Cover From left: Edward Tang, Michelle Cheng-Chan, Princess Alia Al-Senussi, Pansy Ho, Catherine Kwai, Jonathan Cheung and Kamsen Lau at the Design Trust Gala on March 18 (Photo: Jocelyn Tam / Tatler Hong Kong)
From left: Edward Tang, Michelle Cheng-Chan, Princess Alia Al-Senussi, Pansy Ho, Catherine Kwai, Jonathan Cheung and Kamsen Lau at the Design Trust Gala on March 18 (Photo: Jocelyn Tam / Tatler Hong Kong)
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The excitement surrounding Art Week is palpable. Hong Kong has waited patiently for three years to welcome artists and collaborators from around the world back to the city, and on March 18, the time had finally come
What? The 2023 Design Trust Gala
Where? Regent Hong Kong
When? Saturday, March 18, 2023
Who? Princess Alia Al-Senussi, Marisa Yiu, Adrian Cheng, Pansy Ho, Victor Lo, Catherine Kwai, Kenneth Fok, Ivan Pun and Loui Lim
Here’s what you missed:
Between the dizzying array of parties, gallery exhibitions and clothes fittings taking place, the Design Trust Gala took place the weekend before the Art Basel kicked off.
Influential creative talents and art and design connoisseurs alike made their way to the Grand Ballroom of the newly revamped Regent Hong Kong in Kowloon to raise money for design and creative communities in the city and across the Greater Bay Area.
Design Trust, a grant-funding and community charity established in 2014 by the Hong Kong Ambassadors of Design, has been a staunch advocate for the positive value of design, and the evening was a showcase of the organisation’s hard work.
The black-tie affair was hosted by Marisa Yiu, Design Trust’s co-founder, lead curator and executive director. The gala’s committee members include Jonathan Cheung, Alan Lo, Ivan Pun and Princess Alia Al-Senussi. Themed “The Art of Prescence”, the event celebrated the power of deepened awareness, resilience, mindful presence, and the importance of connection. The power in the room was unlike any other, with A-listers like Goodwin Gaw, Adrian Cheng, Wesley Ng, Kenneth Fok, Guo Jing Jing, Yana Peel, Vivienne Tam and Ayla Sham reuniting with friends old and new.
The cocktail reception was followed by dinner and a live and silent auction facilitated by Phillips Auction House’s chairman in Asia, Jonathan Crockett, who had guests digging deep into their pockets to bid for lots which included a private dinner experience by Jia Group, Lalique crystal by the late Zaha Hadid and artwork by Alan Chan and William Lim.
“I’d like to remind all our amazing guests tonight that these items are in Hong Kong dollars,” Cheung said on stage to roaring laughter, starting the evening off on a playful note.
Yiu, who was dressed in Hong Kong brand Moiselle, fought back tears as she addressed the crowd. “I’m so emotional,” she said. “[Tonight, you’ve seen us] share so much of our passion and commitment to education, research and cross functional projects. This is why we count on all of your support.”
And support she did receive: a total of HK$9.9 million was raised through a heated auction, which saw guests, including the organisation’s chairman Kamsen Lau and tycoon Pansy Ho, go head to head.
The funds will go towards building creative infrastructure to further Hong Kong’s role in research, design development projects and community programmes under the Design Trust Futures Studio, as well as curatorial fellowships and new projects to give emerging creatives a platform to showcase their work.
The event also honoured Victor Lo with the Design Trust Legacy Award for his contribution to the design field. Chi Wing Lo, acclaimed architect and lead designer of the reimagined Regent, was awarded the Design Trust Heritage Innovator Award for his pursuit of timelessness, while Cao Fei was awarded the Design Trust Art Prize for her contemporary artistry.
The evening was brought to life by performances by a host of collaborators including Olivia Dawn Mok, aka Xiaolin, who performed a set against the backdrop of a mesmerising digital display.
For those who missed it, here’s how the event is best summed up: swishing of gowns, champagne flowing, conversation and laughter at its peak, and a celebration of all that is good in Hong Kong—now that’s how you kick off art week.
Marisa Yiu and Harris Chan
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Credits
Photography: Jocelyn Tam
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.
