< Previous80 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Autumn 2021 Transcending Time International designer Nada Debs leads a post- pandemic design revolution through a Neo-Arabian identity evident in everything she creates, writes Odelia Mathews The Afghan carpet weavers ensure the craft and skill is retained and translated for a contemporary new look, transcending tradition, religion and culture HBI_050_80-85_FEATURES_Nada Debs_11677253.indd 8027/09/2021 03:20:53 PM81 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Autumn 2021 The FEATURE HBI_050_80-85_FEATURES_Nada Debs_11677253.indd 8127/09/2021 03:20:59 PM The FEATURE 82 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Autumn 2021 xxxx xxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxxx The alternating linear pattern in the Transcendence carpet evokes a sense of depth into another dimension, while the different textures are designed to awaken the tactile senses HBI_050_80-85_FEATURES_Nada Debs_11677253.indd 8227/09/2021 03:21:05 PM The FEATURE 83 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Autumn 2021 riven by a desire to fi nd commonalities across culture, religion, traditions, identity and geographical boundaries, international designer Nada Debs exemplifi es what a design revolution is in literal terms. Her latest collection of spiritual carpets for prayer and meditation is testament to her design philosophy which has evolved over time and transcends religion and culture, bringing together craftsmen and skills from across the globe. “For me, it’s really about transcending differences,” says Nada. “What I do at the end of the day is not only about craft, but it’s about fi nding common elements and a balance between opposites. Whether cultural or material, I’m always on the search for fi nding a balance between everything.” Featuring religious architecture evident in mosques, minarets, shrines and ancient churches, the Transcendence carpet evokes a sense of depth through alternating linear patterns, creating the illusion of travelling through a passage to a different dimension or place. The textures on the carpet serve to awaken tactile senses as one attends to the call of prayer or meditation, suited to his or her religious inclination and for the Ramadan season, the carpets were presented in special, limited-edition gift boxes designed to create the reverence essential for a spiritually dictated creation. “The idea behind the Transcendence carpets is in transcending the boundaries of religion through spirituality and design,” says Nada. “I wanted to fi nd the commonality amongst different religions and the arched pathway achieves that objective through design and purpose.” A collaboration between Nada and Zuleya by FMBI, the Transcendence collection is an initiative to support and engage carpet weavers in Afghanistan, mainly focusing on women. With the Middle East, and specifi cally the UAE, positioned as a hub for interfaith dialogue, peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance and unity, the collection serves a three-fold purpose. “Growing up, our home was everything to us and carpets mean a lot to me,” says Nada. “You can be a nomad and with a carpet, any place suddenly becomes a home. When there are no carpets, there is no real sense of home. I just feel that it is so nice to have one place that brings everybody together and that is what happens with a carpet. It transcends in every sense.” It is a conscious collaboration to support unprivileged communities, while at its heart it maintains a distinctive Arab Designer Nada Debs in her element; Below: The Transcendence bowls, inspired by the carpets, are available in four shapes: circular, rectangular, oasis and portal, featuring solid oak wood in a variety of stains HBI_050_80-85_FEATURES_Nada Debs_11677253.indd 8327/09/2021 03:21:11 PM84 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Autumn 2021 ALL IMAGES COUR TESY OF NADA DEBS STUDIO “Y O U C A N B E A N O M A D A N D W I T H A C A R P E T , A N Y P L A C E S U DDE NL Y BE C O M E S A H O M E ” orientation ushering in a post-pandemic design revolution, where objects have souls, stories and meaning. According to Nada, this is her take on a ‘Neo-Arabian’ identity which she brings to the forefront. “By taking what we had in the past, using new techniques and modern materials, it becomes a new way of looking at the Arab identity through design,” she explains. Growing up in Japan, studying at the Rhode Island School of Design in the US and living in Lebanon, Nada’s global citizenship is refl ective in everything she creates where the central element is always the handicraft of regional craftsmen who embody traditional artisanal skills. “I would like to highlight the crafts of the region, including the skilled artisans in the UAE and Saudi Arabia and right across the Arab region. My aim is to work closely with architects and interior designers who opt for bespoke pieces and handmade authentic luxury,” she explains as we talk about her role as a design educator and craft custodian, where she trains and works with craftsmen to refi ne their skills, preserving time-honoured traditions to purposefully promote an exclusive ‘hand and heart-made’ approach, which is an intrinsic signature in all her designs. “I think today people are much more interested in things that are authentic and true to its material