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Top 50 Event Designers 2019: Candice Chan and Alison Slight

The Toronto-based Chan and Slight on working with a high-end beauty brand.

June 18, 2019

“This was extremely exciting and challenging for us because we were essentially building out an entire store that was on par with the extremely high standard of YSL…. It was very inspiring to work directly with their Paris team to review designs and materials and then to make it come to life,” Chan says. Pictured: YSL Toronto pop-up store

“This was extremely exciting and challenging for us because we were essentially building out an entire store that was on par with the extremely high standard of YSL…. It was very inspiring to work directly with their Paris team to review designs and materials and then to make it come to life,” Chan says.

Pictured: YSL Toronto pop-up store

Photo: Courtesy of Candice & Alison

Photo: Steve BlackburnCelebrating its 10th year of event design, Toronto-based production and management company Candice & Alison (@candice_alison) have produced events for clients such as the Toronto Blue Jays, L’Oréal, H&M, and Audi. The duo designed more than 80 events in 2018, including a weeklong holiday pop-up shop for Moët Hennessy and the YSL Beauty Hotel during the Toronto International Film Festival. When it comes to designing an event, they believe basic “house party” rules apply: “a welcoming host, good food, good ambiance, and good company.”

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Check out the rest of BizBash's 2019 Design Issue

The team aimed to merge the natural beauty of the orchard with the luxurious RHONY aesthetic, incorporating red velvet lounges, gold and mirrored tables, and glamorous bars. 'Lots of people commented how they felt like they were walking into a real orchard and how beautiful the space looked,' Skonieczny said. 'I heard quite a few comments on how it was one of the most incredible transformations they have seen at the Chelsea Factory.'

This Elegant 'Real Housewives' Event Used Over 2,200 Apples as Decor

At Netflix’s Emmys after-party earlier this month, candles were more than just decor—they were a bold statement that set the tone for an unforgettable night. The event was produced and designed by Gold Sky Productions with an 'Underground Opulence' concept, featuring a design that embraced the industrial brick and concrete building while layering in luxurious materials like velvet, marble, silks, and satins. A showstopping element? An arrival moment featuring 1,800 flickering candles, a classical pianist playing pop hits at a grand piano, and a 7-foot gold N inlaid with over 300 candles. See more: Emmy Awards 2024: Jaw-Dropping Event Designs From Netflix, HBO | Max, Disney, and More

Bright Ideas: 15 Fresh Ways to Use Candles in Event Design

The Experiential Group

8 Steal-Worthy Event Ideas BizBash Spotted on Instagram

Trend Spotted: Camping-Themed Events Are on a Wild Rise

Event Design & Decor

This Elegant 'Real Housewives' Event Used Over 2,200 Apples as Decor

Bravo’s lavish pop-up event brought a glamorous apple orchard to life, offering fans immersive content capture moments, chic decor, and cocktails fit for the Housewives.

The team aimed to merge the natural beauty of the orchard with the luxurious RHONY aesthetic, incorporating red velvet lounges, gold and mirrored tables, and glamorous bars. 'Lots of people commented how they felt like they were walking into a real orchard and how beautiful the space looked,' Skonieczny said. 'I heard quite a few comments on how it was one of the most incredible transformations they have seen at the Chelsea Factory.'

Event Design & Decor

Bright Ideas: 15 Fresh Ways to Use Candles in Event Design

Candles have long been a staple in event decor, but creative uses can elevate the mood and atmosphere in unexpected ways. Here’s how to make a big impact with this timeless element.

At Netflix’s Emmys after-party earlier this month, candles were more than just decor—they were a bold statement that set the tone for an unforgettable night. The event was produced and designed by Gold Sky Productions with an 'Underground Opulence' concept, featuring a design that embraced the industrial brick and concrete building while layering in luxurious materials like velvet, marble, silks, and satins. A showstopping element? An arrival moment featuring 1,800 flickering candles, a classical pianist playing pop hits at a grand piano, and a 7-foot gold N inlaid with over 300 candles. See more: Emmy Awards 2024: Jaw-Dropping Event Designs From Netflix, HBO | Max, Disney, and More

Event Design & Decor

8 Steal-Worthy Event Ideas BizBash Spotted on Instagram

Take a peek at Instagram photos full of wow-worthy event ideas to serve as inspiration for your next gathering.

