Category Archives: Design

Roundup: Salone Internazionale del Mobile Milan 2014

With another amazing showcase of what’s trending in the design world, it wasn’t easy to choose our favourites from last weeks Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan. We noticed a distinct trend and emphasis toward natural woods, marble and stainless-steel pieces with clean, modern lines and geometric forms. There was a touch of luxury to most of the displays and, as we saw at Maison et Object in Paris in February, lots of colour – specifically monochrome with pops of bright yellow. 

Here are our edited highlights;

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Kartell celebrates 10th Anniversary of Laviani’s Bourgie Lamp

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Ferruccio Laviani’s Bourgie table lamp, Kartell have handed it over for re-invention to a select group of renowned designers from around the world. Being re-imagined by designers ranging from Nendo to Patricia Urquiola, from Mario Bellini to Phillipe Starck, the 14 one-off designs are currently on display at Kartell’s Paris flagship on Boulevard Saint-Germain, after which they will turn into a travelling exhibition for the rest of the year before being auctioned online (with the proceeds going to charity).

Kartell Bourgie Exhibition Patricia Urquiola

Patricia Urquiola

Kartell Bourgie Exhibition Mario Bellini

Mario Bellini

Kartell Bourgie Exhibition Ludovica+Roberto Palomba

Ludovica+Roberto Palomba

Kartell Bourgie Exhibition Patrick Jouin

Patrick Jouin

Kartell Bourgie Exhibition Philippe Starck

Philippe Starck

Kartell Bourgie Exhibition Christophe Pillet

Christophe Pillet

Kartell Bourgie Exhibition Front

Front

 

 

Downtown Design 2013: Focus on Local Design

Organised by the team behind Art Dubai and Design Days Dubai, the inaugural Downtown Design, the former’s more commercially oriented counterpart, offered seminars, special events and a place for design professionals to enhance their business.

Throughout the 4 day exhibition there was a definite focus on local manufacturing and the growth of regionally based designers. The consensus however, seemed to be that the region still has a long way to go if it is to become a world class design hub due mainly to the lack of manufacturing options available.

In a keynote seminar on The Role of Craftsmanship in Contemporary Design, Dorian Pauwels, Executive Director of ikonhouse, explained that to compete in the world of design, products need to be finished properly and to a high standard – it is as much about the facets of the product that you cannot see as it is their outward appearance. A shinny finish does not necessarily imply high quality. Unfortunately, there appears to be a general unwillingness by manufacturers in the region to employ sufficient levels of quality control in order to reach this standard.

Despite this, there are designers manufacturing locally. Khalid Shafar’s new collection, Deco Haus, has been manufactured entirely within the UAE using traditional products such as camel leather. When questioned about where to show work as a local designer Shafar’s advice was that although “it is important to show internationally, we must not forget the local market”.

There are also international brands who are committed to growing the design industry here. In one of their talks, Fritz Hansen discussed the fact that although the brand’s ethos is to maintain the design classics, they still need to work with up and coming designers and, although they don’t currently work with any local designers, that doesn’t mean they won’t in the future.

In addition to local manufacturing issues, the question was often asked, how can we incorporate classic design into the local aesthetic?

PF Emirates, whose vision is to bring the best of Italian design to the region, are heavily invested in the UAE. Cassina, known for its fusion of tradition and contemporary and using modern technology combined with traditional craftsmanship, is “listening more to what the very cosmopolitan market in the UAE wants” and, as Cassina looks more towards collaborating with non-Italian designers, it also understands that the local consumer market is impatient and won’t wait for long delivery times. This leads back to a need to educate the local market to understand that quality has a certain price, and that is time.

