Read ‘Craft Meets Culture’ – Note from the editor – April 2025
This month, we celebrate the intersection of craft and culture, a theme that resonates throughout the issue
Our cover story, created in collaboration with Casamia, spotlights Edra’s iconic Pack sofa, taking a playful approach by placing it in an unexpected setting that resonates culturally. A serendipitous meeting with Studio d04 led us to the Jebel Ali Racing Course (JARC) – a beloved Dubai landmark rich in equestrian history. The studio shared with us how it had been involved in the redesign of the saddling boxes and private deck at the iconic location which then provided the setting for the sofa. This venue, a pillar of the UAE’s racing heritage since 1990, felt like a natural home for a piece as avant-garde as Pack. The result was a striking visual narrative that reimagines how contemporary design can engage with history and place.
In the cover feature, we explore what makes the Pack sofa so compelling, from Edra’s fearless design approach to insights from Kader Mithani, Founder and CEO of Casamia, alongside leading designers who share how they would style the piece in different settings.
We also examine the dialogue between contemporary design and cultural narratives through an in-depth conversation with three multi-disciplinary designers, each of whom offers a unique perspective on their creative practices. Design Focus takes an in-depth look at homes and living spaces and how you can enhance them, highlighting some of the latest product releases on the market. We also take you inside some truly exceptional residences, from a duplex at The Lana Residences in Dubai to a striking home on Jumeirah Bay Island, as well as breathtaking properties in Canada and Brazil.
The excitement around this year’s Salone del Mobile.Milano is palpable, and we’re excited to present our guide to the fair, as well as Fuorisalone and Euroluce. This year, identity will bring together several industry experts from the GCC at a panel at the fair on 11 April, where we will delve into the world of hyper-personalisation and modularity.
See you at the fair!
The Latest
In Perfect Harmony
Saya Studio has completed a music room that reflects contemporary eclecticism
Wabi-Sabi Sanctuary
Japanese aesthetics, fashion influences and nature meet in the Portland home of interior designer Jeanne Feldkamp
A Surreal Tribute
“Water, salt and olive oil. That’s what it takes to survive,” says designer Philippe Starck, who created the new La Almazara olive oil museum outside Ronda, Spain
Big and Quiet
The new Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde BP03 is perfect for open-plan spaces
Bridging the Past, Present and Future
Ignacio Gomez, Global Design Principal at Aedas reflects on the firm’s two decades in the Middle East
At Home with: Ahmed A. Sultan
Step into Ahmed A. Sultan’s contemporary retreat shaped by space, light, and emotion
Sharjah Architecture Triennial 2026 – Curators Announced
Sharjah Architecture Triennial (SAT) announces Vyjayanthi Rao as curator of its third edition (SAT03), joined by Tau Tavengwa as associate curator.
Framed Allure
Architecture meets art at this stunning villa on the Palm Jumeirah
Highlights from Salone del Mobile.Milano 2025
Here’s a recap of the new and notable novelties and exhibits at Salone del Mobile.Milano and Fuorisalone
An insider’s guide to Downtown Design Riyadh
Here’s what to look out for at the Kingdom’s first fair for original and high-quality contemporary design, running from 20 to 23 May 2025
Maison&Objet hosts Women&Design Dinner in Dubai
The dinner was the first of its kind in the Middle East that connected female industry professionals
Wander and Wonder
Inside the Foster + Partners designed Kingdom of Saudi Arabia pavilion at Expo2025 Osaka