Highlights of DDW 2024

A standout installation was “Present Absent Mudhif” by Iraqi designer Ola Zaad Znad. Featured in the Abwab section, an annual commission dedicated to showcasing emerging designers from Southwest Asia and North Africa, Znad’s structure paid homage to the Marsh Arabs’ architectural heritage. Using reeds and mud, traditional materials sourced from the Iraqi marshlands, Znad’s work highlighted regenerative building techniques rooted in Sumerian practices. The structure’s contrast to Dubai’s gleaming skyscrapers invited visitors to pause and reflect on the cultural continuity and heritage of the region.

The event also included the much-anticipated Downtown Design fair, which marked its 11th edition this year. Held at the d3 Waterfront Terrace from November 6-9, the fair hosted an expanded roster of top international designers and design brands. Featured brands included Italian luxury furniture maker Poltrona Frau, presenting its elegant Imagine Collection, and Kuwaiti studio Babnimim Design, which unveiled The Moon Gate, an installation of circular portals made from Cosentino’s sustainable materials Dekton and Silestone. These showcased the event’s emphasis on innovation in both materials and design practices.

Another key feature was Hands on Design from Milan, which exhibited a stunning collection of carpets designed by artist Nika Zupanc. The carpets, each with intricate patterns and vibrant colours, explored the theme of life’s winding journey, offering a sense of grounding and mysticism to the fair’s visitors.

Dubai Editions: Affordable Collectible Art and Design

A major highlight this year was the launch of Dubai Editions, a new section dedicated to affordable collectible art, design objects, and prints. More than 50 galleries and design studios participated, offering a diverse range of works that were accessible to both collectors and casual art enthusiasts. Iwan Maktabi showcased a collaboration with Emirati artist Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, presenting carpets inspired by Ibrahim’s minimalist designs, while Leila Heller Gallery featured works by Iranian-Dubai based artist Roham Shamekh, whose Scavenger Chair and explosive resin sculptures captivated viewers.

This year’s Dubai Editions reflected Dubai’s growing influence as a cultural hub for both emerging and established artists. With a strong local presence, over 50% of exhibitors hailed from Dubai itself, further cementing the city’s place as a global capital for creativity in art and design.

Veuve Clicquot Sun Club Lounge

For those looking for a moment of relaxation amidst the whirlwind of design, the Veuve Clicquot Sun Club Lounge, designed by French studio Marcel Poulain, offered a Mediterranean escape under the Dubai sun. With its signature yellow design and bespoke furniture, the lounge provided a perfect setting for professionals and art lovers to unwind while enjoying the iconic champagne brand’s luxurious atmosphere.

The Evolving Design Landscape of Dubai

The successful execution of Dubai Design Week 2024 is a testament to the city’s transformation into a global design capital. As the city welcomes new residents and fosters a flourishing arts and culture scene, events like DDW continue to push boundaries, creating new platforms for emerging talents while embracing the region’s rich heritage.

As the Middle East’s largest design festival, Dubai Design Week not only showcases the latest in international design trends but also places a special focus on the unique design narratives emerging from the Arab world, North Africa, and South Asia. With its diverse exhibitions, installations, and presentations, DDW reinforces Dubai’s growing role in the global creative economy.

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For the second consecutive year, Casa Milano is bringing back its acclaimed Talking Walls initiative, which continues to push creative boundaries and engage young designers. This year’s theme, “Reimagining the Bathroom Experience,” brings together some of the UAE’s most forward-thinking design studios, each tasked with transforming a 12-square-metre space into a stunning bathroom mockup.

Participating studios include Roar (Urban), 4 Space Interiors (Quirky), DZ Design (Whimsical), XBD Collective (Art Deco), Broadway Interiors (Power), Swiss Bureau (Aquatonic), Known (Kitsch), and AK Designo (Minimalist). Over three weeks, each team, supported by senior mentors, developed and refined their concepts before presenting their designs in their respective studios.

“Talking Walls: Reimagining the Bathroom Experience” is not just about showcasing creative talent; it is also a celebration of design excellence. A panel of experts will award the main prize — a trip to Europe — to the most outstanding design, marking a significant recognition of innovation in the field. In addition, other awards include The Best Executed Stand, The Public Vote Award, The Most Sustainable Design Award, and The Best Presentation Award, creating multiple opportunities to honour exceptional achievements in design.