GAJ, an award winning architectural and interior design practice and also the largest and most established UK architectural and design company based within the UAE, are also dedicated to incorporating traditional Islamic themes into modern architecture. In a seminar, Designing in the Middle East – A Contextual Approach, they discussed current design trends and concluded that the “best designers in the world understand history”. “Now that the Dubai bubble has burst there is much more room for good design” said Simon Chambers, Partner at GAJ. “Architecture needs to be aware of the environment, if you’re not careful, especially at the pace Dubai is growing, a city will lose it’s identity. We need to understand places like Bastikiya, why they exist, not to be copied but to be incorporated into modern design”.

Another trend that is slowly but surely being understood in the Middle East is sustainable design. This is something that designers will have to push in order for it to be incorporated into the mainstream.

With the exciting plans for the Dubai Design District well underway, there is a definite focus, not just Dubai but the region as a whole, towards looking at what the industry will need in order to flourish, enabling Dubai to become an international hub for the design, fashion and art industries.

 Downtown Design Dubai 2013
 
Downtown Design Dubai 2013
 
Downtown Design Dubai 2013
 
Downtown Design Dubai 2013
 
Downtown Design Dubai 2013
 
Downtown Design Dubai 2013
 
Images via: Downtown Design

Diamonds Are Forever: Bert Stern | Marilyn @ JAMM Gallery

A beautiful exhibition of Bert Stern’s photographs of Marilyn Monroe is being hosted at JAMM art gallery located in Al Quoz, Dubai. The exhibition will last until 18th April so if you haven’t had a chance to visit yet you most definitely should.

In late June 1962, just six weeks before Marilyn Monroe’s untimely death, Bert Stern took almost 2,600 photographs of the American star over three daily sessions at the Bel-Air Hotel in Los Angeles for the popular Vogue magazine; this photo shoot later became known as The Last Sitting.

Stern’s photographs carry a rare sensual and human vibrancy. Never before had the star allowed a photographer such intimate access, and Stern’s camera captures a revealing, naked portrait of Marilyn the person – a fragile, lonely, flawed woman who would die tragically a few weeks later.

“Marilyn Monroe was great, sexy, beautiful and funny- the perfect all American girl. I loved her. I am very excited to be having a show for the first time in the fabulous city of Dubai”, said Bert Stern

Here are some of our favourites.

Marilyn with Veil

 

Marilyn with Chinchilla

 

Marilyn with Nikon

 

Marilyn Pink Roses

Images courtesy of Z7 Communications.

Design Days Dubai 2013: Review

After the debut last year, we were very excited to see what Design Days Dubai 2013 had to offer, and we were not disappointed. With galleries from all over the world showcasing some show stopping designs, here are some of our favourites.

 

Based Upon

The artworks tell the story of their subject, often beginning with an important location or family history. Based on natural forms and ‘the passage of time’ the pieces are made from metals and resins. The gallery is based in London.

Fragmented Crack Coffee Table

 

Wandering Knightsbridge

 

Stilwerk Limited Edition Design Gallery

Based in Hamburg, Stilwerk is establishing a platform for contemporary products intertwining art and design

PLOPP Copper Family Stools by Oskar Zieta

 

Moto_OV Sideboard by Sgroll & Vidal

 

“Object of Transit” by Sgroll & Vidal

 

La Galerie Nationale

Dubai based La Galerie Nationale were exhibiting the design works of artist turned designer Helidon Xhixha – shaped, sculpted metal turned into furniture pieces. Check out his design work at www.styleand steeluae.com.

Vitality

 

Stainless Steel Sliding Door “Gateway of Light”

 

Seating Ensemble

 

J+A Gallery

Although usually specialising in offering the Dubai design scene with rare industrial and mid-century design objects and salvaged goods from Germany and Central Europe, the gallery had a few surprises in the form of artist and designer Ritchie Riediger’s work. The “Fire – Frequency Tubes” consist of borosilicate glass and polished brass, and emit an amazing crytal clear colorful light, the order and shape of which  based on the frequency of a burning fire.

