The descent into the hottest design weekend in the country started at the annual Radiant Dark party, thrown by partners Julie Nickelson and Shaun Moore of retailer Made Design. Thought of as the unofficial launch of Toronto design week to some, this year’s party was RSVP only, with the guest list cut off at the beginning of the week.

“We try to close the guest list at a reasonable number,” said Made owner Julie Nickelson. “The number of people who RSVP is always a surprise though. We want to be fair to the work and what’s here but not be exclusive.”

This year’s fete was located in Commerce Court in the heart of the financial district. Titled “Assets and Values,” the venue and direct business connotation were a far cry from the somewhat underground parties thrown in the past. Made’s other partner Shaun Moore explained the rationale simply.

“It’s been a bad year financially for a lot of businesses,” said Moore. “[People asking how the recession was affecting us] was a constant in the store. We wanted to turn it into a positive, lighten it up and show that good things can come out of it. Our goal is to make a living for these people [their designers].”

“There’s no point designing things underground that nobody will see or ultimately buy,” he said of the higher profile venue choice.

The practical attitude of the two event throwers certainly trickled down to their guests who were predominantly clients of the store, or friends of friends. Made customer and Canadian design enthusiast Lisa Logan attended the party with her husband and baby.

“I like to go to events with neat stuff to look at, “she said of the party. “I don’t have time to stand around and drink. I have a baby.”

Radiant Dark’s “Assets & Values” encompasses the work of 43 designers. Check out the photo gallery if you missed the party.