Casa Milano’s role as a platform for emerging talent is exemplified through the Talking Walls initiative. The project bridges the gap between seasoned professionals and young designers, fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. Casa Milano’s dedication to nurturing fresh talent and pushing the boundaries of design reinforces its commitment to setting new standards in luxury home solutions and contributing to the UAE’s flourishing design ecosystem.

Azhar Sajan, the visionary behind Casa Milano, shared his excitement about the initiative: “Talking Walls is more than just a feature for us; it’s a commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in the design community. This initiative allows us to go beyond showcasing products — we’re sharing ideas, nurturing young talent, and giving them a platform to express their visions in a meaningful way. Good design tells a story, and at Casa Milano, we believe every designer, especially the next generation, should have a voice in that narrative.”

Visitors to Downtown Design are invited to explore Casa Milano’s bold presence, where luxury, innovation, and a commitment to supporting the design community come together, setting new benchmarks for the future of interiors in the UAE and beyond.

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The 2024 edition, which runs until November 10, stands as a significant milestone in Dubai’s artistic evolution. It highlights the city’s ongoing role as a dynamic global hub where innovation, design, and creativity converge, both locally and internationally.

This year’s Dubai Design Week is set to be one of its most impactful, with a packed schedule featuring more than 10 exhibitions, 60 workshops, and 40 installations, covering a wide range of creative disciplines. In addition to these, the event introduces a new marketplace showcasing over 70 regional artisans, entrepreneurs, and culinary creators, providing a vibrant platform for creatives from various sectors to share their works with a diverse global audience.

H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed expressed her pride in Dubai’s journey as a creative force on the global stage: “Dubai Design Week reflects the creativity, resilience, and vision that define our city and its people. Over the past decade, Dubai has flourished into a global centre where creative minds come to find inspiration, innovate, and push the boundaries of design. This year’s edition celebrates not only a decade of achievements but also sets a forward-looking foundation for the future of design in our region. It is a journey powered by the passion of our artists and designers, inspired by Dubai’s vision as a city where dreams are realised.”

Sheikha Latifa further emphasized Dubai’s pivotal role in fostering a culture of creativity: “Dubai Design Week has grown into something far greater than a single event; it has become a testament to our city’s commitment to fostering talent and nurturing a culture of innovation. Today, Dubai is recognised worldwide as a creative hub, providing artists and designers with the resources, encouragement, and opportunities to push the boundaries of their craft. The stories of creativity and success we celebrate here exemplify what is possible when vision meets purpose, and as we look to the future, we remain dedicated to supporting our artists and creatives, empowering them to make meaningful contributions to our city and beyond.”

The 10th edition offers a range of engaging exhibitions and installations, exploring the intersection of tradition and modernity in design. Visitors can expect to witness a fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary innovation, as well as technology-driven art that challenges the boundaries of design.

In addition, over 60 workshops and masterclasses led by industry experts will provide valuable opportunities for participants to learn new techniques and engage in discussions that inspire forward-thinking creativity. The Marketplace, featuring more than 70 regional artisans, highlights the UAE’s growing entrepreneurial spirit, offering a unique space for emerging brands to showcase their work in jewellery, fashion, and culinary arts.

Dubai Design Week’s landmark 10th edition is a celebration of creativity and design excellence, further cementing Dubai’s position as a global leader in the arts and design sectors. This event brings together the best of international and local talent, fostering a rich environment for collaboration and innovation within the creative community.

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Visitors will also have the opportunity to discover additional iconic Italian brands participating in the event, all offering a glimpse into Italy’s rich design heritage.

A Focus on Sustainable Innovation

In addition to highlighting Italy’s legendary design expertise, Downtown Design 2024 will emphasize the importance of sustainability—a central pillar in Italy’s growing influence in the UAE. With increasing demand for eco-conscious products, Italy’s luxury furniture sector has taken the lead, and this year’s event is poised to showcase sustainable designs using responsibly sourced materials.

“Downtown Design 2024 celebrates Italian design’s ability to lead in both creativity and environmental responsibility. As demand for sustainable, luxury interiors rises, Italian-made furnishings are the forefront of this global trend,” said Lorenzo Fanara, Italian Ambassador to the UAE. “Italy is a worldwide leader in design. Our passion for beauty, style, and elegance is inspired by our culture, history, and art. Italians are brought up by priceless masterpieces, monuments, architectural treasures, that the whole world admires. Italian design has long been synonymous with creativity, comfort, quality, and sustainability. Our participation in the prestigious Downtown Design reflects the deepening partnership between Italy and the UAE as we continue to meet the region’s growing demand for elegant and eco-friendly furniture. Made in Italy furniture has reached 10% of the UAE market – with even higher percentages in the luxury design sector – and it is growing strongly.”

