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Established in Germany by Portuguese Industrial Designer, Rodrigo Vairinhos, NEO Studios aims to create a concept of everyday products with a strong character. The design language and quality are reflected throughout the creative collections by the designer. The creations unify functionality with aesthetics to feature multi-functionality with time-less elegance and freshness.

After gaining the world’s attention in 1970, with the opening of his namesake brand’s boutique in Paris, Kenzo Takada has taken to the world of arts and design.  Originally created by Hans Hopfer in 1971, Takada collaborated with Roche Bobois to redesign the brand’s most iconic ‘Mah Jong sofa’, resulting in it being one of his most impactful endeavors. Using jacquard fabric from his Nogaku Collection, Takada reimagined the piece in three colorways that symbolize morning (asa), afternoon (hiru), and evening (yoru). In addition, he designed a line of cushions, earthenware, side tables, and hand-tufted rugs. The result is a cohesive line of furnishings that blends Takada's expertise in pattern and texture with Roche Bobois's distinctive silhouettes.

This year, Downtown Design worked with Architectural Digest Middle East to identify and recognize the leading talents across the fields of architecture and interior design in the region, as part of their yearly AD50 list. With so many established firms creating new landmarks that define our cities, and increasing numbers of new international and homegrown talents entering the market, there is an even greater need to shine a light on those firms and individuals who show creative excellence.

Inspired by his fondness of the Mediterranean, lifelong traveler Elad Yifrach creates an entirely new echelon of artistry. Most evident in his use of porcelain, he infuses everything he does with a passion for innovation – in both technique and use of the highest quality materials.  Although their designs have modern aesthetics, the pieces are carefully created using ancient crafts. Elad selects his materials from regions best renowned for their production.

Working with Gensler, Yasmin is an interior designer has a keen sense of current trends and translating these styles into design language. Born and raised across Dubai, Canada and Milan Yasmin is needless to say international in her approach to both living and designing of spaces. With a passion for design in all forms: interior, furniture fashion or art she takes inspiration from the shared DNA of creating lasting impressions through her work.

Founded in 1968, Sultaco has earned an impeccable reputation for rendering high-quality and distinctive service. The brand has since grown in to a strong, versatile company that supports the demand for bathroom fixtures, ceramic surfaces, industrial and domestic kitchens, wood flooring, plumbing, waterproofing and allied materials. Amongst other recognized brands, Rational by Sultaco offers a complete design, supply and installation service to provide the user with their “dream kitchen”.

As the modern, millennial-minded traveler segment increases, some of the biggest hospitality groups in the business have been investing in new sub-brands that actively target this market. The key launches are typically chic, urban and tech-savvy, custom made to fit the needs of millennial customers.

Running from the 14th-17th of November, Downtown Design in its fifth year caters to a growing appetite in design with a showcase of more brands with more product offering and variety. Meeting the emerging needs in the textile sector the fair presents a roster of textile brands that deliver solutions for residential, hospitality and commercial design. Downtown Design presents a selection of textile brands at this year’s fair:

Czech lighting brand, Sans Souci specializes in decorative light fixtures, architectural features and lighting objects which are tailored in terms of designs and production.

Originally published on Design MENA on 31/05/2017

Founded by Pier Luigi Frighetto, Black Tie celebrates 35 years of experience in the world of design and upholstery. Led by passion for detail and attention to design elements; the brand produces exceptional tables, lamps, mirrors, chaise lounges, room dividers and textiles.

From designing collectible furniture to bespoke design-art pieces, the experience offered by Apical Reform is a combination of innovation and technology. Founded in 2011 and based in India, the studio’s design team is a young, forward-thinking group of creatives making an honest inquiry into how design intervention can transcend the mundane into a singularly extraordinary experience.

Originally published on Design MENA on 14/05/2017

With 116 years of history to boast, Hansgrohe is one of the few global players in the bathroom design industry that thrives with a worldwide reputation for high quality design and product.  With a strong strategy that lies in innovation, design and sustainability the German brand continues to impress with its key brand AXOR, Pharo and Pontos.

