La design scene celebrates diversity at aapida gala – karaoke and a stark reminder of struggle
Los Angeles’ Asian American Pacific Islander design Alliance (AAPIDA) ignited the Koreatown scene with its inaugural gala, a vibrant celebration of creativity and collaboration, fueled by a night of karaoke and poignant reflections on the industry’s ongoing journey towards equity.
A first for aapida: a gathering of visionaries
The event, co-sponsored by AD PRO, drew over 300 designers, architects, and industry leaders – from Jamie Bush and Leo Marmol to Bobby Berk and Sarah Jane Ho – to the Audrey Irmas Pavilion. It wasn’t just a fundraiser; it was a much-needed moment for connection, considering the challenges faced by AAPI designers.
From vietnam to la: a moment of cultural pride
Will Nguyen, founder of Collective Form, showcased a striking gold silk áo dài, a garment he sourced directly from a tailor in Vietnam, prompting a delighted question: “This is my first time wearing an áo dài, what do you think?” The group – a formidable executive board – represented the Alliance’s commitment to elevating voices within the design world.
Industry recognition and a stark reminder
The evening honored Robert Kuo with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his reinterpretations of Chinese decorative traditions, and Benjamin Moore received the Industry Ally Award for its dedication to supporting AAPI talent. Two student scholarships were also awarded, recognizing the rising stars shaping the future of design. John Pomp’s artisanal glasswork provided a stunning aesthetic backdrop for the accolades.
Beyond the awards: a night of community and resilience
Comedian Dylan Adler kept the energy high with his emceeing, transforming the event into a nostalgic family reunion. Milck’s performance of “Quiet,” a testament to her longstanding friendship with Noz Nozawa, captivated the audience. Kishin Daiko’s powerful taiko drumming punctuated the evening, underscoring the strength of the community.
Karaoke’s essential role
As Nguyen aptly put it, “It’s not an Asian party without karaoke.” The afterparty, which stretched until 2 AM, served as a fitting finale to a night of celebration and, perhaps more importantly, a reminder of the struggles and ongoing work required to build a truly inclusive design landscape. Young Huh, regretting she’d left her traditional Korean hanbok at home, offered a wry observation about a relative’s unfortunate mishap – a delightfully human touch amidst the professional veneer.
A closing note: a commitment to representation
“Tonight is a testament to the strength of community, the power of creativity, and the importance of representation across our industries,” said Jessica Davis. The AAPIDA Gala wasn’t just a party; it was a deliberate investment in the future, a crucial step towards ensuring diverse voices are not just heard, but actively shaping the built environment.