Luxury design for a good cause
Palettera, a Toronto-based company specializing in custom correspondence, in partnership with Shangri- La Hotel, Toronto, presented Fête Chinoise, an exhibition that encouraged an audience interested in Chinese culture to experience and learn about Asian-inspired hospitality, beauty, fashion and art.
In a compelling series of nine spaces, guests enjoyed curated food and beverage pairings, delicately seasoned with nostalgic music, as they walked through a gallery-styled experience. All designers were hand-selected by event chair and producer Deborah Lau-Yu, and represented the best in luxury event design in Toronto.
The event was the first of its kind, with all proceeds donated to charity. This year’s beneficiary was the Mon Sheong Foundation, in support of elderly care, heritage classes for youth and their other community initiatives.
Bright lights taking in the festivities included Helen ChingKircher, Dr. Peter Kircher and Ken Tsui of Downtown Porsche; Dr. Ming-Tat Cheung, Angela Chan and Mabel Sin, directors from the Chinese Cultural Centre; Jo- Cy Lee and Amy Tam, co-chairs of the Mon Sheong Cathay Ball 2015; Francis Guidon of Maison Birks; Rhonda Diamond from Vera Wang Toronto; Richard Cooke, GM of Shangri-La Hotel Toronto; Deborah Lau-Yu and Raymond Yu, Fête Chinoise event chairs.
“Weddings and celebrations are such an integral part of our social fabric.” Lau-Yu said. “To have it meaningfully represent a community’s identity and heritage in a way that honours the past and moves it forward to the future — this was at the core of our committee’s heart. The Shangri- La Hotel Toronto was the perfect setting to celebrate Chinese- Canadian cross-cultural design and hospitality. The event will help to shape upcoming Chinese- Canadian events, galas, and weddings for years to come. It was great to see a community come together and engage in an exquisite cultural exchange, while raising funds for an important cause. This is how art changes the world.”
Sponsors included Downtown Porsche; Maison Birks; Vera Wang Toronto & Hugo Nicholson; Air Canada; Contemporary Furniture Rentals; FireDog Creative; Micki’s/Event Rental Group; Event Graffiti; Krista Fox Photography; Origami Heart; Tim Chin Photography; Moet; H&F Jewellery; and Reznick Carpets.