Close

Read ‘The Design Issue’ – Note from the editor

Read our October issue online for free on ISSUU

The past month has not been short of excitement as we begin to observe the world getting back on its feet after a year of slowed down business and activity. This reignition is not without reflection, however, as was evident at this year’s Milan Design Week, which saw the world’s biggest design fair, Salone del Mobile, take on a new one-off concept: one that is much smaller and brings an altered view on how furniture and living spaces are exhibited. Gone were the colossal pavilions of the past featuring ample scenographies and collection launches. supersalone presented a much more modest approach, conscious of a change in attitude towards wastefulness and the renewed (and more mindful) approach to our living and interior spaces.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Identity (@identityae)

The concept of ‘timelessness’ took centre stage, with many brands looking back at their archives, to some of their iconic pieces that have survived the test of time. These pieces reveal what works. While it is important to innovate, going back to the roots of what made pieces successful is an important exercise when creating objects that are conscious of today’s needs while simultaneously carrying forward ideas from the past that are functional, responsive and modern, even today.

Nature as a source of inspiration was also a prominent theme this year, with many collections using it as inspiration. Peter Saville’s collaboration for Kvadrat is a whimsical take on the Welsh countryside, while Studiopepe’s installation for Mohd Design is a reminder to take care of our natural environment. What was most heart-warming about the installation was seeing children on a school trip learning about the different flora and fauna that comprises the installation, while being surrounded by some of the most iconic design brands. A scenario such as this one reveals the importance of good design and its ability to communicate social messages and shape attitudes in the right way.

While many societies of the past understood the importance of living in harmony with nature, and – as clichéd as it has become to say this – the recent health crisis has brought back a stronger understanding of its importance.

While observing these shifts, we become hopeful that our industry is becoming more reflective of its complicity in many of the crises of our modern age. With so much rapid growth happening around the world, sometimes a look at simpler days could help show us the way to approach many of the issues we face today.

The Latest
Vedra

The Quiet Art of Project Management

In Dubai’s ever-evolving real estate landscape, this approach has earned Vedra a reputation for integrity and attention to detail

Dragonfly by ISTO, executed by Designsmith

Award-Winning Residences in Dubai: When Vision Meets Flawless Delivery

Designsmith is bringing two award-winning residences to life by ISTO

OFIS Brings the Iconic HÅG Capisco Chair to the UAE

In an exclusive collaboration with Flokk, the brand continues to raise the bar for healthy and sustainable workplace design

An Avant Garde Residence

The V Penthouse by Badie Architects is a bold exploration of materiality and spatial harmony

Kohler Celebrated Transformative Designs at INDEX Saudi Arabia 2025

Transformative design experiences were highlighted through curated collections from Kohler, KALLISTA, and Kohler x Studio McGee along with panel discussions on wellness, design, and sustainability.

Serenity and Soul

Blending Aman’s signature serenity with the cultural soul of Saudi Arabia, Amansamar emerges as a bold new destination for design-led living and hospitality

Quiet Luxury

The Bernhardt brand brings understated elegance and enduring craftsmanship through Interiors in the UAE

Transform Your Living Space

Renowned designer Antonio Citterio introduces a new paradigm in contemporary seating through the Loungescape sofa

Inside Hobb

We speak with the founder of Hobb, Haifa Malhas, about building a bookstore and a community centred around love for design

Revealed: The venue and date for the identity Design Awards 2025

Save the date for the much awaited gala night.

Crate & Barrel x Jake Arnold The Hartford 90 Wood Outdoor Sofa by Jake Arnold

Conscious design, textural sophistication, and seasonal comfort: What Crate & Barrel and CB2 bring to the GCC with New Stores and Collection

With fresh openings in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, Crate & Barrel and CB2 unveil Fall/Winter collections that blends tactile design, sustainability, and exclusive collaborations, bringing global style closer to regional homes.

Surface Appeal

Global surfaces leader Cosentino launches four new quartzite options in the Sensa range