Cover Noah Horowitz, Marisa Yiu and Angelle Siyang-Le at the Design Trust gala on March 22 (Photo: courtesy of Design Trust)
Noah Horowitz, Marisa Yiu and Angelle Siyang-Le at the Design Trust gala on March 22 (Photo: courtesy of Design Trust)
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On March 22, Design Trust hosted its highly anticipated annual gala and its first gala afterparty, curated and led by co-founder and executive director Marisa Yiu
On March 22, Design Trust hosted its highly anticipated annual gala event. The evening, themed The Art of Transformation, marked the launch of the Design Trust Futures Festival, an initiative that brings together researchers, scholars and innovative designers to explore exceptional transformations in design and architecture. A total of 136 guests kicked off the event at the historic Murray House in Stanley Plaza—a Victorian-era building with significant architectural value.
A live auction was held, conducted by Phillips Asia chairman and auctioneer Jonathan Crockett, with lots including a private dinner at Salisterra at The Upper House and artwork like Sophisticated by Joseph Munyao Mutuku donated by the Yenn and Alan Lo Foundation. Afterwards, an awards ceremony honoured Elizabeth Diller, co-founding partner of Diller Scofidio + Renfro, who received the Design Trust Legacy Award for her contributions to global design, education and cultural landscape to public realm projects. Though she could not attend in person, she recorded a powerful video for those in the room. Jeweller Kaiyin Lo was also awarded with the Design Trust Heritage Innovator Award for her cross-cultural heritage leadership; and architectural designer Gary Chang was awarded the Design Trust Arts Prize for his pioneering innovations—most notably Domestic Transformer, a 344 sq ft apartment that he transformed into 24 different rooms. Other highlights included an appearance by South Korean entertainer Rowoon, culinary creations by chef May Chow and special performances by artist Joya and DJ Mengzy.
Marisa Yiu
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The afterparty provided an opportunity to preview an upcoming Design Trust charity exhibition Transformational Exceptions, curated in collaboration with more than 60 artists and architects, which will feature thematic works responding to the unique coastal Stanley environment and Hong Kong’s urban spaces.
Transformational Exceptions is open for public viewing as part of Design Trust Futures Festival 2025 until June 18. The festival highlights “Transformational Interventions”, which includes installations in public areas of Murray House from designers and artists such as Joyce Wang, Editecture, AA Murakami, Chaklam Ng and Wang Xin.
Funds raised during the gala event will support Design Trust’s ongoing education programmes, design development projects and regional research initiatives. “We are not just celebrating creativity, but also elevating positive values of how design, nature and art can transform spaces, communities and perspectives,” said Yiu.
Other attendees of the gala included 2025 Design Trust charity benefit committee, Kamsen Lau, Jonathan Cheung, Ivan Pun and Princess Alia Al Senussi, with the latter two being in town for Hong Kong’s Art Week.
Credits
Photography: Courtesy of Design Trust
As Content Director at Tatler Hong Kong, Tara shapes the brand's editorial vision across social, digital and print, and reports on Asia's most influential figures — from CEOs and leaders across business, style and the arts. In her dual role as Head of VIP, she also drives the planning and execution of Tatler's flagship IPs, curating star-studded events and building the relationships and communities that define the brand. Born and raised in the Middle East, she honed her craft in Dubai, crafting communication strategies for luxury brands across the Gulf. Follow her on Instagram @tarasobti.
