Marka makes a move into Dubai Design District

Marka PJSC (DFM: MARKA), the UAE’s first publicly-traded retail and hospitality operator, has established its new corporate headquarters at Dubai Design District.

The announcement reflects the company’s ongoing growth and expansion, which now sees its complement of employees numbering over 1,000.

Also known as d3, Dubai Design District has been inaugurated to stimulate creativity and play a key role in realising Dubai’s vision to be an innovation-led economy. Marka’s new presence there reflects its ambition to lead the region’s retail and hospitality sectors and to accrue new premium brands to its expanding portfolio, which it operates under the three divisions: Marka Fashion, Marka Hospitality and Marka Sports.

“In line with our vision and mission to be the pre-eminent name in the region’s dynamic and evolving retail sector, we have moved Marka’s head office to d3, Dubai’s cutting edge design district,” said Khaled Almheiri, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Marka.

“At its heart, Marka is an innovative retailer that nurtures the international brands it operates, as well as incubates home grown brands. With d3 unveiled to be a purpose-built design district that encourages local talent and home for the region’s creative thinkers, it is a natural community for Marka to both contribute to and participate in.”

Marka’s 20,000 square foot headquarters have been designed by Antonio Pio Saracino, four-time winner of Interior Design’s Future Furniture competition and person named as one of the world’s ‘25 most interesting trendsetters.’ Saracino’s unique touch has been applied to the office’s meeting rooms, conference rooms, showroom and staff areas, with the renowned designer creating a stylish operational environment for Marka employees.

Marka contracted Saracino to appoint its new corporate headquarters in alignment with its key values and to incorporate elements that enhance its brand identity around: ‘contemporary,’ ‘pioneering,’ ‘lifestyle,’ ‘integrity’ and ‘trust.’ The result is a modern, open, airy and transformative workplace environment that has been designed to foster intellectual insight, perspective and innovation.

Saracino’s work forms part of the permanent collections at several museums, including: the Brooklyn Museum, the Museum of Art and Design in New York and the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. Over the past 10 years he has exhibited in galleries and museums throughout Europe, the Middle East, North and South America, and Australia.
- See more at: http://ameinfo.com/finance-and-economy/economy/retail/marka-makes-a-move-into-dubai-design-district/#sthash.v9xfywHT.dpuf

Marka PJSC (DFM: MARKA), the UAE’s first publicly-traded retail and hospitality operator, has established its new corporate headquarters at Dubai Design District.
The announcement reflects the company’s ongoing growth and expansion, which now sees its complement of employees numbering over 1,000.
Also known as d3, Dubai Design District has been inaugurated to stimulate creativity and play a key role in realising Dubai’s vision to be an innovation-led economy. Marka’s new presence there reflects its ambition to lead the region’s retail and hospitality sectors and to accrue new premium brands to its expanding portfolio, which it operates under the three divisions: Marka Fashion, Marka Hospitality and Marka Sports.
“In line with our vision and mission to be the pre-eminent name in the region’s dynamic and evolving retail sector, we have moved Marka’s head office to d3, Dubai’s cutting edge design district,” said Khaled Almheiri, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Marka.
“At its heart, Marka is an innovative retailer that nurtures the international brands it operates, as well as incubates home grown brands. With d3 unveiled to be a purpose-built design district that encourages local talent and home for the region’s creative thinkers, it is a natural community for Marka to both contribute to and participate in.”
Marka’s 20,000 square foot headquarters have been designed by Antonio Pio Saracino, four-time winner of Interior Design’s Future Furniture competition and person named as one of the world’s ‘25 most interesting trendsetters.’ Saracino’s unique touch has been applied to the office’s meeting rooms, conference rooms, showroom and staff areas, with the renowned designer creating a stylish operational environment for Marka employees.
Marka contracted Saracino to appoint its new corporate headquarters in alignment with its key values and to incorporate elements that enhance its brand identity around: ‘contemporary,’ ‘pioneering,’ ‘lifestyle,’ ‘integrity’ and ‘trust.’ The result is a modern, open, airy and transformative workplace environment that has been designed to foster intellectual insight, perspective and innovation.
Saracino’s work forms part of the permanent collections at several museums, including: the Brooklyn Museum, the Museum of Art and Design in New York and the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. Over the past 10 years he has exhibited in galleries and museums throughout Europe, the Middle East, North and South America, and Australia.
- See more at: http://ameinfo.com/finance-and-economy/economy/retail/marka-makes-a-move-into-dubai-design-district/#sthash.v9xfywHT.dpuf

Marka PJSC (DFM: MARKA), the UAE’s first publicly-traded retail and hospitality operator, has established its new corporate headquarters at Dubai Design District.
The announcement reflects the company’s ongoing growth and expansion, which now sees its complement of employees numbering over 1,000.
Also known as d3, Dubai Design District has been inaugurated to stimulate creativity and play a key role in realising Dubai’s vision to be an innovation-led economy. Marka’s new presence there reflects its ambition to lead the region’s retail and hospitality sectors and to accrue new premium brands to its expanding portfolio, which it operates under the three divisions: Marka Fashion, Marka Hospitality and Marka Sports.
“In line with our vision and mission to be the pre-eminent name in the region’s dynamic and evolving retail sector, we have moved Marka’s head office to d3, Dubai’s cutting edge design district,” said Khaled Almheiri, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Marka.
“At its heart, Marka is an innovative retailer that nurtures the international brands it operates, as well as incubates home grown brands. With d3 unveiled to be a purpose-built design district that encourages local talent and home for the region’s creative thinkers, it is a natural community for Marka to both contribute to and participate in.”
Marka’s 20,000 square foot headquarters have been designed by Antonio Pio Saracino, four-time winner of Interior Design’s Future Furniture competition and person named as one of the world’s ‘25 most interesting trendsetters.’ Saracino’s unique touch has been applied to the office’s meeting rooms, conference rooms, showroom and staff areas, with the renowned designer creating a stylish operational environment for Marka employees.
Marka contracted Saracino to appoint its new corporate headquarters in alignment with its key values and to incorporate elements that enhance its brand identity around: ‘contemporary,’ ‘pioneering,’ ‘lifestyle,’ ‘integrity’ and ‘trust.’ The result is a modern, open, airy and transformative workplace environment that has been designed to foster intellectual insight, perspective and innovation.
Saracino’s work forms part of the permanent collections at several museums, including: the Brooklyn Museum, the Museum of Art and Design in New York and the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. Over the past 10 years he has exhibited in galleries and museums throughout Europe, the Middle East, North and South America, and Australia.
- See more at: http://ameinfo.com/finance-and-economy/economy/retail/marka-makes-a-move-into-dubai-design-district/#sthash.v9xfywHT.dpuf

