Binary, The Design Exchange (DX) 2011 annual Black & White Fundraising Gala, was better than ever this year. The Honorees were a Canadian Triple Threat with rockstar product designer Karim Rashid honoured alongside his brother architect Hani Rashid, as well as Hani’s wife and business partner Lise Anne Couture.
Joyce Rachid portrait
DX is Canada’s Design Centre and Museum promotes “greater awareness of design as well as the indispensable role it plays in fostering economic growth and cultural vitality.” Each year, DX honours exceptional Canadian designers who are advancing the world of design with the proceeds from the event going to youth programs.
Set-up of the Design Exchange VIP Dinner, catered by Eatertainment. Lights changed colour after every course
“Design Exchange has chosen to honour these three Canadian designers for their individual and collective achievements which have propelled them to international acclaim and helped brand Canada as a design-led nation,” says Design Exchange Chairperson, Tim Gilbert. “Karim, Hani, and Lise Anne are role models for all aspiring young architects and designers, but especially to young women and newcomers to Canada.”
Rope lamp from the silent auction
Karim Rashid was named the most famous industrial designer in the world by Time Magazine. has more than 3,000 projects in production in over 35 countries and his work is featured in 20 permanent museum collections. His portfolio expands beyond industrial design to interior, fashion, exhibit and urban design and he has received over 300 eminent awards for his creativity and innovation in the design field.
Models at the event
Hani Rashid and Lise Anne Couture founded Asymptote Architecture and have quickly risen to eminence in the field. They have spearheaded “experimental spatial installations and digital architecture to some of the world’s newest iconic buildings such as the HydraPier in the Netherlands and the 85,000 sqm YAS hotel in Abu Dhabi.”
Crowd at the after-party
The Gala began with a VIP dinner of 200 guests emceed by supermodel Cheryl Tiegs and transitioned to a very happening afterparty that attracted over 1000 guests. There were creativity, innovation, art and design elements in even the littlest details from the out of this world décor, the sleek ice sculpture centerpieces, the fluid acrobats and dancers, the varied silent auction fare and of course the guest list. The fabulous band kept the dance floor packed and the energy high all evening.
Shireen Nathoo (Associate Director, Scotiacapital FX-Sales), Shay Lowe (Jewellery Designer), Stephanie Phillips, Ben Baldwin, Chris Mudry
The afterparty featured entertainment provided by aerial silk acrobats from Zero Gravity Circus, models wearing Lady Gaga inspired outfits designed by the DX’s own Regan Beckett, and dancers from DLM Dance Studio in lycra bodysuits. There were also food stations including an oyster bar by 10tation, grilled cheese and poutine food station by Marigolds & Onions and the Ontario premiere of Dan Aykroyd’s Crystal Head Vodka, which features a trademark crystal bottle design.
Brenda Longhurst (Director of Aveda Salon), Neil Schmidt, Lucian Matis and Natalie Cuoto (Civello Salon)
Some notables in attendance include George Whiteside, Renowned Photographer; Summer Kath, Director of Brand, Cambria; Dave Marcus, Founder AyA Kitchens & Bath; Brad J. Lamb, Brad J. Lamb Realty; Allen Chan and Anwar Mekhayesh, Host Designer Guys; Klaus Neinkamper, Senior and Klaus Neinkamper, Junior; Gary Berman, Tricon Capital; Jan Gandhi, The Peacock Parade; Jasmine Baker, Host Food Network Canada; Paul Rowan, Co-Founder Umbra; Ian Chodikoff, Canadian Architects; Tanya Kim, e-talk host; Shinan Giovani, National Post; Mosha Lundstrom-Halbert; and Joyce Rashid, mother of Hani and Karim Rashid.
Gala sponsors include Aya Kitchen and Baths, Cambria, TD Financial and Gilberts LLP.
Swag was given out in Karim Rashid’s signature “curvaceous, translucent polypropylene” Garbo wastebaskets, which have sold in the millions for their North American manufacturer Umbra.
Photo credit: George Pimentel courtesy of Budman PR
