a chance to feel a little special while whisked away for a special five-course dining experience created by Claudette,” he says.

Crown Marmont

An expanded Crown Marmont marquee this year features a new illustration by mural artist Jeff Philips best known for his Marmont at Southbank 20-metre work. The California-inspired mosaic of colour adds plenty of personality here – where jockeys and horses add to the trackside charm. There’s a hidden exclusive cocktail bar within – by appointment only – while an elevated experience is reserved for Level 3. Think caviar bumps, and sushi sashimi for days amid furnishings in shades of Monday Blue, and iridescent Italian wallpaper for a European nod.

Photos: Supplied.