The Experiential Group

Event Design & Decor

Trend Spotted: Camping-Themed Events Are on a Wild Rise

Brands like Revolve, BÉIS, and Hilton are embracing the great outdoors for peak event experiences.

Event Design & Decor

12 Stunning Draping Designs That'll Inspire the Look of Your Next Event

Drapes aren't just practical—they can transform ordinary spaces into opulent environments.

Event Design & Decor

15 Reasons Greenery Might Be the Unsung Hero of Event Design

Flowers get a lot of attention in the event world—but few things transform a space like some well-placed foliage. Here are some of our favorite examples of greenery at events.

Fairmont Chicago was draped in shades of green via live plants and colored furnishings for the 2017 Pantone Color of the Year event, where Kehoe Designs helmed the event's design. Running with a greenery theme—Pantone's then-color of the year—the event design team incorporated appropriately colored products from the client's product line, such as green mop heads, which were used to form the oversized, makeshift weeping willow trees. Working with sister company Floral Exhibits, the team aimed to make it appear as if living plants were growing right out of the tables themselves.

This Elegant 'Real Housewives' Event Used Over 2,200 Apples as Decor

This 'Sleepy Hollow' Multisensory Experience Brings Pumpkin Patches and Fall Folklore to the Heart of NYC

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Dreamforce 2024: How John Mulaney, Robot Dogs, and Relevant Programming Stole the Show

FX Created a 'Symphony' of Real-Life Screams to Promote Its Creepy New Show

How REI (Literally) Takes Out the Trash at Events—and What Event Profs Can Learn From It

Event Design & Decor

16 Design and Catering Ideas to Inspire Your Summer Olympics-Themed Events

From edible tennis balls to branded rock-climbing walls, these concepts are ideal for gatherings tied to the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.

The event also had a French-themed dessert display arranged on tables representing the five Olympic rings. Surrounding an Eiffel Tower centerpiece, desserts included macarons, raspberry financiers, eclairs, pate de fruit, and mini mont blancs with chestnut, orange Chantilly cream, and chocolate.

Event Design & Decor

Two of Chicago’s Biggest Summer Galas Were Just Days Apart—But Worlds Apart in Design

From Cabaret to A Midsummer Night's Dream, one design team was behind this year's looks for the Museum of Contemporary Art's ArtEdge and the Joffrey Ballet's annual gala.

Joffrey Ballet’s Midsummer Celebration

Event Design & Decor

How This Steampunk-Themed Gala Celebrated the 'Passage of Time'

The annual Steppenwolf Theatre gala took over the Bridgeport Art Center this year, raising $1.6 million for the theater’s education and artistic programming.

This year's Steppenwolf Gala celebrated the ensemble's 'bold, irreverent, and rock ’n’ roll style of work and play,' said artistic directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis.

Event Design & Decor

The Unexpected Places Top Designers Have Found Event Inspiration

From airport ceilings to childhood snacks, here's how everyday objects and moments have inspired some jaw-dropping event designs.

Event Design & Decor

Do Look Up: 15 Ceiling Designs That Caught Our Eye at Recent Events

What is "skychology" and how does it immerse guests further into an experience? Plus, get inspired by steal-worthy designs that drew guests' eyes up.

The Kentucky Derby’s Trifecta Gala

Event Design & Decor

See the Fun, Playful Elements From Public Art Fund’s 2024 Party

The organization's annual event celebrated its upcoming exhibition season with artist-designed activations and whimsical drinks and desserts.

Adrienne Elise Tarver's painting “Dark Star” inspired the decor for the party, immersing attendees in vibrant sunset hues. The painting was also featured as part of the tropical dinner tablescape.

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