< PreviousW ORD S B Y MAL OBI OLELE, P H O T O G R APHY B Y NA TELEE C OCK S 30 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 FI N E FL O R A L S Specialising in wild, alluring arrangements, Dubai-based fl oral boutique Fine Blooms has just launched its redesigned digital platform Designed to offer an elevated digital experience, fl oral boutique Fine Blooms has just unveiled its newly redesigned digital platform (fi neblooms.ae). Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Creative Director Chloe Szukilojc has worked as a fl orist for almost ten years. Her job has taken her from Australia to London before she arrived in the UAE, just three weeks before the lockdown. Growing up in a small beach town surrounded by an abundance of nature, Chloe draws inspiration from scenic locations like the seaside, the city or local fruit and vegetable markets. Through her management experience in her hometown, she has sharpened her creative skillset which led her to develop Fine Blooms’ quirky aesthetics, successfully attracting a younger crowd to the art of fl oristry. “Our main focus at Fine Blooms is to bring attention to this incredible environment and educate people on seeing beauty in the unconventional,” she says. Every collection of bouquets at Fine Blooms is tailored around local demands and global trends, each based on a seasonal colour scheme. To prevent customers from being overwhelmed, the online store features just 13 bouquet selections, however more will become available for special holidays and occasions. “We have covered such a wide range of styles and colours so I truly believe there’s an arrangement for everyone,” says Chloe. Her expert advice on setting up a ‘perfectly imperfect’ fl ower arrangement at home? “You want your fl owers to sit so they are looking like they are supported by the vase,” she says. “If you receive a bouquet make sure that you cut the stems, so the bottom layer of fl owers is sitting directly on the lip of the vase. Immediately put the stems into water to stay hydrated. While making fl owers, remember to have fun and trust your creative instinct.” Fine Blooms is home to a range of fl oristry services spanning customised bouquets, bespoke events and big installations. ■ fi neblooms.ae Above: Flower arrangements by Fine Blooms. Photography by Natelee Cocks The LATEST HBI_048_030_Latest_Fine Blooms_11430609.indd 3030/11/2020 03:53:42 PMWORDS BY MALOBI OLELE, IMAGES COUR TESY OF BOCONCEPT The LATEST 31 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 The chic new Modena sofa by contemporary Danish furniture house BoConcept has married beauty and comfort effortlessly... The new Modena sofa, launched by BoConcept and designed by Danish furniture designer Morten Georgsen, features organic forms, a low back, a minimal aesthetic, 18 modules and over 120 fabrics and leathers. From BoConcept’s new Extraordinary is Always in Style collection, the sofa’s soft edges, pull-in stitch details, ample seat thickness, refi ned arm and sloping backrest evokes a comforting and inviting visual. In the current unprecedented times, the home is now central to life, identity, entertainment, self-improvement and care. To satisfy the consumer’s desire for indulgence, BoConcept has developed an organic, cocooning sofa to enhance the comfort of home. The silhouette of the sofa, with its low backrest and high sculptured legs in black, creates a contemporary, minimalist look. In line with the brand’s customisation design motto, each Modena sofa can be confi gured from 18 modules with various leg options and upholstered from over 120 fabrics and leathers. This adds the freedom to match any lifestyle, space and design aesthetic. “Simplicity and functionality are BoConcept’s core values,” says Morten. “It’s often believed that functional design is created at the expense of beauty. Why, when you can have both? When you combine pleasing proportions with beautiful colours, materials and craftsmanship, you create a design that evokes a good feeling.” ■ boconcept.com A view of the Modena sofa by BoConcept CASUAL EXPRESSIONS Furniture pieces from BoConcept’s new collection HBI_048_031_Latest_ Bo Concept advertorial_11438046.indd 3126/11/2020 05:43:03 PM32 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 C A R P E T A R T Renowned carpet brand Iwan Maktabi has joined hands with designers from the Middle East and beyond for ‘IWAN MAKTABI X’, a project where art, design, fashion and architecture beautifully merge as one Mona Maktabi, Nadine Kanso and Mohamed Maktabi surrounded by All Eyes carpet designed by Kanso for IWAN MAKTABI X project HBI_048_032-033_Latest_Iwan Maktabi_11442476.indd 3226/11/2020 05:47:13 PM33 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 The LATEST For its latest venture, Lebanese carpet brand Iwan Maktabi has invited architects, interior, fashion and product designers and artists to project their visions onto carpets. Entitled IWAN MAKTABI X, the collaborative project highlights a modern approach to traditional