On Nov. 7, 2014, Toronto’s Design Exchange welcomed over 1,000 guests to DX Intersection, the museum’s annual fundraising affair. This time, the theme was “Rise Up,” a celebration of creativity, community and protest culture that had Castor Design shrink-wrap the entire library in white — a stark contrast to the red food installation, a symbol of the red flag, by Parts & Labour Catering. In the lobby, The Rodnik Band staged a surprise protest with hand-painted “Pop Art Not War” and “Love Each Other” signs, which continued onto the historic trading floor, where MAC Cosmetics presented a vogue-off between Toronto and New York dancers for various trophies, such as “Best Face” and “Best Runway.” The winner? Team Canada. This year’s awardee was MAC Cosmetics co-founder Frank Toskan. The epitome of positive protest culture, he has used his brand to raise funds for AIDS and instigate social change. Proceeds from the night went toward the museum’s youth education programs and Canadian design preservation initiative.
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1. Greta Constantine’s Stephen Wong with fellow partygoer Parambir Keila 2. DJ Blackcat performs for an awe-struck crowd 3. Fashion Television host Jeanne Beker with Frank Toskan and Phillip Ing of MAC Cosmetics, and Design Exchange president Shauna Levy