Passionate with an entrepreneurial vision; Sneha founded SNEHA DIVIAS ATELIER- a boutique interior architecture studio based in Dubai specializing in commercial, hospitality and residential projects.  Sneha along with her team creates architecture and design experiences that are clean and balanced yet carefully detailed. The studio’s self-styled storytelling is concept driven with a thoughtful process and technical expertise that lies at the heart of the firm.

Originally published on Designmena.com on 27/04/2017

Downtown Design opens its doors for the 5th edition in November with more brands, superior product offering and a larger capacity which directly translates to the increase in demand for quality product and varied options to choose from. Catering to this need in the lighting sector; the fair presents a variety of lighting design brands that deliver solutions for commercial, residential, hospitality and outdoor design. Here is a pick of lighting brands debuting at Downtown Design:

One of the most consolidated names of Italian design since 1979, Alias produces design pieces that have a highly expressive minimal style offering solutions to the various requirements of residential, contract and outdoor applications. The brand’s values are embodied in technological lightness, versatility and innovation which drive the firm’s close association with some renowned designer signatures. Alias reveals the peculiar talent of each designer through their collaborations over years that apply a constant open-minded approach to the use of new materials and technology.

At an estimated cost of close to $1bn; Zayed City is a major element of Abu Dhabi’s Plan 2030 and is expected to attract its first inhabitants by 2021.  Zayed City is set to be located between Abu Dhabi International Airport and Mohammad Bin Zayed City. It will span 45km2 when complete, and will house 370,000 residents. Around 60% of the district’s total area will be dedicated to residential, and these neighbourhoods will include community facilities such as schools, mosques, sport and recreation centres and health care facilities.

Established in the year 1950, ELBA is an Italian company which specializes in cooking appliances. It offers its consumers a diverse range of cookers, hobs and ovens. Made of the finest materials, ELBA pays special attention to details, experience, skills and design.  ELBA personifies the rich qualities of the country it is produced in and its skilled craftsmen who make the product come alive.

Founded through the passion of two brothers Claudio and Alberto Bevilacqua, Lithos Design owes its success to its main ingredient: stone. The brand chooses in specific to work only with natural stone, and in particular with limestones, sandstones and marbles and does not use agglomerates and manufactured or synthetic stones. Offering solutions that can be catered to any type of space be it commercial, residential or hospitality; Lithos Design works with high-technology to produce stones that offer precision and utmost quality.

Creating dialogue between environment and form; Vondom’s pieces transform the simplest of spaces into an ambiance filled with glamour, both unique and extraordinary. With a strong credence in design culture, Vondom travels the world to find the most suitable ambassadors that embody the brand’s spirit.

Originally published by Design MENA on 4/3/2017

Designed in collaboration with Kristina Zanic Design Consultants; Downtown Design exhibitor PRECIOSA designed and developed three breathtaking installations inspired by the Deep Ocean for the Al Mahara Restaurant at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Producing textile creations since 1998 that are akin to primary arts: architecture, sculpture and painting Sophie Mallebranche plays with materials and their intrinsic properties to reshape spaces, sculpt lights and release the fantastic possibilities of color.

Invented and produced in the Netherlands, the Quooker is a tap that instantly releases filtered boiling water simplifying all kitchen activities. With a choice between a separate boiling water tap with accompanying mixer tap or the new Quooker Fusion: a single tap for hot, cold and boiling water the brand prides on producing ultra-safe, super-efficient and six design oriented taps with three finishes.

Originally posted by Design MENA

With passion for lighting design and a client-centric approach VISO specialize in contemporary decorative light fixtures to cater to a variety of projects from hotels to restaurants, offices, homes and retail or public spaces. Working closely with the design and architecture industry VISO not only offers its products from regular collections but also crafts custom lighting solutions based on design needs.

Apart from product and furniture design, interior projects, both commercial and residential, have become important in Marcel Wanders’ career, allowing him to work across various sensory experiences and on a larger scale.

