Visitors to Downtown Design have just one day left to visit the 330-square metre Italian pavilion – home to 20 leading Italian design companies, some exhibiting for the first time, who are using the fair to showcase their unique designs to decision makers from the GCC furniture market.
On display are unique pieces of furniture, fine objects, lightings, ceramics, glassware, tiles and recreational products from brands including Fantini Mosaici, Pinetti, Mabele by Ma-bo, Vetrogiardini and Zigflex by Salvadori. The pavilion has been organised by the Italian Trade Agency in partnership with CNA and Confartigianato (Italian Associations of Artisans and Small-Medium Enterprises).
According to His Excellency Nicola Lener, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE, “What strikes visitors to the Italian pavilion is the perfect fusion of art and functionality in the products displayed. Some of the designs are the result of research and collaboration between architects and designers, ensuring they are unique and contemporary. These designs are meant to transform living spaces, giving each home or office a touch of individuality. This is what makes ‘Made in Italy’ design items so popular in the GCC market.”
Trends being put under the spotlight at the Italian pavilion include the mix of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design; the use of materials such as marble, wood and crystal; the creative use of glass; designs made with unusual materials like lava; new forms and concepts created with old materials such as Murano glasses; and the clash of colours and shapes.
Her Excellency Valentina Setta, Consul General of Italy in Dubai, said: “This year’s Italian pavilion is an ode to design. Design is a representation of the world view and the times in which we live, and the participating designers have successfully created contemporary designs that speak to today’s consumers.”
Many of the participating companies have won international awards, some have exclusive partnerships with prestigious international interior design studios, hotel chains and fashion brands, and others have provided décor items and furniture that adorn the homes of VIPs and celebrities.