Italian Excellence Drives the UAE Luxury Market

The surge in Italian design’s popularity is evident in the UAE’s expanding luxury market. Italy’s furniture exports to the UAE have seen significant growth, with Italy capturing a 10% share of the UAE’s high-end furniture market. In the first half of 2024 alone, Italian furniture exports to the UAE reached €200.39 million (around $210 million), a 21% increase over the previous year. This success is mirrored in the UAE’s hospitality sector, where high-end hotels and resorts increasingly seek Italian-made furnishings that combine style, durability, and sustainability.

“We are proud to showcase our design excellence at Downtown Design 2024, where Italy’s leadership in sustainable luxury is on full display. The UAE’s growing demand for premium, eco-conscious furnishings is a natural fit for Italy’s expertise in combining timeless elegance with modern innovation,” said Valerio Soldani, Trade Commissioner of Italy to the UAE.

Global Design Leadership

Italy’s presence at Downtown Design 2024 reflects its continued leadership in the global design landscape. With support from the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and various industry associations, Italy continues to influence the direction of global design by blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation. Visitors to the event will not only see a curated selection of Italian furniture at the ITA pavilion but also explore other celebrated Italian brands contributing to the future of luxury design.

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Organised by the Art Dubai Group, Editions will showcase an extensive collection of design studios, galleries, and collectives. With a diverse line-up representing key international players from countries such as Germany, Colombia, Italy, and Lithuania, alongside regional artists from the UAE, Lebanon, Kuwait, and Jordan, the fair is set to highlight the richness and diversity of contemporary art and design.

Mette Degn-Christensen, Director of Downtown Design, states: “As art and design continue to merge with Dubai’s cultural fabric, Editions caters to the growing demand for high-quality, limited edition pieces. Our goal is to offer visitors a richer experience, connecting them with independent designers globally, whether established or yet undiscovered.”

Pablo del Val, Artistic Director of Art Dubai, shares: “We aim to make Editions an inclusive space where art lovers and collectors alike can explore, interact, and find pieces that resonate with them. With more than 50% of our exhibitors from Dubai, the fair also aims to reflect the city’s evolving cultural landscape, fostering a sense of community and creativity.”

Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3), adds, “Editions is an excellent platform for art enthusiasts at various stages of their journey, whether they’re discovering art or looking to add to their collection. It highlights the value of quality works and provides talent with the opportunity to gain wider exposure.”

The debut of Editions will feature works in multiple disciplines. Contemporary design will present sculptural furniture, innovative lighting, and high-end craftsmanship from designers like Aljoud Lootah and 1971-Design Space.

Ceramics and works on paper will highlight experimental techniques, including Çağla Köseoğulları’s exploration of clay, and Etel Adnan’s vibrant ceramic pieces.

For photography, Dubai’s Gulf Photo Plus will showcase the works of photographers like Hussain AlMoosawi and Rehaf Batniji, documenting regional heritage and modern transformations in the Middle East.

Additionally, the fair will host The Forum, a series of engaging conversations featuring artists, collectors, and designers. Topics such as the disruption of the art market, the value of editioned works, and art, design, and community identity will be explored, inviting audiences to deepen their understanding of contemporary creative processes.

With works available at a range of price points, Editions is designed to be accessible to both novice and experienced collectors. This ensures that a wider audience can participate in the cultural dialogue and discover artworks that suit their tastes and budgets.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Editions Fair.

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The ‘Talent Atelier’ programme aims to foster the talents of emerging local designers by enhancing their knowledge and skills. The programme was delivered by L’ÉCOLE Middle East’s experts, including jewellers, gemologists, and art historians, who provided lectures and hands-on training in subjects like Art History, Gemstones, and jewellery-making techniques.

A highlight of the programme was a visit to the Al Safa Art and Design Library, where the designers explored L’ÉCOLE’s first offsite library corner, featuring a curated collection of books on jewellery art.

At the closing ceremony, the twelve designers were awarded certificates in the presence of representatives from Dubai Culture and L’ÉCOLE Middle East. Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, along with Alessandro Maffi, President of Van Cleef & Arpels Middle East and India, and Sophie Claudel, Director of L’ÉCOLE Middle East, addressed the audience.

Hala Badri emphasized the significance of the partnership with L’ÉCOLE Middle East and highlighted Dubai’s standing as a UNESCO City of Design, stating, “The ‘Talent Atelier’ programme is an inspiring platform for Emirati designers, encouraging them to develop their skills in jewellery-making, showcase their distinctive ideas and creativity, and contribute to enriching Dubai’s creative landscape.