 

Jens Praet with Industry Gallery

Italian based Belgian designer Jens Praet produced a Shredded Side Table during Design Days Dubai opening hours, in addition to running two fully booked workshops. ‘Shredded’ takes non-useful documents and leftover magazines and transforms them into valuable and useful objects. The selection below is from the Elle Decor Edition.

 

Carpenters Workshop Gallery 

Carpenters Workshop Gallery is known for its discovery of bold and iconic design-art. Like many of the artists it fosters, the gallery takes a young, fresh and dynamic approach, primarily following its own aesthetic. They exhibit unique and limited edition works both by emerging and established artists, and designers.

Lathe IX by Sebastian Brajkovic

 

Lathe Side Table 650 & 450 by Sebastian Brajkovic

 

“You Fade To Light” by Random International

 

Eiffel Tower Lamp by Studio Job

 

Fragile Future Chandelier 3.6 by Gordijn & Nauta

DIFF 2012 VIP Lounge The Story: Part III

Ok, so it’s time for the final installment of the goings on at the DIFF VIP Lounge…

Colin Firth, who said he recognised the colour palette immediately, loved his Storyline of Inspired by The King’s Speech.  Michael Apted, director of The World Is Not Enough and The Chronicles of Narnia, received the Lifetime Achievement Award at DIFF 2012. Although he was a jury member, he found time to pick up his Storyline inspired by The Coal Miner’s Daughter. Representing regional talent we were also excited that Ali Mostafa and Amr Waked were able to join us, along with legendary Egyptian actress Ragaa el Gedawy. Last but most definitely not least, Jessica Mauboy picked up the Storyline of her first film Bran Nue Dae.

We’ve spoken to Ali Mostafa since and he has said he’d like Storylines of all the films he makes! Gotta be happy with that.

Colin Firth & Yasemin Richie at the Oxfam DIFF 2012 charity gala

Colin Firth & Yasemin Richie at the Oxfam DIFF 2012 charity gala

 

Colin Firth & Yasemin Richie at the Oxfam DIFF 2012 charity gala

Yasemin Richie donated a limited edition Storyline inspired by The Kings Speech at the Oxfam DIFF 2012 charity gala

 

Colin Firth & Yasemin Richie at the Oxfam DIFF 2012 charity gala

Colin Firth & Yasemin Richie at the Oxfam DIFF 2012 charity gala

 

Yasemin Richie and director Michael Apted

 

Yasemin Richie and City of Life Director Ali Mostafa

 

Yasemin Richie and City of Life Director Ali Mostafa

 

Yasemin Richie & Amr Waked who apparently is going to put his Storyline inspired by Salmon Fishing in the Yemen above his bed!

 

Amr Waked & Yasemin Richie at the Oxfam DIFF 2012 charity gala

Amr Waked & Yasemin Richie at the Oxfam DIFF 2012 charity gala

 

Nahla Rafih, Ragaa el Gedawy & Yasemin Richie

Nahla Rafih, Ragaa el Gedawy & Yasemin Richie

 

Ragaa el Gedawy & Yasemin Richie at the Oxfam DIFF 2012 charity gala

Ragaa el Gedawy & Yasemin Richie at the Oxfam DIFF 2012 charity gala

 

Jessica Mauboy with her Storyline inspired by Bran Nue Dae

Jessica Mauboy with her Storyline inspired by Bran Nue Dae

DIFF 2012 VIP Lounge The Story: Part II

For the next few days the DIFF VIP Lounge was busy, busy, busy – Freida Pinto (who looks stunning even without makeup), Mohammed Al Turki, Kristin Davis, Khaled Nebawy and Yosra El Lozi and spent time in the lounge, along with loads of other arab stars.

 

Freida Pinto & Yasemin Richie: Storyline inspired by Slumdog Millionaire

 

Yasemin Richie & Mohammed Al Turki

 

Yasemin Richie & Mohammed Al Turki (who wants a Storyline inspired by Arbitrage!)

