< Previous The DESIGN FOCUS WORDS BY VERONICA CARPIO IMAGES COUR TESY OF DOWNTOWN DESIGN AND RESPECTIVE BRANDS 50 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 PRECIOSA Inspired by nature, designer Thomas Feichtner brings Fractal to light, featuring metal branches and hand-cut crystal plates that mirror these natural motifs through a modular structure to refl ect patterns of crystal light. The chandelier comes in different sizes, each one with a different number of fractals. PEDRALI Inspired by elegance and sophistication, the Blume collection stems from the collaboration between German designer Sebastian Herkner and Pedrali. Both the chair and lounge chair owe their distinctive appearance to their sophisticated fl ower-shaped profi le in extruded aluminium. Blume, which means ‘fl ower’ in German, highlights the designer’s iconic decorative details, while paying tribute to his origins. NOTE Void Matters by Note Design Studio is Sancal’s fi rst purely conceptual collection which refl ects upon the concept of a void. The Swedish designers question: “What do the positive and negative part of an object represent? What defi nes an object itself, the matter or the void that surrounds it?” to create four sculptural products. BROKIS The Planets Collection by artist Vrtiska Zak showcases the daily needs not only of customers but of architects and designers too. Thanks to a simple physical principle, the lights can be variably positioned in diverse arrangements. The counterweight is calibrated to the specifi c weight of the light, so adjusting it is safe and easy. HBI_048_48-51_Design Focus_Downtown Design_11441829.indd 5026/11/2020 06:12:14 PM51 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 ETHIMO A renewed collaboration between Ethimo and Luca Nichetto has led to Venezia, a versatile armchair and coffee table, inspired by 19th century urban design, where the aim is to improve the quality of outdoor spaces, guaranteeing a new al fresco feel-good experience. NORMANN COPENHAGEN It’s a pink world in this fashionable and elegant offi ce which features a dynamic working space. Keeping it pink and playing with texture and tone creates a harmonious feeling in the room and a soothing feeling. ARIJIAN Japanese designer Jian Yoo mixes modernity with traditional Korean crafts, inspired by architecture and nature such as fl owers, trees, birds, animals and the sea. HBI_048_48-51_Design Focus_Downtown Design_11441829.indd 5126/11/2020 06:12:35 PM52 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 DESIGN FOCUS ituated within the Ballygunge neighbourhood in Kolkata, an apartment by interdisciplinary studio Morphlab in collaboration with luxury Indian brand Scarlet Splendour has been newly designed with the travel and contemporary design afi cionados in mind. “For this project, our concept was based on abstract, organic forms inspired by local clay-craft techniques,” says Sahil Jain, Principal Architect at Morphlab. “We aimed to maximise the fl oor space and enhance the connection between spaces. The moulded organic formations enhance connectivity and provide a seamless transition from one space to the other, without compromising on the warmth or intimacy of either.” The metal Scarlet Splendour pieces featured in the living area add to the elegance of the slightly metallic walls, further complemented by the surrounding artworks and white marble fl ooring. The apartment is set in a high-rise tower surrounded by traditional, colourful Bengali houses. “We brought elements of those colours in through the artwork and décor,” says Sahil. The white and brass tones exude subtle elegance, while the bold blue highlights the space. ‘Accents’, a cactus- inspired white and brass console table and matching bar unit from Scarlet Splendour, is a nod to the natural world in a subtle, yet alluring manner. “Our philosophy is to try to go beyond the conventional aesthetics and to push the boundaries to create new experiences and THE TRAVELLER’S THE TRAVELLER’S HOUSEHOUSE spaces. We design our spaces so that we can fi t in a lot of art and sculpture, which creates a strong character,” adds Sahil. “This is where Scarlet Splendour proved to be the perfect fi t. Their pieces are not just sculptural, but very much functional which allows more artwork to be added around them.” Founders of Scarlet Splendour, Ashish Bajoria and Suman Kanodia, say: “We love our products against the contemporary, elegant backdrop of the space designed by the team at Morphlab - the subtle contrasts of colours and textures throughout Mould House result in a timeless design.” A marriage of colour, glamour, nature and Spanish architecture, the Mould House is a beautifully modern representation of subdued luxury. morphlab.in; scarletsplendour.com IMAGES COURTESY OF MORPHLAB AND SCARLET SPLENDOUR HBI_048_052-053_Design Focus_Scarlet_11441192.indd 5226/11/2020 06:13:44 PMAward-winning architectural studio Morphlab, in collaboration with Scarlet Splendour, has intertwined nature and bold contemporary design within a new apartment called Mould House in Kolkata, India, writes Athwifa Saleem Clockwise from left: Bedroom view of the