Close

identity’s highlights from Dubai Design Week 2020

We highlight designs from the UAE Designer Exhibition to Tashkeel's exhibition

Metamorphosis by roar for Zuleya by FBMI

Zuleya is a new retail brand by the Fatima Bint Mohamed Bin Zayed Initiative (FBMI) that sells sustainable handmade carpets and lifestyle products made by women in Afghanistan.  Launched as part of this year’s Downtown Design fair and designed by  Pallavi Dean and Ana Carreras from Dubai-based interior design studio, Roar, the ‘Metamorphosis’ carpet is handwoven by female artisans in Afghanistan and inspired by butterflies of the UAE and Afghanistan, including the Indian Red Admiral and Eastern Pale Clouded Yellow. The modular carpet has been designed to adapt to a range of spaces, from offices and hotels to homes and schools.

All profits from Zuleya’s sales are invested back into FBMI, with the aim to support thousands of women in Afghanistan and their families.

“If there’s one word we wanted to capture, it was ‘transformation’,” says Pallavi Dean, creative director at Roar. “When we think about Zuleya by FBMI, it’s transforming lives of families in Afghanistan – we wanted to bring that essence to the modern Middle East, in a way that is sensitive and contemporary.”

Metamorphosis’ is coloured with vegetable dyes traditionally used by Afghani women. The addition of metallic threading adds distinctive and contemporary detailing to the overall design.

The Latest

The Lighthouse

Carrie Das has completed a beachfront home that bridges Asia-inspired minimalism and touches of British heritage

Frieze Abu Dhabi

Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Frieze announce launch of Frieze Abu Dhabi

The move marks a new chapter in the emirate’s role on the global art calendar.

For Those Who Know

Gaggenau’s new Expressive series draws inspiration from Bauhaus principles and the minimalism of modernist architecture

Eternal Flow

Inspired by the open seas and its five-star location on the Palm Jumeirah, this nature-inspired home by Katrin & Muse Design brims with inspiration

Where Faith, Knowledge and Community Converge

Conceived by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women in Qatar is the first purpose-built contemporary women’s mosque in the Muslim world

An Ethereal Stay

A bespoke, cultural and spiritual adventure awaits in the remote, magical Kingdom of Mustang with the all-inclusive Shinta Mani Mustang – A Bensley Collection hotel

Celebrating artistry, heritage, and community

Casamia & Mustard & Linen host a cultural exchange celebrating Emirati Women’s Day

Skyline Serenity

A family home in Almaty, Kazakhstan blends modern architecture, bespoke craftsmanship and global design icons

Trend Group supplies to the Red Sea’s most prestigious projects

Mohamad Chehab, the general manager of Trend Group Middle East talks about the group's involvement in the Red Sea Projects

A New Chapter in Surfaces

APE Grupo brings Spanish expertise to the Middle East with a flagship showroom designed for visionaries

The Art of Distinction

Influenced by Art Deco design, Supreme by TREDEX now features a striking Matt Bourbon finish

Read ‘The Luxury Issue’ – Note from the editor

Our cover features Gaggenau, a brand that embodies design for the truly discerning.