carpet-making. Several artists and designers including Nadine Kanso, Roula Salamoun, Gregory Gatserelia and David/Nicolas are showcasing their stunning designs on woven tapestries. Each artist has taken a unique approach by drawing inspiration from their own design language, cultural myths, nature’s aesthetics, science fi ction and antique carpet designs. Nadine Kanso Artist and jewellery designer Nadine Kanso was infl uenced by all forms of Arabic culture, especially calligraphy and pop culture idioms. For this collaboration, the designer tapped into the beauty and myth of ‘The Evil Eye’; a legend believed to be cast by a malevolent glare usually given to a person when they are unaware. The artist recreated a bespoke eye which guards against this malefi cent spell. Her bespoke carpet All Eyes pays homage to antique carpets while adding a modern, striking touch. Roula Salamoun Roula Salamoun designed the STRATA carpets which tell the story of the multilayers of urban living. The architect noted inspiration during her visit to Kathmandu in Nepal, accompanied by the Maktabis on a discovery trip. The carpets recall the architecture, landscape, rooftops, temples and steps which intertwine with lush greenery. The vibrant colours of the city along with the intimate relationship the people share with their city moved the artist to replicate these elements in her carpet designs. STRATA serves as an allegory of the carpet-making industry, wherein the weavers, designers and product are all intertwined. The carpet acts as a bridge, linking the body, space and objects together. Gregory Gatserelia Architect and interior decorator Gregory Gatserelia designed The Odyssey collection. Inspired by the 1968 fi lm A Space Odyssey, these limited-edition carpets are abstract representations of the mystical universe. The Odyssey collection comprises four designs: Scene 1 to 4. The carpet is made of a rich mix of Tibetan wool and silk with bold colours, rich textures and shape-shifting patterns spread across the surface of each carpet. David/Nicolas Lebanese design duo David/Nicolas were captivated by the textures and simplistic elegance of antique Ziegler and Agra carpets. This inspired the creation of the Orientations carpet collection. The carpet features hand-carded wool with three dimensional fi gures, typically found in Oriental carpets. The duo’s design language is reminiscent of constellations in the night sky. With the Orientations carpet, a simple gaze will direct you North, South, East or West. The carpets are a combination of ancient, contemporary and futuristic elements woven into a timeless aesthetic. Three interpretations of All Eyes by Nadine Kanso were revealed during Dubai Design Week. Roula Salamoun’s STRATA carpets along with David/Nicolas’ Orientations collection are set to be unveiled at Nomad St. Moritz in 2021. ■ iwanmaktabi.com WORDS BY MALOBI OLELE, PHOTOGRAPHY BY AASIY A JAGADEESH Thee Below: Archer carpet collection designed by Taher Asad-Bakhtiari From left: Limited edition All Eyes carpet designed by Nadine Kanso; Sketch of a carpet part of the Orientations collection by David/Nicolas HBI_048_032-033_Latest_Iwan Maktabi_11442476.indd 3326/11/2020 05:48:18 PM34 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 Facet round chandelier from The Facet Collection HBI_048_034-035_Latest_ Laura Hammett_11432663.indd 3426/11/2020 05:57:16 PM35 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 The LATEST ES S E N C E O F LI G H T We sit down with famed interior designer Laura Hammett to discuss her newest project, the collaboration with Bella Figura and her endless design inspirations standards for their discerning customers. A bespoke piece of note featured within the collection is ‘Dry Ice’, a glass set into brushed bronze, gold or nickel metalwork. When designing pieces, Laura often fi nds inspiration from her surroundings. “I fi nd inspiration all over and am always taking photographs of details, colour and material combinations wherever I go,” she shares. “Bars, restaurants and hotels offer so much inspiration. I often fi nd myself being inspired by something less tangible which will spark an idea, like colour tones in nature.” She teases with an upcoming project that will be revealed in 2021: “We have something very big in the pipeline. I’ve been working on it behind the scenes for a few years now and it’s a real labour of love and an exciting progression for us as a company.” The interior designer’s team is dedicated to delivering the fi nest quality of craftmanship and custom-made furnishings, all of which work harmoniously with their surroundings. The new collection includes various elegant pieces such as chandeliers, lanterns and lamps, which are all displayed at the G24 Bella Figura showroom in the Design Centre, Centre Dome in London. “I really can’t imagine doing anything else,” expresses Laura. “This is so much more than a job for me, it’s a borderline obsession! I truly believe that good design has the ability to completely elevate and enhance your