Pioneer of unique architectural glass art Studio Cast Glass offers bespoke mixed media designs that bring life to interior and urban spaces. Originally founded in 1986 as Glass Fusion by Kayur Patel the brand has brought to life the perceptive visions of discerning aficionados using glass to create art and furniture design.

With a career in design spanning over 15 years George Foster is a lifestyle designer who brings to the UAE his fresh and bold take on design. Owing to his Latin roots he is a true creative at heart who is fascinated by the fashion industry drawing on cues from it for some of his interior design schemes.

Born from Cecilia’s inspiration and vision; Carpets CC is a unique concept that applies her one off works of art to design mediums. It all starts with a canvas that is filled with sketches of lines and forms combined into exciting patterns and scales. Pencil lines and shapes are drawn, intersections are changed, lengths and heights are measured for accuracy, base colours are added and thickness of future colour swatches are determined to ensure everything is in place to move the vision forward.Once the initial layout is set, the painting stage begins with a selection of the perfect balance of colours and bringing the design to life. Applying diverse textures to the canvas the dynamic patterns bring out different relationships in the formal patterns.

The KARE brand symbolises furnishing ideas which are unique, non-conformist and authentic – never boring and always full of imagination and inspiration. Ever since 1981 the company has been surprising its fans and retail partners worldwide with an incomparable and inexhaustible variety of new furniture, lighting and furnishing accessories, all expressing an intense passion for design.

With its large volumes, essential lines and sharp aesthetics of panel doors; Snaidero’s new collection system Look has a solid presence and is the kitchen of choice for connoisseurs of minimal and contemporary design set off with exquisite finishes.Minimal look - the beauty of simplicity

Founded by designer Dr. Dala Kakos, MISK Nursery produces a romantic mix of modern luxury design and deep-rooted heritage that defines its ethos. The crib concept was born out of a need to create a unique piece of design for her first child which was aesthetic, artistic and paid homage to her Arabic heritage. With this concept her team and she set to create traditional yet contemporary cribs to be used through generations and become family heirlooms.

Returning to Downtown Design for a fourth year, Kohler draws from its vast knowledge and expertise to pay an ode to its heritage with the creation of its newest collection of freestanding baths with eye-catching lines and designs from contemporary to traditional.

The Rivalto collections, made with exceptional quality material and finished with traditional decorative techniques are based on a total living idea that aim at offering a complete selection of furnishings, from chests to chairs, bathroom cabinets and chandeliers. Rivalto originates from the collaboration of Arte Veneziana, owned by the Zanin’s family, with the architect Giovanni Luca Ferreri.

Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, South Africa, by Heatherwick Studio

Born and bred in Venice, Matteo has now lived in London for the past 10 years where he has fully embraced his true passion to manipulate and decorate spaces. With an approach to design that is both chic and distinctive; Matteo has an inherent feel for good craftsmanship and elegant design, a part of his Venetian heritage.

Reflecting the increasing importance of Dubai as a regional hub for Design, Downtown Design has seen a marked increase in demand for exhibition space from international brands, and a burgeoning interest from the regional design community. The 2016 edition saw a 20% rise in the number of visitors, with over 12,500 of the region’s leading buyers attending to engage and network with best in class brands across categories, from all corners of the globe.

Originally published by Design MENA on 11/01/2017

A room can be an island: an oasis of peace and ease in which one can shed the hectic demands of everyday life like an overcoat. Generously designed forms, sensitively selected colours and the avoidance of anything that is all too decorative create an atmosphere of soothing balance. This elementary simplicity that is understood the same way around the world is captured in German luxury kitchen brand SieMatic’s PURE style collection.

Originally published by Design MENA on 1/10/2017

For Kährs, beauty is more than skin deep. The design of the floor, quality and durability are all key elements of what the brands stands for with a commitment to contributing to a sustainable society. Kährs blends design with innovation that has radically changed the production of wood floors globally while contributing to the environment.

Designed in conjunction with B&B Italia, MOON blends ergonomics and beauty to ‘liquefy’ conventional sofa typography. MOON recreates the concept of modular seating by making each element of the sofa a module in its own right to achieve great flexibility.