Governors' Gala and Rix Awards
Overview
For over three decades, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s Governors’ Gala has been one of BC’s most prestigious black-tie events — bringing together business leaders to celebrate legacy, leadership, and civic contribution. The Gala also features the Rix Awards, the organization’s highest honour, recognizing individuals and companies who have made outstanding contributions to British Columbia and Canada.
In 2021, amid the global pandemic, the GVBOT had to reimagine this iconic in-person gathering as a virtual experience for the first time in its 34-year history. The challenge was to translate the elegance, prestige, and emotional impact of the live Gala into a digital format without losing the sense of occasion or connection.
This project was a powerful example of how creativity, adaptability, and thoughtful design can elevate even the most traditional events in a time of change — and how a strong partnership between design and events teams can redefine what’s possible.
Role: Art Director & Lead Designer
Project Type: Black-Tie Gala & Awards Ceremony
Partner Teams: Events Team, Marketing, Video Production Agencies, Local Artists, Sponsors
Creative Concept: Elegant by Contrast
Creative Concept: Elegant by Contrast
To capture the refined, high-end atmosphere of the Governors’ Gala & Rix Awards, traditionally a black-tie event celebrating leadership and legacy. I built a visual direction centred around subtle luxury and modern elegance.
The creative palette was inspired by the iconic red sole of Christian Louboutin shoes, a detail often hidden, but instantly recognizable and powerfully symbolic of status and sophistication. Translating that idea into the event’s design, I used a rich, deep navy blue as the foundational background colour, serving as a canvas for striking red accents that subtly emerged throughout the experience. Just like the red sole, these pops of colour were intentional and restrained, never overwhelming, but always memorable.
To further elevate the aesthetic, I incorporated gold typography and fine sparkle textures, adding warmth, prestige, and a celebratory glow. These design elements worked in harmony to reflect the event’s importance while giving the virtual format a sense of occasion typically reserved for in-person galas.
The result was a design system that felt modern, timeless, and quietly powerful. Visually communicating respect for tradition while embracing a bold, thoughtful reimagining.