life.” ■ laurahammett.com World-renowned eponymous interior design studio Laura Hammett has joined hands with decorative London- based lighting company Bella Figura to design the brand-new ‘The Facet Collection’, which was fi rst unveiled at London Design Week (12-20 September 2020). “I wanted to create something sculptural that would add volume to a space,” says Laura. “I fi nd the combination of materials really exciting, and the rich bronze paired with the almost ethereal milky glass is so beautiful to me. Understated luxury is what our brand is all about and I think this collection is a real example of that. To me, lighting is the showpiece in an interior.” The shape of the pieces featured within the new collection enables them to emanate a warm, calming light, best paired with dimmers for a luxurious ambience. “This exquisite collaboration took two years to create,” says Ross Lloyd, Sales Director of Bella Figura. “Materials were sourced from Italy and Bella Figura worked with family-run businesses in Venice with over 50 years of experience in researching the latest techniques in terms of lighting and design, whilst always ensuring quality at the fore.” Partnering with Bella Figura was a natural evolution for Laura Hammett as both brands share similar values of only sourcing the fi nest materials and working to the highest Below from left: Facet rectangular chandelier; Facet table lamp and shade. From The Facet Collection W ORD S B Y MAL OBI OLELE IMA GES C OUR TES Y OF LA URA HAMMETT HBI_048_034-035_Latest_ Laura Hammett_11432663.indd 3526/11/2020 05:57:50 PM36 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 The LATEST VI N T AG E RE VA M P The founders of Spain-based interior design studio Quintana Partners walk us through their newest project called La Bionda , a hip boutique hotel nestled in the picturesque town of Begur An interior view of the lobby area at La Bionda HBI_048_036-037_Latest_Quintana_11431239.indd 3626/11/2020 05:58:53 PM The LATEST 37 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 In 2015, Spanish interior designer duo Benito Escat and Pol Castells founded Quintana Partners Studio. Headquartered in Barcelona, the studio specialises in residential projects with sustainable design at the heart of all projects. Benito and Pol have similar design tastes, allowing them to work in partnership seamlessly. “We complement each other very well because we both contribute differently, such as one may see it from a purely aesthetic point of view and the other from a functional point of view,” expresses Benito. The duo personalise every project to cater to the client’s needs, while adding their own personal twist. “Thankfully, our clients trust us 100 per cent so we can be more creative,” adds Pol. Their most recent project, called La Bionda, is a small boutique hotel of eight rooms located in Begur, Spain. The owner of the property, Carla Lloveras, used to vacation in the area with her friends and family and aspired to share the experience with guests who spent holidays in the stunning town. The design of the space has been inspired by the 2014 comedy-drama movie The Grand Budapest Hotel. “We wanted to create the comfortable ambience of a large hotel with the privacy of an eight-room building,” explains Benito. Most of the hotel furniture is vintage and mainly sourced from Spain or the South of France, with the exception of the upholstery and fabrics. To reduce waste, the furniture is bought from European antique fairs, shops and auctions. “We are absolutely addicted to using old pieces from antique shops to create a warm and friendly atmosphere,” admits Benito. “Each room corresponds with the personality of the woman to whom we have dedicated. Draped headboards, personable lamps and gracefully tuned vintage items are common in the different rooms.” Carla highlights that the design process begins with storytelling. “Each room in La Bionda is named after obscure, infl uential women from the early 20th century. The hotel pays tribute to unsung heroes like Charlotte Cooper, the fi rst woman to win the Olympic Games, fashion designer Emilie Flöge, author Caterina Albert and the dancer Carmen Amaya.” The project took 15 months to complete. “We added modern facilities to the building, including solar panels and aerothermal climatisation, as we wanted the hotel to have sustainable energy,” reveals Pol. “We really enjoy long commercial and hospitality projects, especially when customers respond positively to our hard work.” Currently, Quintana Partners is expanding business throughout Europe and also opening their second base in London. ■ quintanapartners.com WORDS BY MALOBI OLELE, IMAGES COUR TESY OF QUINT ANA P A R TNERS Below: An interior view of the living room at La Bionda Clockwise from left: An interior view of the Honesty Bar; Lounge area with vintage furniture; An interior view of the Emilie Suite at La Bionda HBI_048_036-037_Latest_Quintana_11431239.indd 3726/11/2020 05:59:01 PM38 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 An