Here’s what not to miss at the 10th edition of Dubai’s Downtown Design

The annual rendez-vous for design lovers and industry professionals alike, Downtown Design held under the patronage of Her Heighness Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and member of the Dubai Council returns for its 10th edition.

A leading design fair in the region, Downtown Design welcomes both international renowned designers and young emerging local talents, whether as collectives, studios or individually, gathering for 3 days under one roof.
With a focus on contemporary and high-quality design, the fair’s program also includes talks and various industry events.
From Scandi design to Middle Easterns talents, we certainly added a hundred new ideas to our dream home’s moodboard. Here’s JDEED selection of the designers that need to be on your radar.

By Cynthia Jreige

Jwana Hamdan/Majlis on floor/The Wandering Majlis collection/photography: Rami Mansour

They’ve been hard to ignore. From Pinterest boards to Instagram posts of the coolest interiors captioned #interiorgoals, us too have fallen for the intentional – or not – propaganda of wavy designs, curved angles -minimalistic in their approach yet bold in their execution- pieces of furniture that were spotted left and right at this year’s Downtown Design.

Undeniably inspired by Scandinavian design’s aesthetic, the faux-minimalistic trend is alive and well.

Talking of Nordic design, we fell in love with 101 Copenhagen and their attractive installation displaying the Foky lounge chair designed by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl and inspired by the shapes of traditional Japanese garden tools as well as the Big Foot coffee tables in a soft palette of beige and white. Above that chair and table duo, hangs the most beautiful Ghost chandelier, a swirled LED designed by the same designer duo that adds some contrast to the very pure and clean shapes.

FÉST was another booth that we spotted from afar, with their eye-catching Alp Lounge chair by Martin Hirth, described as the “most comfortable sculpture ever,” here in a grey tone that belonged perfectly next to the rust orange velvet couch next to it.

Leaving the North for Spain, La Nena, an all-time favourite, showcases some incredible floor lamps and consoles that would look impeccable in any interior.

The Alp Chair by Martin Hirth, 101 CPH

Atlas Concorde

Further down the fair’s alleys, experimental design is having a moment in the presence of Award-winning multidisciplinary atelier Fadi Sarieddine Design Studio and its lounge chair / mini couch which perfect curves we can’t get out of our heads.

Home Figures is another absolute favourite, with every single piece being the exact interpretation of our design dreams and what we need in our living room right about now. Modern and sleek, Creative Director Lea Chatila’s vision speaks directly to our hearts. Their creations are also customizable, which is always a plus.

Home Figures

This year’s edition is also reserving us surprises, such as the reveal of the Iwan Maktabi x David & Nicolas collaboration. After the Lebanese duo visited the Iwan Maktabi’s flagship store where they discovered antique Zieglar and Agra carpets they started wondering: “Why don’t they make carpets like this anymore?” And just like that, this question led to the beginning of their design process.

Iwan Maktabi x David & Nicolas / Photography: Stefania Zanetti

Leaving minimalism behind, we loved Dubai-based furniture, décor and gift shop Mushy‘s curated display of designers from all over the world. Their first Downtown Design was not the only first since they simultaneously officially launched today, creating a series of exclusive pieces for the occasion.
We have added Kouros Maghsadi’s seat on our wishlist as well as every pieces from Ornamental By Lameice.

Pani Jurek / Mushy

Last but not least, the UAE Designer Exhibition 4.0 installation that this year highlights the theme of “Future Living Spaces” presented some of the best of what upcoming local talents have to offer. Our favourite will have to be Munira AlMulla Design Studio’s ‘O-Collection: Re-Plastic Edition” , a sustainable interpretation of the O-Collection which integrates recycled plastic from Smile Plastics.

Downtown Design is open this November 9th-11th at the Waterfront Terrace in Dubai Design District from 12pm to 8pm (Sunday 11th until 6pm).
In response to the devastating events occurring in Gaza, visitors to Downtown Design will be asked to pay an entrance fee of AED 25. The total funds raised will be matched by the Art Dubai Group and donated to Emirates Red Crescent to support the many innocent civilians affected by this tragedy.

More info on Downtown Design’s website

Cover picture: ALEEYA Design studio x Alittlemore studio/ Deskscape Candle