Tatler Design Awards 2020
Meet this year’s honourees; jury member Ed Ng of AB Concept on the influence of social media on design
The influence of yesteryears reigned at the Tatler Design Awards 2020, which embraced a “modern retro” theme for its fourth edition. The Alkaff Mansion was decorated with Seventies touches and guests playfully dressed to match the theme, many donning ensembles with bold patterns and vibrant hues.
The retro appeal was evident right at the entrance—guests were greeted by a colourful alcove decorated by Roche Bobois, a French brand with 70 years of heritage. The lounge featured the iconic Mah Jong sofa set designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, upholstered in vibrant textiles from Missoni Home.
Another surprise awaited guests upstairs: the bar area was given an artistic flourish with a pop-up exhibition by Gallery 1819. On display were artworks by Cultural Medallion recipient Thomas Yeo, which were accompanied with paintings by Chinese artist Niu Zhiye and local artist Aaron Gan.
During the event, the four-course menu served by Una was inspired by rustic dishes from the Basque region in Spain, accompanied with floral arrangements by Fiore Dorato that elevated the elegant setting.
Among the notable attendees was Ed Ng, cofounder of AB Concept and a jury member of the Tatler Design Awards. Before the awards presentation, Ng shared insights into
the selection of winners and the thought process behind crafting spaces that inspire. “When we create an exciting project that touches your emotions, it creates a moment that becomes an important memory and the memory in turn creates the motivation to come to or revisit this space,” says Ng.
Top honours given that evening included the Design Project of the Year, which was awarded to Jewel Changi Airport. All the winners received bespoke trophies designed by Celine Ng of Fraction, crafted in collaboration with stone specialist MM Galleri. The trophy’s curved silhouette harks to the triumphant form of an Olympic swimmer, while the in-built LED bulb illuminates the beautiful grains of the onyx veneer that the lamp was made with.
Another notable recipient was Design Intervention, which won the Best Use of Colour and the Best Bespoke Concept categories. “Colour is the most transformative tool that a designer has. Its impact goes beyond aesthetics—colour affects emotions. Harnessing it successfully is an art that we are particularly proud of,” says Andrea Savage, partner of Design Intervention, who accepted the award on the firm’s behalf.