Celebrity Style

Celebrating Asian American Excellence in Design at the Inaugural AAPIDA Gala

The Asian American Pacific Islander Design Alliance (AAPIDA) recently hosted its inaugural gala, a landmark event celebrating the significant contributions of Asian Americans within the design and home industries. This gathering underscored the power of community and representation, bringing together hundreds of professionals for an evening of recognition, networking, and cultural celebration.

United by Design: A Night of Inspiration and Connection

A Vision Realized: The Founding Principles of AAPIDA's First Gala

Will Nguyen, founder of Collective Form, showcased his freshly tailored Vietnamese áo dài, encapsulating the spirit of cultural pride that permeated the Asian American Pacific Islander Design Alliance's (AAPIDA) inaugural gala. Joined by fellow executive board members Eric Chang, Claudette McCarron, James Fung, and Noz Nozawa, Nguyen welcomed over 300 guests to the Audrey Irmas Pavilion in Los Angeles on May 6. This event marked a significant milestone for AAPIDA, an organization dedicated to fostering and celebrating Asian Americans in the design and home sectors.

Honoring Pioneers and Nurturing New Talent in the Design Industry

Established five years ago by designers Jessica Davis and Young Huh, AAPIDA has consistently provided workshops, tours, educational programs, and mentorship opportunities. The gala served as an important occasion for the community to connect face-to-face. The evening, skillfully hosted by comedian Dylan Adler, brought together attendees from across the nation, highlighting the broad reach and impact of AAPIDA's mission. Esteemed guests included AD100 designers Jamie Bush and Leo Marmol, celebrity designer Bobby Berk, Mikel Welch, and Sarah Jane Ho, all converging in the Shohei Shigematsu-designed venue.

Recognizing Excellence and Championing Diversity in Design

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of several prestigious awards. Master artisan Robert Kuo, renowned for his innovative interpretations of Chinese decorative traditions, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Emerging talents Calvin Ma and Loren Brittany Cruz received Student Scholarship Awards, acknowledging their potential in the field. Benjamin Moore was recognized with the Industry Ally Award for its commitment to supporting AAPI designers and advancing diversity and equity within the industry. All award pieces were custom-created by acclaimed furniture and lighting designer John Pomp, celebrated for his exquisite artisanal glasswork.

A Vibrant Celebration of Culture, Talent, and Shared Heritage

The gala's program was further enriched by captivating performances. Singer Milck moved the audience with her powerful hit "Quiet," sharing a heartwarming connection with co-founder Noz Nozawa, with whom she had been friends since kindergarten. The dynamic taiko drumming group Kishin Daiko delivered an energetic performance, adding to the festive atmosphere. Jessica Davis eloquently summarized the evening's essence, stating, "Tonight is a testament to the strength of community, the power of creativity, and the importance of representation across our industries." Young Huh humorously recounted her regret about not wearing her traditional Korean hanbok, which was inadvertently damaged by a relative.

Concluding Remarks and the Joyful Harmony of Community

The night culminated with poignant closing remarks from Eric Chang, whose words on struggle and identity resonated deeply with the attendees, leaving many visibly moved. True to tradition, the celebration extended into a vibrant karaoke afterparty that lasted until the early hours. As Will Nguyen aptly put it, "It's not an Asian party without karaoke," perfectly capturing the joyful and communal spirit that defined AAPIDA's successful inaugural gala, an event proudly sponsored by AD PRO.

Serena & Lily Memorial Day Sale: Top Deals on Home Decor

As Memorial Day approaches, Serena & Lily presents an enticing sale, offering significant reductions of up to 40% on a wide array of home furnishings and decorative items. This event provides a prime opportunity to acquire signature coastal-inspired pieces, ranging from sturdy outdoor sofas to elegant bedding, accent furniture, and unique home accessories. Shoppers can take advantage of these deals until May 27, enhancing their living spaces with stylish and high-quality selections at exceptional values.

