The third annual design fair presented a broad spectrum of world-class design works and artistic pieces that captured local, regional, and international attention
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates March 26, 2014 – The third edition of Design Days Dubai, the leading design fair for the Middle East and South Asia, closed for 2014 having attracted 12,000 visitors over five days. The fair successfully delivered the very best in investment-quality, limited-edition design pieces from across the globe to Dubai, in addition to an enhanced and engaging public programme.
Fair organisers witnessed a 10% increase in visitor numbers and outstanding sales, complete with appearances from VIPs, including H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, H.E. Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Minister of Health, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dubai Culture & Art Authority (Dubai Culture), H.H. Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Dubai Culture, as well as Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar.
Under the Patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Design Days Dubai, pushed the boundaries of modern and contemporary design, cementing its position on the world stage as the most diverse design event. Located at ‘The Venue' – a prestigious custom-built setting at the base of Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, by fair sponsor and global property developer, Emaar Properties PJSC - the fair gave a global platform to an unprecedented number of galleries and design brands, and offered collectors a breadth of choice in pieces, styles, and materials – with items ranging in price from 1,000USD to over 2.5 million USD.
Trevyn McGowan of Southern Guild (South Africa) commented, “Phenomenal edition this year. Almost everything sold as it is – or through commissions for special sizes. I think people value the narrative quality of our pieces, and the fact that the hand of the craftsman makes them unique as well as beautiful.”
François Leblanc, of Gallery S. Bensimon (France), commented, “People are very curious – not afraid to ask about the history and background of pieces – that's very interesting for us; it's the kind of reaction we like because our philosophy is that design should be accessible – not always expensive.”
Danielle Mallat, of Squad Design (Lebanon), said of Design Days Dubai 2014,”We are delighted with how the fair has gone – it has been a fantastic launching pad for Squad and I'm very happy for our designers that their work has been so successful. We have sold very well.”
Patrizia Tenti, of Erastudio Apartment-Gallery (Italy), said, “The level of clients and galleries is very high. This is our second year and even in that short time we have seen a change – visitors are much more aware of design and their approach has become more intellectual. We have seen more architects and interior designers this year, as well as private collectors.”
The compelling line-up ranged from the well-established Carpenter's Workshop Gallery (France, London), _Croft Gallery (Korea), and Victor Hunt (Belgium), to first-time exhibitors such as Agence Algérienne pour le Rayonnement Culturel (Algeria), as well as and emerging galleries including Clear Edition & Gallery (Japan), and Naqsh Design House (Jordan), which underlined the position of Design Days Dubai as a global creative hub, as part of Dubai Art Season, the city's umbrella arts initiative launched by Dubai Culture.
Over 600 visitors attended the daily talks, workshops, and panels, which were produced in partnership with the fair's strategic partner, Dubai Culture, and with the support of d3 Dubai Design District. The popular sessions gave audiences insight and hands-on guidance from world-renowned designers, including India Mahdavi, Michelle Lamy, Giles Miller, and Andy Martin, among others.
The installation and live performance aspect of Design Days Dubai blended organic and digital techniques, with works by designers Benjamin Muzzin, Giles Miller Studio, Michael Anastassiades, and Elaine NG Yanling, together with Chen Chen and Kai Williams, Guto Requena, and gt2p reflecting the dynamism of new artistic creations by well-established designers. Creator of the PP Tree installation, Tom Price, said, “I've been struck by the genuine, open curiosity: people are very interested in the why, what and how about the work – and where it can be used. They make far fewer assumptions than people in Europe and North America. It's very good for design – sparking the debate about what design can be, should be and shouldn't be.”
Other highlights of the fair included the impressive collection of jewels from fair sponsor Van Cleef & Arpels, who also gave hands-on public workshops in the art of mock-up making, as well as the newly-introduced ‘Discover' section, which this year showcased works from four French designers, through a partnership with Institut Français in the UAE. In addition, returning fair sponsor Audi showcased an example of the fusion between pioneering design and technological advancements, in their latest vehicle, the A8.
“The calibre and diversity of the pieces brought by each gallery, coupled with the presence of such passionate and knowledgeable visitors and collectors from around the world, has contributed to the success of the 2014 edition of Design Days Dubai. The line-up of leading designers, gallery owners, and public programme speakers was world-class, and the fair itself gave an opportunity for cultural dialogue to emanate from Dubai – which has now truly confirmed its reputation as an international heart,” said Cyril Zammit, Fair Director, Design Days Dubai.
For more information about Design Days Dubai, please visit the bi-lingual website, www.designdaysdubai.ae. Supporters can also continue to keep up to date with the fair on the following social media channels;
Facebook: www.facebook.com/designdaysdubai
Instagram: www.instagram.com/designdaysdubai
Twitter: @DesignDaysDubai
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/designdaysdubai
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