By Catherine Belbin
In November, Downtown Design 2021 in Dubai will showcase the latest global interior design trends and visitors will discover a wide variety of attractive new designs, ideas and inspiration from Europe's leading centres of architecture and design excellence. Many will feature within country stands, complementing brands participating independently.
France, Italy and Spain are among the nations with a country-specific presence at this year's much-awaited, in-person fair. These countries are respected globally for pioneering design and transforming products of traditional industries into modern items suitable for 21st-century living.
The Italian Trade Commission, the trade arm of the Italian Embassy, will return with its 'Luxury Interiors – The Art of Italian Design' collection with a focus on sustainable design.
“This year we’ll have the biggest ever Italian participation at Downtown Design, with over 40 companies showcasing their latest Made in Italy creations,” says Amedeo Scarpa, ITA Dubai office Director and Italian Trade Commissioner to the UAE.
“Post-pandemic, exports to the UAE continue to grow and increased by 27 per cent January to May compared to the same period last year, he says.
The expansive, custom-designed Italian country stand will house a carefully curated variety of mostly handmade products such as glassware, leather goods, furnishings, upholstery fabrics and lighting from luxury artisanal brands including Fantini Mosaici, Ciclotte, Pinetti, Lombardo Arredi, LYM, Arte Veneziana and L’ Officina di Luca Peppoloni.
The French country stand under the Business France/Team France Export umbrella will present fine examples of the 'Art de Vivre' – the art of living. Deluxe French tableware.
Their design melange will feature over 15 niche companies that combine traditional savoir-faire with avant-garde innovation.
These top-notch brands include luxury Limoges porcelain tableware from Non Sans Raison and hand-polished and assembled cutlery from Alain Saint-Joanis, while former saddle and harness maker Duvivier Canapes,will display their latest furniture. Meanwhile, speciality bathroom fixtures and taps from Hudor will represent another aspect of France's design sector. Waterfall Audio will set the scene with a display of its innovative audio equipment. At the same time, La Boite Concept will show its newest audio equipment, discreetly integrated into furniture. Luxurious textiles from B.V.Tal will be among the highly specialised exhibitors.
Spain’s design sector will present a united installation representing Spanish design, creativity, and sustainability.
“ICEX/Interiors from Spain considers that having a coherent presence in Downtown Design is of utmost importance, given the relevance that the Middle East has for our companies,” a spokesman confirms.
Dubai-based Spanish architect Juan Roldán is designing and curating the 'Interior Makers-Spain' country stand, which will include a thoughtful mix of new-to-the-market and well-established firms. The products from Bõln, Cosentino, Kriskadecor, Lladró, Nani Marquina, Nomon, RS Barcelona and Sol&Luna encompass indoor and outdoor furniture, artisanal design rugs, innovative surfaces, playfulness and decorative products.
Country stands from Austria, Hungary and Serbia will further enhance the European presence at the Middle East’s region's leading design show, which runs from 8 to 12 November.
To register your place at the event, please click here
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