So what I had been hearing was absolutely true…the Design Exchange annual fundraising gala is a party NOT to miss in Toronto. Friday night, the who’s who in Toronto from the art, design and film scenes gathered at the Design Exchange building for an amazing night to honour Doug Coupland with an event where design infiltrated every single detail.  The evening began with guests previewing items that were part of a silent auction. Not just any auction though…20 artists were given the challenge to take classic Ikea pieces and re-design unique creations as part of the Ikea “Auktion”

Design Exchange Gala 2nd floor pre-event

Bruce Mau Design’s re-design of an ikea dining set

The Bruce Mau Design Team

Kina Cabinet re-design by Zeidler Partnership Architects

These Chanel earrings were given away to one lucky winner…which wasn’t me!

Knob Portrait: “Rob Ford” by Paul Raft Studio

Deadmau5 Pinata

Hosted on all three floors of the exceptionally curated venue, DJ’s spun tunes (a different genre on each floor), Toronto’s own Keys N Krates had everyone dancing to a collection of mash-up hits, mixologists and chefs served up treats like white fish cakes with aioli, lobster rolls, oysters, spinach and pulled pork gnocchi, seafood paella and a bevy of specialized mixed cocktails. For the ladies, Flare Magazine, one of the event’s sponsors, set up a unique custom accessories bar where women received made to order fascinators and head bands. And let me not forget the Food Dudes late night food truck that served up delectable food till the wee hours of the morning outside the venue.

Live entertainment on the 2nd floor

Keys N Krates getting everyone on the dance floor

Flare Magazine custom head piece bar

And just to make this epic evening complete…a few special guests were chosen at random for a pop-up food experience by Parts & Labour, Castor and Tongtong.

DX Intersection Pop-Up Dinner menu

Pre-dinner table setting

Guests dining on Wagyu beef with shallots

“You are the last generation that will die” by Honoree Doug Coupland

Doug Coupland’s take on the Roots Varsity jacket

2012 Design Exchange Gala logo by Bruce Mau Design

For you fashionistas that missed out on this year’s event…Design Exchange has just announced that in June 2013, they will survey the work of French shoemaker Christian Louboutin. I mean, it goes without saying that this exhibit will be a hit. The show drew approximately 900 visitors per day over two months last spring at London’s Design Museum. To keep updated on future exhibitions at the Design Exchange Museum, check out their website Here

XO,

S