Mould House; Living room adorned with Scarlet Splendour décor; Interior view of the bathroom; Living room corner; Bedroom view HBI_048_052-053_Design Focus_Scarlet_11441192.indd 5326/11/2020 06:14:06 PM54 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 British designer and founder of Banda, Edo Mapelli Mozzi , walks us through his latest townhouse project in London, the featured artworks and the true meaning of luxury Shades of Luxury Words by VERONICA CARPIO An interior view of a bedroom at Banda Townhouse HBI_048_054-055_Features_Banda townhouse_11435292.indd 5426/11/2020 06:48:33 PM The FEATURE 55 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 Having travelled extensively, Edo Mapelli Mozzi, founder of design house Banda and husband to Princess Beatrice, seeks inspiration from all over the world for his projects, taking in from other cultures, tastes, design and fashion. “The learnings are then subconsciously brought into our design studios and ethos,” he shares. “Wabi-Sabi in particular is a design style which really resonates with me and fuels much of my inspiration. It’s the Japanese art of fi nding beauty in imperfections. This is such a huge element of restoring historical buildings - it’s about celebrating these cracks and sourcing the beauty from within.” Being surrounded by a luxurious environment, what does luxury really mean to the designer-cum-developer? “The word luxury is extremely subjective,” he says. “Right now it’s less about material objects but [more about] how our spaces make us feel, and right now the time spent at home has never been more important. I’d say the current climate and pandemic has placed a great emphasis on the luxury of the ‘perfect’ home - that is one which fulfi ls all our needs, is authentic, feels unique and of the fi nest quality. Homes are playing greater roles in our daily lives. We need to adapt in order to entertain more activities and services, and create more fl exible spaces. A home which can get this right feels like luxury.” His latest project, a townhouse at the newly completed development of 13-19 Leinster Square in London, is a good example of that. “The whole project has been a joy to deliver and work on and I am exceptionally proud of what we have achieved here,” says Edo. “The look of the townhouse, which is one of fi ve townhouses within the development, is very different to the other dressed spaces within 13-19 Leinster Square but still has all the signatures that are synonymous with the Banda name: attention to detail, meticulous design and absolute quality of materials and craftsmanship.” The design of the townhouse is full of rich autumnal shades such as copper, brass, bronze and orangey tones mixed with darker navy blue and grey plush velvets and lighter boucle fabrics alongside warm timbers and brass metals. “The deep warm palette of the townhouse also includes leafy greens from the indoor planting scattered about the home,” he explains. “Farrow & Ball’s ‘Ammonite’ grey on the panelled walls offers the perfect backdrop for pieces of unexpected abstract art and sculpture, and the bold veining of the statement Rosso Levanto ‘MOTO’ marble fi replace in the sitting room.” The townhouse features pieces from his fi rst furniture collection called Kwanza (which means ‘fi rst’ in Swahili), such as a statement marble fi replace ‘MOTO’ in Rosso Levanto marble found in the front reception room and the grand KARAMU bespoke banquet table, made of marble and bronze. There is also a striking artwork by Ann Sophie Ogard called Concrete in the main sitting room, a piece by Lawrence Calver in the kitchen above the bench, and a piece called Swan (Blue) 2917 by Hugh Hamshaw Thomas in the dining room. “The cinema room features a few key pieces including a limited-edition David Yarrow No Country for Old Men sitting proud between the brass inlayed into the suede upholstered walls,” explains Edo. “Also there is a Connor Brothers piece called We Must Be Careful.” The luxurious cinema room features an oversized Ben Whistler L-shaped sofa upholstered with Roma fabric, a bespoke coffee table in black Marquina and a popcorn-making machine designed by Banda Design Studio. A powder room situated off the cinema room includes an antique burnished brass with an alabaster sconce by Kelly Wearstler. Other furniture pieces of note include the angular Jan Janssen coffee table and Rich Owen side tables in the main reception room juxtaposed with soft, layered textural fabrics, muted tones and a bronze fl oor lamp by Vincenzo De Cotiis. In the master bedroom, the bedside tables are designed by Sven Engström & Gunnar Myrstrand and produced by Tingströms in Sweden rosewood and a brass fi nish, and there are some bold Hector tabletop marble-based lamps. What’s Edo’s design philosophy? “Our mantra is ‘design for living’,” he answers. “It’s the thread which runs through every element of our business. We take time to understand our clients, the building and location, and consider the lifestyle and needs of these residents. All of our clients value design, discretion and quality craftsmanship. These words underpin what we’re constantly striving