At Dubai Culture, we are committed to nurturing and supporting Emirati talent by providing a creative ecosystem that enables them to thrive, thereby advancing this vital sector.”

Alessandro Maffi expressed Van Cleef & Arpels’ commitment to fostering local talent, saying, “Van Cleef & Arpels is thrilled to witness this long-standing partnership between L’ÉCOLE Middle East and Dubai Culture. By empowering the region’s local talent, we continuously reinforce and foster the culture of jewellery art, to pave the way for a new generation of Emirati designers.”

Sophie Claudel shared her pride in the programme’s success, stating, “We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of these designers for the first phase of the ‘Talent Atelier’ programme. It has been an honour to witness their growth, creativity, and dedication throughout this journey with us.”

As part of the second phase of the programme, six of the designers will be selected for a five-day educational journey to Paris in November 2024, where they will further their jewellery education at L’ÉCOLE France’s Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau campus.

L’ÉCOLE Middle East remains dedicated to supporting educational initiatives with a focus on social impact. All proceeds from its public courses and lectures are donated to Dubai Cares, ensuring that children in developing countries receive quality education. The school will continue offering public courses in the coming months, inviting more participants to engage with its educational offerings while contributing to a meaningful cause.

The ‘Talent Atelier’ programme marks a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between Dubai Culture and L’ÉCOLE Middle East, reinforcing their shared vision of nurturing the region’s creative landscape.

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The festival will offer an exciting lineup that includes three nights and two days filled with live music, DJ performances, fashion showcases, film screenings, engaging talks, workshops, sports tournaments, and youth clinics. It serves as a leading experiential platform for top global brands, making it a must-visit for cultural enthusiasts.

Last year, Sole DXB partnered with Mass Appeal, an entertainment company backed by Nas, to celebrate Hip Hop 50 in the Arab world. The 2023 festival featured a star-studded lineup, headlined by Busta Rhymes, and attracted over 31,000 attendees from more than 85 countries. The event showcased more than 100 performers, designers, speakers, and over 80 brands throughout its three-night run.

In past editions, Sole DXB has welcomed an impressive roster of performers and guests, including:

• Wu-Tang Clan
• Nas
• Jorja Smith
• Big Daddy Kane
• Oddisee
• Tobe Nwigwe
• Koffee
• Sho Madjozi
• Bas
• Stormzy
• Hiroshi Fujiwara
• Petra Collins
• Scottie Pippen
• Kerby-Jean Raymond
• Central Cee
• Marwan Pablo
• Offendum
• Khadija El Warzazia
• Nadine El Roubi
• Rapsody
• Mumu Fresh

Sole DXB 2024 promises to continue its legacy of vibrant cultural celebration, making it a key event in Dubai’s calendar for music and contemporary arts.

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A Legacy of Italian Luxury Brand Roberto Cavalli

Founded in the 1970s by the late designer Roberto Cavalli, the brand quickly gained international acclaim for its distinctive use of bold tropical patterns and animal prints, becoming a staple on global runways and red carpets. Roberto Cavalli’s designs are synonymous with Italian luxury and glamour, making the brand a favorite among celebrities and fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

Fausto Puglisi’s Vision

Now under the creative direction of Fausto Puglisi, Roberto Cavalli continues to evolve while maintaining its iconic aesthetic. Puglisi stated, “We are honored to be the guest brand at Dubai Fashion Week,” while expressing enthusiasm about the brand’s participation in DFW.” Dubai is one of our biggest Middle Eastern markets, and the city’s spirit aligns perfectly with Roberto Cavalli. Showcasing here allows us to connect more deeply with our loyal clientele and new admirers alike. Our SS25 collection, exclusively edited for this event, reflects the luxurious essence of both Dubai and Roberto Cavalli.”

Dubai Fashion Week: A Global Fashion Powerhouse

The global fashion industry recognizes Dubai Fashion Week for its influential position on the fashion calendar, strategically placing it ahead of New York Fashion Week. Moreover, this year’s event will feature over 30 brands from around the world, including designers from France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Palestine, Russia, the UAE, and the UK. In addition, the event showcases a diverse range of fashion, from streetwear to haute couture, making it a key destination for fashion insiders and enthusiasts alike.

