Ahead of Downtown Design, Rue Kothari, Fair Director celebrates its fifth anniversary with a selection of the iconic brands on show with an exhibition exploring craftsmanship in commercial design titled ‘Modern Masters’.
Ahead of Downtown Design, Rue Kothari, Fair Director celebrates its fifth anniversary with a selection of the iconic brands on show with an exhibition exploring craftsmanship in commercial design titled ‘Modern Masters’.
There is a lot to celebrate this year; not only is the fair double the size of last year’s presentation, an unprecedented participation of international and regional brands underscores the fair’s repute as an international platform from which to access the design elite. The 150 brands on show will represent the very best of modern design from 23 countries. 72 brands make their regional debut at Downtown Design and 8 regional brands elevate the Middle East from its positioning as a consumer of quality design to being its’ source.
Fair Director Rue Kothari sets the mood for the November fair with a jewelry box of pioneering brands, presented at AR Gallery, the new home for progressive design at Dubai Design District.
“This year we celebrate five years of Downtown Design, and so we felt it was important to highlight the originality and craftsmanship behind the success of the brands we represent each year at the fair,” she says. “For Modern Masters, we have worked with each of the exhibiting brands to showcase a unique piece that will not be displayed at this year’s fair. The objects best represent each brand’s individual craft, skill and aesthetic vision, and together characterize the spirit and value of contemporary commercial design.”
The featured brands are:
CC-Tapis produces contemporary rugs which are entirely hand knotted by expert Tibetan artisans in Nepal. Undyed raw materials, innovative weaving patterns and techniques lend new visual language to traditional rug making crafts.
Kettal is the final word on high design, high quality outdoor furniture. The Spanish brand works with the most important names in international design - Patricia Urquiola, Jasper Morrison, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec amongst others, to provide solutions to the emerging needs of modern living.
Melogranoblu, the interior lighting company was established in 1997. Since then, this Italian brand has created veritable spectacles of light, focusing on the sensory and emotional effect of light through glass.
Meridiani interprets classic themes and tradition with contemporary style. The pure lines and a constant research for new textures and finishes suggest a new idea of luxury, a sophisticated yet natural and relaxed way of living. The Italian brand is presented in the UAE by Caspaiou.
Moroso has been at the forefront of avant-garde, luxury sofas and seating since 1952. Its ability to offer unique products is bolstered by collaborations with leading designers such as Daniel Libeskind, Ron Arad and Doshi Levien, and the combined talent of in-house master craftsmen.
Studio A by Ahmad Bazazo is a Beirut based multidisciplinary design practice. Focused on creating unique spaces and pieces, the studio challenges notions of traditional design by pushing the boundaries of material experimentation in order to create objects of exceptional quality.
“This collaboration with Downtown Design is a natural partnership as we both share in values of excellence, originality and innovation,” says Amrish Patel, Founder, AR Gallery and Apical Reform. “Each of these brands elevate the human experience and highlight innovations in craftsmanship within the modern context.”
The exhibition will be on view from the 11 October to 5 November, 2017 at AR. Gallery, Dubai Design District.
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