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.