 

Kristen Davis at the Oxfam Charity Gala: she already knew about the Storylines after seeing a pieces at the event and loved her own SATC Storyline!

 

Yosra El Lozi & Yasemin Richie

 

Mansoor Ali Al Feeli

  

Mai Masri

DIFF 2012 VIP Lounge The Story: Part I

Cate Blanchett & Yasemin Richie at the IWC Gala Party in Dubai: Cate loved her Storyline inspired by Elizabeth: The Golden Age

Since Yasemin Richie are sponsors of the DIFF VIP lounge we thought we’d give you the low-down through out the week.

VIPs to the lounge on the first day were the stars of the opening night red carpet film “The Life of Pi”.  Suraj Sharma, Adil Hussein and Shravanthi Sainath all left with personalised Storylines – Suraj took a Storyline inspired by The Bicycle Thief, a film given to him by Ang Lee while he was perparing for his role in The Life of Pi.

On Monday Best Actress Academy award winner Cate Blanchett made a whirlwind visit, which was tightly scheduled and carefully planned, and loved her Elizabeth: The Golden Age Storyline. Also we had singer/songwriter Bryan Ferry who popped in before heading off to the IWC Gala where he was Master of Ceremony and Cirque de Soleil star Erica Linz – Bryan left with a Storyline inspired by Legend. Throughout the day the Lounge was filled with Kuwaiti television stars.  Leading ladies Shaima Ali and Fatima Al Saffi came in along with brothers Mahmoud and Abdul Bouchari and actor Hamid Al Omani.

Although he didn’t manage to get to the lounge, we had a lovely time with Kevin Spacey at the IWC Gala and he left Dubai with his very own Storyline inspired by American Beauty.

Kevin Spacey IWC Gala Yasemin Richie

Kevin Spacey at the IWC Gala in Dubai: Kevin has a Storyline inspired by American Beauty

 

Suraj Sharma & Yasemin Richie

Suraj Sharma & Yasemin Richie with a Storyline inspired by The Bicycle Thief

 

Shravanthi Sainath & Yasemin Richie

Shravanthi Sainath & Yasemin Richie: Storyline inspired by the Bollywood film Straight from the Heart

 

Adil Hussein & Yasemin Richie

Adil Hussein & Yasemin Richie with a Storyline inspired by his film Ishqiya

 

Mahmoud Bouchari & Yasemin Richie

Mahmoud Bouchari & Yasemin Richie

 

Ahmed Bouchari & Yasemin Richie

Ahmed Bouchari loved the Storyline inspired by The Matrix

 

Andrew Adamson & Yasemin Richie

Had a great chat with Andrew Adamson, director of Shrek, about how the colour palette of a film is created

 

Andrew Adamson & Yasemin Richie

Andrew Adamson & Yasemin Richie

 

Bryan Ferry & Yasemin Richie

Bryan Ferry &Yasemin Richie

 

Yasemin & Richie Delaroche

Yasemin & Richie Delaroche at the IWC Gala during DIFF 2012

Peplum Perfection

By Leyla Keskin

Anyone who knows me will know that I am obsessed with any and everything 1940’s.  Women during this time seemed to look effortlessly classy and glamorous despite the difficulties of living in wartime Britain (or anywhere else for that matter).

Advert in Vogue circa 1947

 

My obsession started when, as a little girl, I realised that my Grandparents where alive during the war. I would ask them all sorts of questions about their experiences and loved hearing everything they could share with me, from how my Grandfather helped his Grandfather build their air raid shelter to how my Grandmother would watch her Mother draw a line on her calves instead of wearing stockings. My Grandmother would and still does tell me stories about her childhood and she always seems to remember exactly what she was wearing. She describes her outfits in great detail, creating a vivid image in my head and always ends her description with ‘Oh, I thought it was marvellous’.

Given my obsession with 40’s fashion you can understand how pleased I was when celebrities started posing on the red carpet wearing PEPLUMS!!!