Italian-style home with a nod to Japanese infl uences, it’s easy to see why Katia Jundi’s art-fi lled contemporary villa in Dubai is her new safe haven, writes Ayesha S. Shehmir After the move in March to Dubai’s up-and-coming Fairway Vistas area, watch and jewellery afi cionado Katia Jundi’s new home fast became her lockdown project and an escape from the outside realities of the ongoing pandemic. Noting inspiration from the surrounding greenery of Dubai Hills, the spacious villa emanates a calming ambience with a grey-brown colour palette and pops of teal throughout, which, the interior designer Liza De Luna of the eponymous Liza De Luna Interiors, intentionally chose to evoke comfort. “We wanted to create a sense of Zen throughout the household and these colours are both soothing and work well aesthetically,” says Liza. “We used shades of grey to create intimacy with the high ceilings and some double-height voids. These colours also helped us achieve the modern look that we were committed to. I am also a fan of neutral tones in general and you can see that in my personal style as well.” The large, fl oor-to-ceiling windows invite an abundance of natural light to fi ll the home, creating a sense of oneness with the exterior and surrounding nature. A marriage of marble and wood, the space has been designed to mimic a spa-like environment, complementing the bold collection of handpicked artwork in seamless agreement. Upon entrance hangs a work by self-taught realist painter Elias Izoli from Ayyam Gallery. Painted a sea-blue colour, the work depicts the innocence of a child. “In some of Izoli’s works, the children are placed alongside toys or objects with which they would usually playfully interact,” explains Katia. “With scenes as such, Izoli intends to depict the everyday reality of Syrian children who hope for a better future after the war.” The artworks in the home are sourced from several Middle Eastern galleries and fairs by the likes of Ayyam Gallery, Third Line and Art Dubai, with some bought directly from the artists including the Syrian contemporary painter known for his hauntingly beautiful expressionist style, Mohannad Orabi. “I think art can dictate the whole mood of a room or the specifi c area the artwork is displayed in,” expresses Katia. “Art is not only beautiful, it is also functional. In can have a huge impact on our mood and emotions. Our art speaks to us of worlds and experiences beyond our home. It’s a way to invite some of what happens in the world into our realm. I know for a fact that guests also pause at the entrance when they are greeted with the Elias Izoli piece. It speaks to our guests in different ways. Some are drawn to it, others are puzzled by the subject’s expression and what she is trying to communicate.” In the dining room hangs a large work by Syrian painter Thaier Helal, in which the artist has recreated the physical attributes of natural settings such as mountains, deserts, rivers and lakes. “The painting is sculptural and appeals to the senses with added volume and dimension, providing tactile references to these environments,” says Katia. “The coarse surfaces of the artist’s works are created with organic and synthetic materials such as sand and glue, and describe layers of sediment that accumulate over time.” An artwork by Mohannad Orabi displayed in the upstairs bedroom ART BEAUTY The LATEST of HBI_048_038-039_Latest_Katia_11432705.indd 3826/11/2020 06:00:02 PMMost of the furniture has been sourced from Milan, with pieces bought locally from Aati and Obegi Home in Dubai as well. Intertwining beauty, comfort and timelessness, there are pieces by Minotti and B&B Italia dotted throughout. Taking a whole seven months to complete, the outdoor section, Katia’s personal favourite spot in the home, resembles an island retreat with lemon-yellow two-seaters, light grey sun loungers and of course the pool, complete with a sleek glass design. “It was amazing to see what started out as being a hole dug up in the backyard be transformed into a beautiful swimming pool,” says Katia. “I was inspired by the colour palette of the swimming pools of the private villas of the Cheval Blanc in the Maldives which is by far my favourite resort. Since we weren’t going to travel anytime soon, we thought it would be nice to bring elements of our favourite resort to our home. That’s as close as we were going to get to spending a getaway at the Cheval Blanc.” In future, the social media sensation is set to add to her growing art collection. “It’s a good thing that Art Dubai is just around the corner,” she says. “Investing time, energy and resources into your own space is always a rewarding experience.” ■ @katsbling PHO T OGRAPHY B Y A A SIY A J A GADEESH Katia sits by the entrance which features an artwork by Elias Izoli from Ayyam Gallery An interior view of the formal living room downstairs with a neutral colour palette 39 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 HBI_048_038-039_Latest_Katia_11432705.indd 3926/11/2020 06:00:16 PMNext >