Key points from the inaugural Downtown Design Riyadh event:
Hangin' at the Jax District's creative hub - a collection of ex-industrial warehouses turned exhibitions spaces, art and design studios, and galleries - Downtown Design Riyadh was the hottest ticket in town! Over 40 local and international brands converged, with a focus on regional designers and special collaborations.
With Saudi Arabia in a phase of rapid growth and transformation, the design world is taking notice of this Middle Eastern powerhouse, as it brings its unique style to the forefront, pushing the boundaries of reinventing heritage, using natural materials, and soft earthy palettes.
Here are the eight can't-miss highlights from the fair's maiden voyage:
'Raha' Table by Naif Altabai for Designed in Saudi
This minimalist, millstone-inspired coffee table by Saudi designer Naif Altabai is a testament to emerging local talent. Featuring a mahogany base crafted at different angles to mimic the natural protrusions of stone, and marble plates atop, reflecting the grinding effects of a millstone, this table is a modern take on tradition, complete with a hidden rotation mechanism for versatile use.
'Moon Vignettes' by Babnimnim Design Studio for Cosentino
Kuwait-based Babnimnim Design Studio created an immersive, tactile installation inspired by the region's desert landscape. This contemporary interpretation of The Moon Gate, an eastern origin architectural element symbolizing life's cyclical nature, features Cosentino's sustainable surfaces Silestone and Dekton, showcasing the brand's large-format materials as building blocks.
'Talisman 14' by Apparatus for Collectional
Inspired by the ornamental richness of ancient Persian architecture, 'Talisman 14' by New York-based studio Apparatus stands as a luminous tribute to ritual and refinement. Combining hand-patinated brass with semi-precious stones and leather, this sculptural chandelier is a fusion of modern craftsmanship and ancient aesthetics that resonates with Saudi design sensibilities.
'Private' collection by Dastaangoi
Dubai-based home fragrance brand Dastaangoi, known for celebrating the aromatic heritage of the Middle East and South Asia, introduced a new collection tailored for the Saudi market. Rooted in regional art, storytelling, and tradition, this collection features regional materials like marble and onyx, making each piece unique. Scents include orange blossom, Bedouin oud, and Makkah rose, evoking nostalgic memories for many in the region.
'Noorah' Carpet by Iwan Maktabi X Blu Architects
Lebanese carpet creator Iwan Maktabi collaborated with Blu Architects and Mansoojat Foundation to develop the 'Libas' collection. This series of artistic carpets pays homage to Saudi Arabia's rich textile heritage and traditional garments, such as the Najd Thobe, here reinterpreted into contemporary carpet designs.
'Lampada Stele' by Arnaldo Pomodoro for Venini
In 2002, Arnaldo Pomodoro designed the Lampada Stele collection for Venini, but its complexity prevented production until now. This work bridges ancient and modern aesthetics through abstract, Archaic monuments transformed into a luminous art piece, combining sculptural bronze with the transparency of Venini glass.
'Enlace' by Trame X Aranda/Lasch and Maison Louis Drucker
Trame, a Moroccan-born, Paris-based designer, teamed up with Aranda/Lasch and Maison Louis Drucker to create an innovative bistro-style chair collection. By blending algorithmic design inspired by Islamic geometric ornament with French heritage craftsmanship, this project offers a fresh take on a timeless piece of furniture.
'Desert Drop' by Karim+Elias
Lebanese duo Karim+Elias presented 'Desert Drop,' a rammed-earth coffee table that explores the relationship between sand and glass, demonstrating the fluid-like characteristics and color of oasis waters. A series of matching wall lights and vases, available in pastel tones, has also been released.
Experience the interplay of traditional and contemporary design at Downtown Design Riyadh. A pivotal moment for Saudi Arabia's design scene is unfolding, blending local identity with global perspectives and setting a new standard for creative collaboration in the Middle East.
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- The 'Raha' Table by Naif Altabai, showcased at Downtown Design Riyadh, demonstrates the emerging local talent in Saudi Arabia's design world, combining a millstone-inspired design with a modern twist and a hidden rotation mechanism.
- The 'Moon Vignettes' by Babnimnim Design Studio, created for Cosentino, offers an immersive experience inspired by the region's desert landscape, featuring the brand's sustainable surfaces and showcasing a contemporary interpretation of The Moon Gate.
- The 'Talisman 14' by Apparatus, a sculptural chandelier, is a fusion of modern craftsmanship and ancient aesthetics, inspired by the ornamental richness of ancient Persian architecture and featuring hand-patinated brass, semi-precious stones, and leather.
- Dastaangoi, a Dubai-based home fragrance brand, introduced a new collection, 'Private,' tailored for the Saudi market, celebrating regional art, storytelling, and tradition, with unique pieces made from materials like marble and onyx and scents inspired by the Middle East.
