March 26, 2012
DIFFA Collaborates with Designer Richard Chai for Dining By Design Tour
Mark Thompson READ TIME: 6 MIN.
DEERFIELD, Ill. - EFFEN� Vodka announced its partnership with top American fashion designer and Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) award winner, Richard Chai, further emphasizing the brand's strong foundation within the fashion and design community.
EFFEN's collaboration with Richard Chai comes to fruition this week with the unveiling of the EFFEN Vodka installation for the DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS 15th annual DINING BY DESIGN tour. This event brings together some of the most talented and celebrated individuals in the worlds of fashion, interior design, art, and architecture to create spectacular, over-the-top dining environments.
Chai worked with EFFEN, a Super-Premium vodka rooted in design, to develop DIFFA's first-ever standalone bar-lounge installation, which was inspired by the sleek, design centric sensibilities of the EFFEN bottle.
"Fashion and design are in EFFEN Vodka's DNA, which is why we have consistently aligned ourselves with the best partners within these industries," said Kim Washington, Senior Director of Vodkas for Beam Inc. "Our collaboration with Richard Chai is no exception. His work is both visually appealing and functional -- similar to EFFEN."
Chai's EFFEN inspired DIFFA installation combines cool modernity with handcrafted, natural elements. Curved silhouettes, evocative of the EFFEN bottle, are featured throughout the space along with a modern bar and sculptural centerpiece serving as the focal point. Sleek seating areas are also included to provide guests with an engaging atmosphere when enjoying the tour's signature EFFEN cocktails.
"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to work with a brand so engrained in the design community," said Richard Chai. "I couldn't think of a better way to kick off our partnership than by supporting a worthy cause and designing the EFFEN Vodka installation. I easily found inspiration in EFFEN's handcrafted bottle design and modern look, which allowed me to create a space that not only represents the brand, but also includes elements of my own aesthetic."
Celebrated by the fashion industry for his sophisticated elegance, modern sensibility and unmatched craftsmanship, Richard Chai aligns with the values and aesthetic that EFFEN Vodka is also known for in the spirits category. He is a New York based men's and women's wear designer who launched his namesake brand in September 2004 and his menswear collection in June 2008 during Paris Fashion Week. In June 2010, Chai was named Swarovski� Menswear Designer of the Year at the 2010 CFDA Fashion Awards and a finalist for GQ/CFDA's Best New Men's Designer in America.
DIFFA's 15th annual DINING BY DESIGN kicks off in New York City with events running concurrently with the Architectural Digest Home Design Show at Pier 94, Thursday, March 22nd through Monday, March 26th. The tour will then travel across the United States throughout 2012, raising money for HIV/AIDS service and education programs.
DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS is one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the United States. Since being founded in 1984, DIFFA has mobilized the immense resources of the design communities to provide over $40 million to hundreds of AIDS service organizations nationwide. For more than 27 years, DIFFA has been one of the country's largest supporters of both direct care for people living with AIDS and preventative education for those at risk.
EFFEN Vodka continues to play an integral role within the design community through a variety of partnerships and sponsorships, including its involvement in DIFFA and Art of Design� - EFFEN's unique series of events held throughout the country that bring together the best in local art, fashion and mixology.
EFFEN's commitment to design extends across multiple marketing platforms through its latest advertising campaign, which features up-and-coming designers across fashion, furniture and graphic design. The EFFEN "Inspired by Design" campaign will run in print and digital channels beginning in April 2012.
Why not try out the signature cocktail recipes that were developed exclusively for the collaboration?
The EFFEN Designer Love was inspired by Richard Chai.
EFFEN� Designer LOVE
1 1/2 parts EFFEN� Vodka
2 parts Clear Apple Juice (not cloudy or unfiltered)
2 Basil Leaves
3 Mint Leaves
Lemon Peel
Method: Build ingredients in a glass tumbler over ice. Stir in leaves and lemon peel.
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EFFEN� Black Cherry By Design
1 1/2 parts EFFEN� Black Cherry Vodka
? parts Lemon Juice
1/2 parts Organic Simple Syrup or Agave Nectar
3 Raspberries or Raspberry Puree
1 part Club Soda
Method: In a mixing glass, muddle berries and citrus. Add remaining ingredients except club soda with ice and shake. Strain into a champagne flute and top with club soda.
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EFFEN� Custom Cucumber
2 parts EFFEN� Cucumber Vodka
1 part Fresh Lime Juice
? parts Organic Simple Syrup or Agave Nectar
Rosemary Leaves
Method: In a mixing glass, muddle rosemary and citrus. Add remaining ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a rosemary sprig with the bottom half of leaves removed.
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For more information visit www.diffa.org
For more information on EFFEN Vodka, please visit: http://www.facebook.com/effenvodka
A long-term New Yorker and a member of New York Travel Writers Association, Mark Thompson has also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The author of the novels WOLFCHILD and MY HAWAIIAN PENTHOUSE, he has a PhD in American Studies and is the recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center. His work has appeared in numerous publications.