and craft,” she shares. “In the post-covid era, people want things that are practical and not just luxurious. Things should have a functional aspect to them and even remain multifunctional in many ways. I think our duty is to think of ourselves more seriously. Extravagance is unnecessary, less is more but the less must be valuable and when you think of sustainability, it should not be limited to materials, but should extend to thinking of an object as something that can be used for several generations.” Shuffl ing between Dubai and Beirut, where her studio is based and which remains as the central production house for all collections and bespoke commissions, Nada is available for private consultations at her offi ce in Dubai Design District, as well as by appointment within the region. The Transcendence carpet collection is available for purchase from zuleya.ae. The Transcendence bowls can be sourced from nadadebs.com and the Concept Store at the Bulgari Resort Dubai. @studionadadebs The beautiful rugs are handwoven in Afghanistan The ‘You & I’ rug collection strikes a balance between the old and the new, a bridge between cultures through design, a celebration of local know-how in harmony with global trends HBI_050_80-85_FEATURES_Nada Debs_11677253.indd 8427/09/2021 03:21:18 PMCREDIT HERE 85 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Summer 2021 The FEATURE Commonalities across cultures and religions become a uniting point in the Transcendence Collection of prayer carpets HBI_050_80-85_FEATURES_Nada Debs_11677253.indd 8527/09/2021 03:21:25 PMWind & Water HBI_050_86-89_FEATURES_Kart Group_11671290.indd 8627/09/2021 03:22:45 PM The FEATURE A palatial residence designed by Dubai-based Kart Group has merged principles of feng shui with opulence, emanating an inviting warmth throughout the entire space, writes Ayesha S. Shehmir Neutral colours and earthy tones accented by Islamic architectural elements in the Moorish-inspired villa HBI_050_86-89_FEATURES_Kart Group_11671290.indd 8727/09/2021 03:22:50 PM88 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Autumn 2021 IMAGES COUR TESY OF KAR T GROUP The FEATURE Tucked away in Dubai’s affl uent Al Khawaneej neighbourhood, a regal villa has been redesigned as a contemporary interpretation of a Moorish-style palace. Characterised by glorious archways, courtyards, intricate decorative tile work and a geometrically carved mashrabiya, the sophisticated aesthetic of the space was envisioned by award-winning interior design fi rm Kart Group, to refl ect cultural traditions and Islamic architectural elements. “We understand that interior design is not just about aesthetic but that it unifi es and strengthens the bond that is experienced within a space,” says Mustafa Khamash, founding architect of Kart Group. “Interior design is a practical and philosophical discipline that supports pleasure, health and the overall wellbeing of the occupants by providing a safe and nurturing environment in which to reside.” Known for incorporating principles of feng shui – an ancient Chinese concept which dates back thousands of years and translates to ‘wind and water’ – Kart Group seeks to harmonise homeowners with their surroundings using energy forces brought on by design. The integration of feng shui was considered from the initial stage of space planning, as well as during the conceptualisation stage, through the design features, shapes, soft decoration and colour selection, enhancing the positive energy fl ow throughout the entire space. “The dominant colours are the light earthy shades and white, with inserts of strong ones like orange and blue in the chill-out area to balance the energy next to the indoor pool,” says Mustafa. “The minimal red inserts in the ladies’ majlis are used to enhance the feminine energy fl ow in the room.” The chill-out area provides a relaxing social setting with low seating, wall rugs, arches and a centre table, cocooned under a rustic barn-style beamed ceiling – a nod to the traditional local farms that once existed in Al Khawaneej. The bedrooms are surrounded by an authentic Moroccan-style riad courtyard, allowing privacy and tranquillity. “Most of the furniture is elegant and neoclassic in style, with the use of a few damask pieces in the hallway and Moroccan lighting in the chill-out area,” explains Mustafa. Organic elements from nature and open-air water features have been incorporated to exude a calming ambience. “The interior energy will resonate with the residents as they will feel the harmony between the outside and inside of the space through these links.” The holistic approach to the design has resulted in a majestic home with a character of its own, defi ned by an alluring balance of peace, harmony and genuine beauty. kartgroup.net Every area of the villa is characterised by a distinctive feel refl ecting cultural traditions, feng shui principles and specifi c colours which enhance the fl ow of energy The abode incorporates archways, decorative tile work and a neutral colour palette HBI_050_86-89_FEATURES_Kart Group_11671290.indd 8827/09/2021 03:22:56 PMCREDIT HERE The FEATURE 89 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture Autumn 2021 The interior of the villa features glazed marble fl ooring, sculptures and antiques resembling Moorish architecture HBI_050_86-89_FEATURES_Kart Group_11671290.indd 8927/09/2021 03:23:05 PMNext >