Among the standout offerings, the Pacifica sofa, celebrated for its durability and design, is available at an impressive 40% discount, with an additional 10% off during the Memorial Weekend promotion. Crafted from UV-resistant, all-weather wicker with a rustproof aluminum frame, this sofa is built to withstand diverse climates. A satisfied customer from Newport Beach, California, attested to its resilience after three years of exposure to coastal moisture, noting no signs of wear. Its robust construction and child-friendly features, as observed by a parent with a toddler, make it a practical and long-lasting choice for any outdoor area.

For those seeking to revitalize their bedrooms, the sale includes various bedding options at up to 30% off. The Hydrangea Percale Bedding Set, with its delicate floral pattern against a serene sky-blue background, evokes the tranquility of a Nantucket retreat. Made from over 300-thread-count percale cotton, these sheets are remarkably light and breathable, ideal for warmer nights. Additionally, the Baywood Quilt, featuring a distinct linen-cotton blend top with hand-stitched details and a silky pure cotton underside, offers both artistic charm and comfort. Its unique crumpled texture adds a touch of artisanal quality, complementing the Hydrangea bedding for a cohesive coastal granddaughter aesthetic.

The sale extends to a variety of other home essentials, including the Fouta Bath Towel Set, which provides a luxurious yet practical option for beach or poolside use. These Turkish flat-woven towels, made from 420 GSM long-staple Aegean cotton, are lightweight but highly absorbent, available in stripes of sky blue, fog, and navy. For interior updates, the Faux Grasscloth Removable Wallpaper, discounted by 39%, offers a simple way to introduce texture to any room, with options from traditional beige to seaglass hues. The Hyannis Port Linen Pajamas, now 20% off, and the Gingham print pajamas, with an even greater markdown, provide luxurious comfort for sleeping, featuring breathable European linen and elegant pearl buttons.

Decorative lighting and storage solutions are also part of the promotion. The Brooks Fluted Table Lamp, with its unique enamel-coated iron shade resembling draped fabric, offers about 10 hours of cordless illumination, controlled by a simple tap. The Rattan Wave Stacking Baskets, discounted by 25%, combine style with utility, perfect for organizing items from sandals to sweaters, or creating an artistic display. Furthermore, the Cornwall Spindle Bed, featuring a handcrafted bobbin design and a four-poster silhouette, brings a blend of natural wood-grain aesthetics and New England vintage charm to any bedroom, while the Ravello Mirror, inspired by 1960s Palm Beach Regency, adds a touch of contemporary minimalism with its authentic bamboo-like hardwood frame.

The Serena & Lily Memorial Day sale presents a fantastic opportunity to refresh and elevate your home with coastal-inspired elegance. From durable outdoor furniture to luxurious bedding, versatile accessories, and charming decorative elements, the diverse selection ensures there’s something to suit every taste and need. These limited-time offers make it an ideal moment to invest in high-quality pieces that blend functionality with timeless style.

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New York Design Week 2024: A Curated Guide to Must-See Events

New York Design Week 2024, branded as NYCxDesign, promises an immersive journey into contemporary aesthetics, running from May 14 to 20. This annual festival brings together a dynamic collection of trade shows, innovative brand showcases, and independent creative presentations. Its schedule is strategically aligned with significant art and antique events, such as TEFAF New York, Frieze, and Independent, creating a comprehensive cultural experience for attendees. The week's agenda is packed with must-see events, from cutting-edge furniture expositions to captivating gallery installations and exclusive showroom launches, making it a pivotal moment for anyone passionate about the evolution of design.

Among the week's numerous attractions, the ICFF and Afternoon Light fairs stand out as central hubs for innovation and discovery. Beyond these main events, a vibrant culinary scene awaits, with new and highly sought-after restaurants offering unique dining experiences. The integration of design and gastronomy adds another layer to the festival, providing attendees with opportunities to indulge in both visual and sensory delights. Furthermore, a series of gallery and group shows, alongside notable collaborations and product releases, will highlight the diversity and forward-thinking nature of the design landscape. This comprehensive guide serves as an essential companion, ensuring visitors can navigate and fully appreciate the wealth of creativity on display.

