OUT ON THE TOWN
Faze Online
Charity Event
Design Exchange Black and White Gala
by
Sabrina Maddeaux
On N
ovember 12, 2011, the Design Exchange hosted its annual swanky Black and White Gala. This year's fundraising event honoured three exceptional Canadian designers: Karim Rashid (an award-winning industrial designer), Hani Rashid, and Lise Anne Couture (the duo who founded award-winning Asymptote Architecture). As if these distinguished honourees weren't enough star power for the super gala, Cheryl Tiegs (model and actress extraordinaire) was on hand to emcee the evening and host a fashion show.
The extravaganza began with a cocktail reception, followed by a formal dinner and presentation, silent auction, raffle and door prizes. But the real feast for the eyes (and stomach) was the after-party with proceeds supporting Design Exchange youth programming.
The night, which ran to the wee hours of the morning, saw guests chow down on gourmet poutine and sip on succulent oysters as they danced to spectacular live music. Admist the most elegant of decor, circus-like performers in full bodysuits contorted their bodys and posed with guests for photo opps. There was even an acrobatic fire dancer!
The gala was the perfect combination of trendy chic meets captivating weirdness. The venue was packed, and the crowd had that rare type of vibe you get when people are having the night of their year.
Notable guests (other than the slew already mentioned in connection with the event) included Tanya Kim, Shinan Govani, Allen Chan, Jasmine Baker, and Paul Rowan.