The 40’s were all about curves. Clothes were made for women with curves or to create the illusion of the perfect hourglass and the gathered, flared material around the waist of a peplum does exactly this.

So you know what a peplum is but how do you wear it? I read somewhere that because the peplum is already a statement piece then you should not colour clash or team it with any patterns! Rubbish! As far as I am concerned there are no rules when it comes to colour or patterns.

One thing you do need to remember when rocking a peplum is that it is designed to show off those womanly curves. If you are wearing a peplum top then team it with a pencil skirt or a pair of skinny jeans to avoid it looking too fussy and loosing that hourglass shape. When wearing a peplum skirt you can team it with a strapless bodycon top for a glam evening look or dress it down with a jersey top for a daytime look. As with any look, remember to have fun and experiment – the peplum is both quirky and glam, vintage and modern and can be worn day or night.

I asked my grandmother the other day whether she ever wore peplums as a young girl, partly hoping she still had one or two pieces stashed away in her wardrobe.

‘A what?’

‘A peplum, nana’

‘You’ll have to show me what a pep….peplum is’.

I ran up to the small bedroom I stay in when visiting my grandparents and grabbed my purple peplum top.

‘Oh, a frill! I had a coat with a frill going around my waist as a girl. Oh, I thought it was marvellous’.

The Union Jack in Fashion

By Leyla Keskin

The Union Jack – a glorious symbol of the harmonious unity between England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales or the ever present reminder that the English invaded, killed, conquered and controlled the surrounding territories?

In the United States the people treat their flag with pride and respect. Teenagers stand to the sing the national anthem at their graduation while gazing at the flag in awe and the elderly dutifully wake at the crack of dawn to rise the flag in their front garden. Across the pond, in the United Kingdom, we are told that displaying the cross of St. George in our windows during the Football World Cup is racist. The Union Jack has been used in the UK by racist right wing groups and a symbol of their white supremacist ideals.

To celebrate 10 years of sponsoring emerging designers at London Fashion Week earlier this year, Topshop invited their NEWGEN alumni back to design a capsule T-shirt collection.

When the Royal Wedding was announced  the British public became fascinated with romantic notion of a average middle class girl meeting a prince, marrying and living happily ever after as his beautiful queen. In the weeks leading up to the wedding we saw an increase in royal wedding merchandise alongside the novelty Union Jack flag.

Alas, the day of the Royal Wedding arrives. No one could avoid the scenes outside Buckingham Palace. It was a sea of Union Jacks being waved by happy, excited faces from all walks of life.

On this day British people were ‘allowed’ to wave the Union Jack with pride! Suddenly it was alright to say ‘I’m British and proud’.

These scenes outside Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and the up and coming London Olympics has had an influence on the high street. From Accessorize to Zara, who have Union Jacks printed on T shirts, earrings and necklaces to Topshop who have taken a more subtle approach with Tees inspired by British Culture.

This look can be a difficult look to carry off. I have to admit it is something I have avoided. I tried on a chiffon Union Jack tee from Zara and I felt like a hardcore Athletics fan at the Olympics Games. All that was missing was a Union Jack painted on my face and a banner reading: Britain for Gold!!!

The trick is to start off with subtle little touches. Accessorize have cute necklaces with iconic British charms like a Double Decker red bus and Big Ben. Nail art is always a good place to start. If you don’t want to paint the union jack on each of your finger nails you could embrace the different colour on each finger look using red, white and blue.

If you’re bold enough to skip the subtle touches be sure not to go Union Jack overload. This chiffon Union Jack tee from Zara (below) would look great with a pair of black skinny jeans and a leather or denim jacket. Always keep the rest of your outfit simple to avoid looking too messy. The Union Jack deserves everyone’s full attention.

Whatever look you go for be sure to rock it with pride. Chin up, cuppa tea in hand and a stiff upper and don’t forget that dry sense of humour. We can finally say we are British and proud!