Neeti Kashyap, a self-confessed "design junkie, dark-chocolate addict and fashion technologist", has spent 11 years living in Dubai, and has seen the UAE's design scene evolve dramatically in that time.
She points to brands such as O’de Rose, one of the first independent concept stores to stock and promote lesser-known regional designers, as an important case in point. “Boutiques such as O’de Rose have really paved the way, and there are now more and more home-grown brands emerging. It’s important for people to be able to go somewhere and be able to pick up that one special thing that is completely unique. The retail and mall culture is obviously very strong here. But I am also seeing more and more smaller, community-based events. I myself prefer to go to these kinds of events, where you can find one-of-a-kind products by lesser-known brands.”
Kashyap worked with leading fashion and design brands such as Ralph Lauren, Ann Taylor and Jasper Conran in the United States and United Kingdom before moving to the UAE, and has been a consultant to luxury brands such as Cartier, Bvlgari, Van Cleef & Arpels and Bottega Veneta since arriving here. She also headed the buying team for Dubai’s The Change Initiative when it was first launched, and is the regional representative for Indian homewares brand Shades of India, among others. It was while trying to promote these brands in the UAE that she identified a gap in the market.
“I’ve taken part in bigger trade shows, but they are really expensive, and also I didn’t get the right kind of conversion or meet the right kind of clientele. So I decided to do something that was geared towards smaller- to medium-sized companies and entrepreneurs, where they could showcase their products to potential customers, the interior design community, retailers, and also bloggers and influencers.”
Kashyap’s solution is The Design Bar, a one-day exhibition taking place on Saturday, May 14 from 10am to 8pm at Ductac at Mall of the Emirates. Ten small- to medium-sized homeware and lifestyle brands will use the event as a platform to showcase their wares to a wider audience. For the most part, the brands are new to the region, and offer a range of home accessories, from furniture to carpets, lighting and linens. In addition, Benjamin Moore Paints will be conducting workshops.
“We have 10 brands in total, and each will have a dedicated space. I selected these brands because each has an interesting story behind it. Also, the UAE is so cosmopolitan, so I was very interested in presenting brands that would appeal to a wide range of different sensibilities, whether you are talking to a western or Arab or Indian audience. I am hoping to get some exposure for these brands, but also give consumers an opportunity to buy something a little bit different.”
The brands
Shades of India
Combining contemporary design with traditional workmanship, this internationally renowned, India-based textiles company creates bed linen, cushions, bed covers and table linen, as well as apparel and fashion accessories. Its pieces are characterised by their textured fabrics, bold colour combinations and unexpected surface treatments.
Armadillo & Co
One of Australia’s best-loved rug brands, Armadillo & Co’s creations are all fair trade and handmade from 100 per cent natural materials, including wool, jute, cotton, hemp and recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) fibres. Crafted in India, every Armadillo & Co rug comes with a “Care & Fair” label, guaranteeing that child labour was not used in its manufacture.
Studio Coppre
Studio Coppre is a not-for-profit organisation committed to supporting metalworking artisans in Pune, India, by encouraging them to revive their traditional crafts, but also combine them with modern designs. These include copper tableware and serveware, tea lights, candle holders and trinkets inspired by a trunkful of vintage objects from Bangladesh.
Ali Shah Carpet House
Established in 1860, this is one of the few family-run carpet weaving studios left in Kashmir. The company is working to keep traditional carpet-making traditions alive.
Ghina Design
This brand works with a range of materials to create home accessories with a distinctly Lebanese twist. These include brightly coloured trays shaped like mini kaftans, hammered brass bowls, Perspex boxes and furniture crafted from wood, metal and resin.
• www.facebook.com/ghinadesign
Asian Art House
This Singapore-founded art gallery promotes works by Vietnamese and Indian artists, and is a great place to pick up affordable but original pieces of art.
Kafka Goes Pink
We have long been fans of the stunning lighting and home accessories by the Beirut-based Kafka Goes Pink. Designer Fady Saliba takes traditional materials and gives them a modern spin – expect cut-metal lamps shaped like oversized light bulbs or metal stools in the form of huge corks.
Byron Bay Hanging Chairs
Inspired by chairs from the 1960s and 70s, Byron Bay Hanging Chairs have a fabulously retro feel to them. There’s no outdoor space in the UAE that wouldn’t benefit from one of these cool seats. As a bonus, they are crafted by artisans in adherence with fair-trade practices.
• www.facebook.com/byronbayhangingchairs
Kate & Kate
Known for its clean contemporary lines and geometric shapes, Australian brand Kate & Kate offers a charming collection of blankets, linen throws, cushions and towels.
Jordan River Foundation
Chaired by Queen Rania, the Jordan River Foundation promotes Bedouin handicrafts in an effort to empower Bedouin women and children.
sdenman@thenational.ae