Culinary Highlights and Unmissable Design Events

New York Design Week offers more than just visual feasts; it also presents an exquisite culinary journey through some of the city's most talked-about dining establishments. Recent highlights include the refined atmosphere of the Billy Cotton-designed Bridges, known for its elegant use of glass blocks, and the contemporary Korean cuisine at Cote 550 in midtown, a space artfully conceived by Rockwell Group. For those seeking a more casual yet stylish setting, Ha’s Snack Bar, adorned with James Cherry lighting, and Revelie Luncheonette, an offshoot of the beloved Raoul’s, provide perfect options in downtown. Additionally, Bibliotheque offers a serene spot for a relaxing afternoon coffee or tea. These establishments provide a perfect backdrop for designers and enthusiasts to connect and unwind amidst the bustling design week schedule.

Dining options extend near the Javits Center, where Zaytinya at the Ritz Carlton Nomad offers exceptional Mediterranean flavors. In the vibrant Dimes Square area, Swan Room and Le Dive have quickly become local favorites, ideal for evening drinks and socializing. Le Dive has also expanded with a new West Village location, boasting ample outdoor seating. Beyond dining, the design week features crucial events like ICFF, now in its 36th year as North America's largest furniture fair. This year's ICFF showcases a diverse program of commercial exhibits and activations, including Parsons School of Design's Healthy Materials Lab workshops on carbon literacy and non-toxic paints. Vintage furniture reseller Rarify, in collaboration with Berlin's Bauhaus Archiv museum and Tecta, will present an exhibition-like display of Bauhaus design, while Post Company will furnish the Bespoke Salon for a tranquil retreat. Furthermore, ICFF's Wanted section will feature bespoke products from 60 American designers, with a particular focus on innovative lighting debuts from talents like Anna Dawson, Coil+Drift, and Cuff Studio, who will introduce their new Petal Promenade collection. These events collectively offer a rich tapestry of design innovation and gastronomic pleasure.

Galleries, Showrooms, and Emerging Talents

The Future Perfect, in partnership with Philadelphia's Dudd Haus, will host the "Dudd Lite" exhibition, showcasing 120 independent designers' unique nightlight creations. This diverse collection, ranging from a toothpaste tube-inspired strand light to Mikei Huang's inflatable wiggly man, demonstrates imaginative approaches to illumination. Laura Young, TFP's Managing Director, emphasizes the exhibition's collaborative nature, featuring contributions from both established and emerging artists. Meanwhile, in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, the Tankhouse condo development by SO-IL will be a hub for three group exhibitions. Local woodworker Luke Malaney curates "A Loose Grip," highlighting craft-led works primarily in wood. The Paraphernalia collective presents "Alien," a showcase of emerging talent, and Verso gallery, in collaboration with the Office of Tangible Space, stages "Nothing Comes from Nothing," blending nature-inspired contemporary furniture with historical pieces. These exhibitions collectively offer a comprehensive view of current and future trends in design.

Galerie Gabriel, originally based in Beirut, has established a New York presence in Midtown East's Sutton Tower. For New York Design Week, AD100 designer Julie Hillman curates "The Cultivated Eye," an exhibition featuring a cohesive selection of works by design luminaries such as Jean Royère, Charlotte Perriand, and Osvaldo Borsani. Philippe Starck's striking Illusion table is a particular highlight. Beyond these established names, the week also emphasizes emerging artists and designers, with "Elsewhere, Still Ours" at The Standard, East Village, showcasing nine rising Korean and Korean diaspora talents. Curated by John Kim and Sandy Park, this exhibition explores themes of queerness, migration, dual nationality, and cultural memory through ceramics, textiles, fashion, and mixed media, utilizing traditional materials like hanji. These various shows, from grand galleries to intimate pop-ups, collectively paint a vibrant picture of the global design landscape and the innovative spirit driving it.

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