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
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.
Sarita Handa and Kristina Zanic Consultants Unveil DEEBAJ
Sarita Handa and Kristina Zanic Consultants announce the launch of DEEBAJ, a special-edition textile collection that reinterprets the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia through the artistry of Indian craftsmanship.
Design Take: GABA
Inspired by the philosophy of GABA tea, fermented without air or light, Studio Meshary AlNassar translated this concept into an interior that is hidden, intimate, and layered with sensory detail.
Geared for Growth
ClayArk opens an expanded showroom showcasing their expansion into sanitary ware
Holiday Vibes at Home
California sunshine and French country charm meet in this 510-square metre house with a dream pool cabana and peaceful garden
Things to Covet
Nature-inspired meets future-ready for these sustainable pieces