Constance Wu Was Honored at This Year’s Apex for Youth Gala

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One in two American children in New York City are living at or near the poverty line. That was perhaps the most troubling statistic shared at Apex for Youth’s 32nd Inspiration Awards Gala at Cipriani South Street last night. The annual event aims to honor and uplift the AAPI community by furthering the organization’s mission of empowering underserved Asian and immigrant youth from low-income families through mentorship programs. “I joined the Apex board three years ago because I believe a dream should not just be for the privilege of a few, but for the many,” Melody Lee, gala chair and Mercedes-Benz CMO, told the crowd. “I have seen the transformative work that makes it possible for our youth to not just dream, but to dream out loud.”

This year’s gala honoree was fittingly Constance Wu, who pretty much embodies Apex’s mantra of “Dream Out Loud” with her barrier-breaking roles in Hollywood. Take, for example, starring as the lead in Crazy Rich Asians, the first movie to feature an all-Asian cast in 25 years. Or how she helped make history again on Fresh off the Boat, the first major network show to feature an Asian American family in over two decades. She quoted Mister Rogers—“a white guy,” she joked—at the beginning of her acceptance speech: “Anything that is human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable is manageable.” Wu went on to cite her controversial tweets and subsequent break from social media, calling out toxic internet hatred and encouraging the audience to have empathy when others are struggling. She thanked BD Wong, who presented her with the award, for reaching out when few others in the industry did.

Wu wore a custom Andrew Kwon sparkly gown for the event, which featured a mesh bodice and an exaggerated bow on the back. “It feels very glamorous as a busy mother of two,” Wu, who shares a daughter and a son with musician Ryan Kattner, tells ELLE.com of the look. She accessorized with a pair of Stuart Weitzman Nudistcurve sandals and debuted a blunt bob with bangs—a classic mom haircut. When asked about her future plans, Wu, who recently made her stage debut in the off-Broadway production of Little Shop of Horrors, says she remains focused on theater. “I love theater so much,” she shares.

Click through the gallery below to see some of the best-dressed attendees at the Apex for Youth gala.

BD Wong

Maria Cornejo

Andrew Kwon and Constance Wu

Simon Kim

Eny Lee Parker and Woldy Kusina

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