In a distinguished gathering at the Audrey Irmas Pavilion in Los Angeles, Will Nguyen, founder of Collective Form, showcased a bespoke gold silk áo dài, a testament to his impeccable taste and cultural appreciation. He was joined by esteemed designers Eric Chang, Claudette McCarron, James Fung, and Noz Nozawa, all pivotal executive board members of the Asian American Pacific Islander Design Alliance (AAPIDA). This inaugural AAPIDA Gala welcomed over 300 influential figures from the design and architecture spheres.
The Inaugural AAPIDA Gala
Founded five years prior by designers Jessica Davis and Young Huh, AAPIDA stands as a national nonprofit organization committed to the advancement and recognition of Asian Americans within the home and design industries. Beyond its successful workshops, tours, educational seminars, and mentorship programs, the gala marked a significant milestone as its inaugural formal event. “We needed a reason to gather and see each others’ faces in one room,” stated AD100 designer Huh, highlighting the importance of personal connection. The striking venue, a creation of Shohei Shigematsu, attracted a discerning crowd that included AD100 talents Jamie Bush and Leo Marmol, alongside notable figures such as Queer Eye star Bobby Berk, designer Mikel Welch, and Mind Your Manners star Sarah Jane Ho.
A Celebration of Community and Achievement
The evening, expertly hosted by comedian Dylan Adler, exuded the warmth of a grand reunion, drawing attendees from across the nation and even from afar. Esteemed professionals such as Leah Alexander, Peti Lau, Alicia Cheung, Edel Legaspi, Linette Dai, Maria Wu, Jon de la Cruz, Huma Sulaiman, Sabah Mansoor, Catherine Kwong, Mimi Shin, Meshee Fahmy, and Whitney Maehara were among the distinguished guests.
The program honored significant contributions to the field. Master artisan and designer Robert Kuo, celebrated for his refined interpretations of Chinese decorative traditions, was bestowed with a coveted Lifetime Achievement Award. Two scholarships were awarded to emerging talents Calvin Ma and Loren Brittany Cruz, recognizing their potential. Furthermore, Benjamin Moore received the Industry Ally Award, acknowledging their steadfast support for AAPI designers and their dedication to fostering diversity and equity within the industry. The bespoke awards themselves were masterfully crafted by furniture and lighting designer John Pomp, renowned for his artisanal glasswork.
The gala’s entertainment featured a poignant performance by singer Milck, who delivered her impactful song “Quiet.” The evening also included a dynamic display by Kishin Daiko, a traditional taiko drumming ensemble.
“Tonight is a testament to the strength of community, the power of creativity, and the importance of representation across our industries,” remarked Davis, encapsulating the spirit of the event. Huh shared a lighthearted anecdote about her intended attire, a traditional Korean hanbok, which was unexpectedly unavailable.
Chang’s concluding address on identity and perseverance resonated deeply, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by navigating diverse professional landscapes. “We’ve had to learn to live in that in between space—always either too Asian in some rooms, while not Asian enough in others,” he shared. “But if tonight is any proof, here is the real truth: We are enough.”
The celebratory evening concluded with an energetic karaoke afterparty that continued into the early morning hours. As Nguyen aptly put it, “It’s not an Asian party without karaoke.”
Business Style Takeaway: This gala exemplifies how collective platforms like AAPIDA foster essential networking and advocacy, enhancing the professional brand of its members through visibility and shared identity. Such events are crucial for building a robust and supportive luxury design community, reinforcing personal and professional prestige.
Original article : www.architecturaldigest.com