Written by Oryx  |  Added: 25.05.2010, 18:24

Arabian Flair

Arabian Flair seeks designs inspired by Arabic culture, modern twists on traditional Arabic design, and new trends from the next generation of Arabic designers.

Karim Rashid
Born in Cairo to Egyptian and English parents, multi-disciplinary designer Karim Rashid has over 3,000 designs in production, including projects ranging from interiors, fashion, furniture, lighting, art, and music to installations. Switch Restaurant and Lounge is the first restaurant of his design in the UAE. With a contemporary, futuristic design, Switch’s main objective is to change the dining standards of Dubai: to create a ‘switch’, whereby dining becomes an experience and not just a necessity.
www.karimrashid.com / www.meswitch.com

Nada Debs
Of Lebanese origin but brought up in Japan, Nada Debs created the ‘East & East’ concept in furniture design when returning to Lebanon after a 40-year absence and finding little evidence of modern designs for Middle Eastern furniture. Arabesque Armchair and Arabian Nights Mirror are typical of her style: the cool minimalism of Japanese aesthetic combined with the lavish warmth of Arab expression.
www.nadadebs.com

Pouyan Mokhtarani
The Ruby Rocking Chair by Iranian designer Pouyan Mokhtarani is inspired by the bone structure of the human form – particularly the pelvis and abdominal areas. The liquid pillows in the back and seat resemble the formation of muscles. Inspired by the idea of a superhuman body, the chair is designed with the intention that whenever an individual sits on it, he or she will experience a sense of power.
www.pouyanm.com / www.rubyrockingchair.com

Hicham Lahlou
Hicham Lahlou was born and lives in Morocco. His role as an architect, interior designer, and industrial designer is focused on the mixing of cultures: inspired by craft and civilisations but without the ‘ethnic and folk’ label, creating new generations of products. Also in demand to create designs for international brands, he designed this narghile for the famous French label Airdiem.
www.hichamlahlou.com