for.” ■ bandaproperty.co.uk From top: View of the kitchen featuring Karamu banquet table; Interior views of Banda Townhouse “H O M E S A R E P L A Y I N G G R E A T E R RO L E S I N O U R D A I L Y L I V E S . W E N E E D T O A D A P T I N O R D E R T O E N TE R T A I N MOR E A C TI V I TI E S A N D S E R V I C E S , A N D C R E A T E M O R E F L E X I B L E S P A C E S . A H O M E W H I C H C A N G E T T H I S R I G H T F E E L S L I K E L U X U R Y ” IMAGES COUR TESY OF BANDA HBI_048_054-055_Features_Banda townhouse_11435292.indd 5526/11/2020 06:48:40 PM56 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 Driven by simplicity, luxury and geometric infl uences, Castro Lighting strives for a balance between tradition, modern dynamics and minimalism in every project, writes Ayesha S. Shehmir An interior view of a lounge with lighting by Castro IN PURSUIT OF TIMELESSNESS The FEATURE HBI_048_056-057_Feature_Castro lighting_11429665.indd 5629/11/2020 04:11:47 PM The FEATURE 57 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 the brass Streamline Wall Lamp is also of note, featuring subtle nuances and architectural references. Comprising a shiny gold-plated fi nish, the fl uid tones complement the geometric forms, completing the room when placed alongside an abstract art piece. “I am obsessed with coherence,”admits Diogo. “So in each design I create, I always try to fi nd a common ground with the previous design creations and add a twist of innovation. That’s a delicate balance I need to respect in order to surprise our clients. I would say that my biggest personal sources of inspiration came from fashion and architecture.” A notable project by Castro in collaboration with Steve Ward of London-based Astounding Interiors, is an at-home bar which features a number of exquisite pieces such as the Flute Suspension, Prisma Pendant and Hollow Side Table, to name a few. The space has been thoughtfully styled with timeless beauty and luxury at the heart of the aesthetic. “This is the allure we aim to create,” says Ângelo. “In this world of technology and fast consumption, it is important to draw a world of mystery.” With an impressive range of products under its belt and with many more to come, the four decades-old brand strives to inject elegance by intertwining history with the present in every project, with the purpose of crafting a story, rather than just a product. “Our goal is to create a legacy in the history of decorative lighting design, one where you’ll have to respect elegance and sophistication,” adds Ângelo. “These elements will lead the future of Castro’s designs. The team wants to create new and exciting interior fantasies. More fashionable, opulent and ornamented with sophisticated crystals. I believe that the future will be surprising and brilliant.” ■ castrolighting.com Above: Interior views of a home featuring lighting by Castro. Courtesy of Castro Lighting “ A T T H E E N D O F T H E D A Y , I T ’ S A L L A B O U T R E S P E C T F O R H I S T O R Y , T H E M A TE R I A L S , TE C H NIQU E S , A N D O F CO U R S E D E S I G N ” A marriage of contemporary design, luxury and simplicity, since 1978, Portugal-based Castro Lighting has specialised in handcrafted lighting fi xtures with refi ned, intricate beauty at the core of each creation. “Castro’s design philosophy grows from a place where luxury and opulence meet high-quality production,” says Ângelo Gomes, Brand Director at Castro Lighting. “Regarding our heritage in handmade production techniques, we try to stay true to our roots while working with noble materials such as brass and crystal. At the end of the day, it’s all about respect for history, the materials, techniques, and of course design.” Named after the late Gio Ponti, the brand’s latest creation, aptly entitled the GIO Pendant Light, features a sleek design resembling light that’s visible through building windows at night-time. A play on geometry, the architectural design notes inspiration from the skyline of large urban centres. “I was always fascinated by skyscrapers and I love how they look at night, so it can be a great source of inspiration when you are designing lighting,” says Diogo Carvalho, Design Director at Castro Lighting. Fuelled by contemporary design with a nod to minimalism, HBI_048_056-057_Feature_Castro lighting_11429665.indd 5729/11/2020 04:11:54 PMCREDIT HERE 58 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 Your LIFE Miri Najarian Khayat sits in her eclectic living room with plenty of wall art including Michael Moebius’ Marilyn Monroe with a pink bubble gum and orange sphinx by Leonor Fini; Bench with an artwork by Tarsila Schubert and handmade chairs designed by Miri’s mother-in-law HBI_048_58-63_AFL_Miri_11429413.indd 5830/11/2020 09:58:51 AMCREDIT HERE 59 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Winter 2020 Blurring the line between art and design, interior designer Miri Najarian Khayat’s colourful, whimsical Dubai apartment is where every rule is happily broken Words by AYESHA S. SHEHMIR Photography by AASIYA JAGADEESH Life in COL OUR HBI_048_58-63_AFL_Miri_11429413.indd 5930/11/2020 09:59:01 AMNext >