Art, Luxury, And Heritage: Tashkeel's Collaboration With Vacheron Constantin Is A Must-See

This year’s Dubai Design Week is shaping up to be a monumental celebration of creativity, with Tashkeel taking center stage as one of the city’s most influential design hubs. Known for blending tradition with bold, contemporary design, Tashkeel’s presence at this year’s event will offer an immersive look into the UAE’s cultural soul through a lens of sustainability and artistic innovation.

From new sustainable furniture and lighting pieces to exclusive collaborations and interactive displays, Tashkeel’s “Your Move Matters” campaign at DDW invites visitors to experience design as both an art form and a story of place, purpose, and people.

At the Downtown Design Editions exhibition, Tashkeel will proudly unveil six stunning new pieces from its Tanween Design Programme. The stand at #D5 will showcase creations by some of the UAE’s most exciting emerging designers, who were handpicked and mentored through the Tanween initiative, a platform dedicated to fostering local talent. The new collection is anything but ordinary—each piece is rooted in sustainable design and tells a story that connects Emirati heritage with global design trends.

Here’s a glimpse of what to expect:

FAY Pendant Light by Khadija Almazimi: Crafted with natural materials, this sleek, modern lamp pays homage to sustainable practices while bringing a warm aesthetic into any space.

1. BO NAJ-MA Console Table by Majid Al Bastaki: A nostalgic nod to the iconic steel doors of the UAE in the 1980s, this piece combines bold design with cultural significance.
2. Taleed by One Third Studio: A free-standing cabinet made from dyed palm tree leaves, this piece reimagines traditional marquetry techniques, showcasing a unique indigo stain that evokes the beauty of the iconic burqa'a.
3. KUNOOZ Coffee Table by Osama Rashad: Emphasizing the use of natural materials, KUNOOZ brings a sculptural form reminiscent of Emirati heritage into a contemporary setting.
4. Kashi by Rimsha Kidwai: This modular clay block stool combines South Asian and Emirati influences, reflecting Dubai’s vibrant, multicultural landscape.
5. The Sanad Collection by Mohammad Samara and Khaled Al Shaer: A beautiful coffee table made from discarded travertine stone, this piece speaks to Tashkeel’s commitment to rethinking waste and promoting eco-friendly design.
Each of these pieces is an ode to the UAE’s history, culture, and environmental consciousness, crafted with meticulous care and designed to inspire further exploration into sustainable practices.

For those passionate about design and ready to make a mark, Tashkeel’s Tanween Design Programme is now accepting applications from UAE-based designers and engineers. This prestigious programme has launched some of the country’s most celebrated innovators, giving them hands-on experience in material experimentation and sustainable design.

With applications open until November 17, 2024, aspiring participants can look forward to mentorship, in-depth research, and creative freedom to explore UAE-inspired materials and themes. The programme emphasizes both functional and inventive designs, providing a unique platform where emerging talent can bring fresh ideas to life, all within a UAE manufacturing context.

“We are building and evolving Tashkeel’s Tanween Design Programme to enable emerging designers to pursue their passions and realize their visions with the full support of local manufacturers and makers,” says Karam Hoar, Marketing & Communication Manager at Tashkeel.

Adding another dimension to Tashkeel’s offerings at Dubai Design Week is Tasmeem Tashkeel, a consultancy arm that specializes in art and design services for both public and private sectors. Established by Sheikha Lateefa bint Maktoum in 2008, Tasmeem Tashkeel brings together Emirati craftsmanship, innovative materials, and cultural heritage to create bespoke designs that range from interactive public artworks to custom-made furniture.

With a legacy of over 15 years, Tasmeem Tashkeel offers consulting, 3D rendering, and design manufacturing services, infusing each project with a blend of tradition and modernity. The studio’s designs have been used to enhance public spaces, bring artistry into private interiors, and transform functional objects into meaningful cultural artifacts.

At Dubai Design Week, Tasmeem Tashkeel will present pieces commissioned by various clients, all crafted and manufactured locally in the UAE. This showcase not only highlights the quality and diversity of Emirati-made products but also demonstrates how art and design can bridge cultural narratives and contemporary needs.

As part of its collaboration with Vacheron Constantin, Tashkeel will unveil a unique artwork inspired by Sheikha Lateefa’s iconic piece, “Observation of Change.” This exclusive piece, designed by Tasmeem Tashkeel, will be displayed at the Vacheron Constantin store in Mall of the Emirates, bringing an elegant fusion of art and luxury to one of Dubai’s premier retail locations.

This collaboration is more than just a meeting of art and luxury—it’s a dialogue between the city’s heritage and its vibrant future. The artwork is a testament to Tashkeel’s ability to push boundaries while staying true to its roots, aligning perfectly with Vacheron Constantin’s own values of timeless craftsmanship and innovation.

Sustainability, Culture, and Community

In every piece, Tashkeel captures a story, a connection, and a commitment to sustainability. The organization’s approach to design isn’t just about creating beautiful objects; it’s about nurturing a community of artists and makers who respect the past while innovating for the future. From the Tanween Design Programme to Tasmeem Tashkeel’s bespoke services, Tashkeel is building a creative legacy that bridges the UAE’s heritage with a global perspective on sustainable design.

Tashkeel’s participation in Dubai Design Week and its partnership with Vacheron Constantin are powerful statements about the importance of collaboration and community in the creative world. By providing platforms for emerging designers, promoting sustainable practices, and celebrating the UAE’s rich cultural identity, Tashkeel is redefining what it means to be a creative force in the Middle East.

As Dubai Design Week unfolds, Tashkeel’s stand at Downtown Design promises to be an immersive experience for visitors—a place where each design has a story, each material has meaning, and each piece invites reflection on the UAE’s journey toward sustainable, culturally resonant innovation.

For more information on Tashkeel and its upcoming projects, visit tashkeel.org or follow them on social media.