A New Chapter in Middle Eastern Fashion

Roberto Cavalli’s participation in DFW not only underscores the brand’s commitment to expanding its presence in the Middle Eastern market but also highlights Dubai’s growing influence as a global fashion hub. The exclusive SS25 collection promises to be a spectacular showcase, blending the opulent aesthetics of both Roberto Cavalli and Dubai. This collaboration sets the stage for future partnerships and solidifies Dubai’s status as a pivotal player in the international fashion scene.

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UAE, 1^st May 2024: BESTSELLER, the Danish fashion house renowned for contemporary apparel and accessories is all set to grow its portfolio in the UAE region. The fashion house will be opening its first flagship Jack & Jones retail store in the near future. The regional head-office in Dubai Design District hosted the grand showcase of BESTSELLER’s top brands. Namely, Jack & Jones, Vero Moda, ONLY, and other premium upcoming brands, which highlighted their latest collections.

BESTSELLER has actively designed its office and showroom space in the MENA region. They aim to cater to and service all wholesale, e-commerce, and retail partners. Essentially, the focus is on tech and sustainability in fashion. The fashion house has implemented multiple initiatives to enhance the customer experience. Fundamentally, this includes buying, reporting, data analysis to consistently optimizing the customer and product performance.

BESTSELLER’s Commitment to Quality and Innovation in Fashion Retail

Elke Jungbauer, Commercial Director, BESTSELLER MENA commented, “Known for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship, BESTSELLER has successfully garnered the trust of customers globally by offering products made with attention to detail and benchmark production standards. BESTSELLER’s focus on trendy designs and competitive pricing are aimed to making fashion accessible reaching a wide range of customers. This combination of quality and affordability sets BESTSELLER apart in the wholesale & retail landscape.”

Based on many decades of data and experience, BESTSELLER has devised the NOOS program, also stands for ‘Never Out of Stock.’ It tackles product availability and convenience for shoppers. The program ensures that the key items are always in stock. Moreover, it offers customers a reliable selection of essential wardrobe pieces year-round. Significantly, it is providing a dependable shopping experience, fostering brand loyalty and trust.

BESTSELLER’s NOOS Program: Elevating Customer Experience and Retail Innovation

“The almost limitless possibilities of the NOOS program provides a balance between stability and innovation that caters to the changing customer preferences in the MENA region, providing a competitive advantage and a compelling unique selling proposition for the apparel group. Customers appreciate the consistency and convenience of the NOOS program, which strengthens BESTSELLER’s position as a trusted fashion retailer in the region. BESTSELLER has further innovated the shopping experience by adding numerous digital tools to the showroom and web store, underlining our commitment to excellence and growth in the UAE and beyond,” added Jungbauer.

While BESTSELLER opened its first Vero Moda Partner Retail store in Jordan in November 2023, JACK & JONES has 12 Partner Retail Stores in the MENA region. These stores are located in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Jordan. Lastly, BESTSELLER also plans to launch its e-commerce operations for Jack & Jones and Vero Moda in the coming year.

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The teams will compete to create an ecologically sustainable and futuristic reinterpretation of the iconic ‘Miamina’ folding armchair. Crafted in 1983, the original Miamina was made as a recreation of the historical ‘Tripolina’ chair by the famous Milan architectural firm, Salvati & Tresoldi, for Saporiti Italia. The iconic and rare collector’s dream boasts an authentic Missoni design highlighting the amalgamation of two invaluable Italian design maestros. The heritage and research behind this craftsmanship, as well as the masterpiece itself the original ‘Miamina’ chair, will be showcased at Saporiti Italia’s display at Dubai Design Week.

Following the announcement and display of the upcoming competition. The next phase of the event will commence, wherein the selected students will begin creating their prototypes for the piece. Conclusively, the ‘winning’ design and its creator, decided by an international jury, will receive a sponsored trip to Italy, where their creation will be presented at Milan Design Week in April 2024.

“We at Saporiti Italia, are dedicated to exploring uncharted territories in the design world, and staying true to our brand where each piece tells a unique story. You can see that with our display of the iconic ‘Miamina’.  Nurturing the design community in the Middle East is essential to me, and our step into Dubai Design District is a testament to this. We believe by providing this opportunity to the students at Dubai Design Institute we will be contributing to the growth of the design industry.” Raffaele Saporiti.

The ‘Miamina’ display at the Dubai Institute of Design, during Dubai Design Week, will provide viewers an opportunity to witness the transformation of Saporiti Italia’s innovation in the design industry. With their office now open in Dubai Design District, Saporiti is set to take Dubai’s design scene to new heights.

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