The Ambassadors’ Ball 2018 in benefit of Design Trust

14. 12. 2018

The Ambassadors’ Ball 2018 in benefit of Design Trust was held on Saturday, 27^th October 2018, at the Grand Ballroom of Kerry Hotel. Presented by title sponsor Prada, who has a long-standing relationship with OMA, The Ambassadors’ Ball - HYPER ENVIRONMENT theme, was a visual spectacle conceptualized by OMA’s founding partner-architect Rem Koolhaas and OMA’s managing partner-architect David Gianotten. Net proceeds from the annual fundraiser benefits Design Trust, a platform that supports and stimulates the benefits of design through grants, research fellowship special projects and creative sharing with the audience of Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and internationally.

A highly anticipated event on the city’s social calendar, the 11th Annual Ambassador's Ball again brought together the region's elites, influencers, creative talents, art and design connoisseurs, and leaders of industries in what is a true celebration of the vibrancy and exuberance of Hong Kong. Officiated by the honorable Mrs. Carrie Lam, the Chief Executive of HKSAR, other guests of honor included OMA / Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten who flew in especially for the occasion. Alan Lo, Co-founder and Chairman of Design Trust thanks all guests and luminaries for the great evening and positive impact to the growth of design excellence and creative culture.

An introspective and provocative theme, HYPER ENVIRONMENT, examined the relationship between the city and the countryside. The ballroom is split into two distinct color zones, with a combination of nature and technology-like materials, creating a polarized atmosphere.

"It’s been such an honor working with Prada - a name and brand that resonates with creativity and design excellence, and a pioneer who promotes and preserves art and culture with passion and commitment. It has been so empowering to work closely with OMA’s Mr. Rem Koolhaas and Mr. David Gianotten - such visionaries who have brought our gala concept to an entirely new level. I know our guests are reflecting on the constantly evolving status of our city and countryside with a new perspective." says Marisa Yiu, Co-founder and Executive Director of Design Trust.

OMA’s founding partner-architect Rem Koolhaas and OMA’s managing partner-architect David Gianotten commented, "We are delighted to be able to provide the creative direction for The Ambassadors’ Ball 2018. OMA has a longstanding interest and engagement with design in Hong Kong and believe that the research-based approach to design – an approach the Design Trust supports – will bring design talent to maturity."

The evening's host was James Chau, renowned journalist, news presenter and philanthropist. The highlights included an opening performance by Oliva Dawn, a live and silent auction hosted by Phillip's Jonathan Crockett, featuring a stunning selection of limited edition art and decorative objects, travel experience and more from names such as Zao Wou-ki, Zaha Hadid, Daido Moriyama, Andre Fu, Joan Miro and lots to include.  All proceeds from the auction, followed by a live pledge session, is donated to Design Trust as a contribution to the seed capital for grant disbursement. When the dinner concluded in the ballroom, guests moved to Dockyard for an energetic after party and moved to the grooves of DJ Mimi Xu and enjoyed nibbles created by Little Bao and cocktails by Quinary. Music and DJ acts by DESIGN TRUST very own benefit committee members Sean Fitzpatrick, Benedict Ku and Diana d'Arenberg continued late in the evening.

Design Trust would like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to our Board Members, Benefit Committee Members, Patrons, Creative Directors, Sponsors including Prada, Kerry Hotel, and all partners and auction lot donors for their generous patronage that will help to shape and set a positive momentum for Design Trust.

The Ambassadors’ Ball 2018 Organizers and Sponsors
Lead Organizer: Design Trust
Title Sponsor: Prada
Creative Directors: OMA / Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten
Venue and Food & Beverage Partner: Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong
Partners: Altaya Wines Limited, Floral Blooms, Helu-Trans (HK) Pte. Ltd., Hong Kong Airlines Limited, Hong Kong Tatler, Icicle Group, Midas Printing International Limited, Perrier-Jouët Champagne, Phillips (auctioneers since 1796), Rubison Marketing Solutions Limited, The Artling and The Ad Region

The Ambassadors’ Ball 2018 Benefit Committee
Alan Lo, Benedict WC Ku, Catherine Feliciano-Chon, David Au, Desiree Au, Diana d'Arenberg, Hidetoshi Nakata, Honus Tandijono, Inna Highfield, Ivan Pun, Jonathan Cheung, Joyce Tam, Kylie Ying, Marisa Yiu, Nicholas Smith, Sean Fitzpatrick, Talenia Phua Gajardo and Tina Leung.