Marka PJSC (DFM: MARKA), the UAE’s first publicly-traded retail and hospitality operator, has established its new corporate headquarters at Dubai Design District.
The announcement reflects the company’s ongoing growth and expansion, which now sees its complement of employees numbering over 1,000.
Also known as d3, Dubai Design District has been inaugurated to stimulate creativity and play a key role in realising Dubai’s vision to be an innovation-led economy. Marka’s new presence there reflects its ambition to lead the region’s retail and hospitality sectors and to accrue new premium brands to its expanding portfolio, which it operates under the three divisions: Marka Fashion, Marka Hospitality and Marka Sports.
“In line with our vision and mission to be the pre-eminent name in the region’s dynamic and evolving retail sector, we have moved Marka’s head office to d3, Dubai’s cutting edge design district,” said Khaled Almheiri, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Marka.
“At its heart, Marka is an innovative retailer that nurtures the international brands it operates, as well as incubates home grown brands. With d3 unveiled to be a purpose-built design district that encourages local talent and home for the region’s creative thinkers, it is a natural community for Marka to both contribute to and participate in.”
Marka’s 20,000 square foot headquarters have been designed by Antonio Pio Saracino, four-time winner of Interior Design’s Future Furniture competition and person named as one of the world’s ‘25 most interesting trendsetters.’ Saracino’s unique touch has been applied to the office’s meeting rooms, conference rooms, showroom and staff areas, with the renowned designer creating a stylish operational environment for Marka employees.
Marka contracted Saracino to appoint its new corporate headquarters in alignment with its key values and to incorporate elements that enhance its brand identity around: ‘contemporary,’ ‘pioneering,’ ‘lifestyle,’ ‘integrity’ and ‘trust.’ The result is a modern, open, airy and transformative workplace environment that has been designed to foster intellectual insight, perspective and innovation.
Saracino’s work forms part of the permanent collections at several museums, including: the Brooklyn Museum, the Museum of Art and Design in New York and the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. Over the past 10 years he has exhibited in galleries and museums throughout Europe, the Middle East, North and South America, and Australia.
- See more at: http://ameinfo.com/finance-and-economy/economy/retail/marka-makes-a-move-into-dubai-design-district/#sthash.v9xfywHT.dpuf

The Art of Change: At Home and Through Divorce

For the divorcee, change is the norm and flexibility is a necessity. Success is measured by how well one can transition from a steadied life of structure to a less regulated life of innovation and individual enlightenment. In this respect, the home becomes an ironic confluence of adaptability to life’s ever-changing states of being.

So how is change made into a positive influence at home? Easy. We create cheerful and flexible situations that can accommodate all types of living styles. One simple method of accomplishing an immediate alteration is through paint. For instance, using a light-reflecting bright white instead of a light-absorbing dull cream color on the walls will change the spirit of a room. It will make a space feel light and airy.



Another helpful idea to enhance your home is to use more ambient lighting. For example, sconces that emit a wide net of light, will help expand space rather than enclose and darken it. Plus, sconces act as space-saving devices by not taking up any floor footage. Thus, the light will be up, down, and all around. Tube lights (as seen in the above photo) serve a similar function to sconces and take up very little space while giving off lots of light as well.

Photo by David Estreich

One important change for the divorcee is to de-clutter. There are enough things going on in their lives; keeping a home that is neat and organized adds to a clearer perspective and helps impose a semblance of structure in an otherwise chaotic time. So, get rid of all non-essentials and go for clean and clear surfaces with a single accessory of main importance in value rather than many smaller ones that add to an apartment’s complexity and spirit. Clutter contributes to a confused state of being,
cleaning up adds to clarity.

Photo by David Estreich

Insofar as changing the furniture is concerned, two prominent instances of home transformation come to mind: the office by day and children’s bedroom by weekend, and the living room by day and bedroom by night.

Home Office

How happy the divorcee is by day needs to match the ease by which day converts to night and vice versa. The trick is the conversion and multifunctional furniture helps pull this off! Like magic, sofas transform into beds, coffee tables into dining tables, ottomans into storage boxes, bookshelves into nightstands, console tables into desks, chairs into ladders and so on and so forth. Creating adjustable spaces helps take an ostensibly difficult time and turn it into a fun and flexible environment. Maintaining a balance between having a "family" home by weekend and a "single" home during the week is made possible through the use of transforming furniture.



And, the smaller the space, the more magic is created. Here is where ingenuity comes into play and problem solving skills to the fore. The art of enhancing a small space, making it feel larger, making it feel cheerful, making it feel welcoming is the key to successful living. With all the stress placed on the divorced individual, this kind of space saving magic is a godsend. It helps make a complicated life situation less complex; it makes a difficult time that much more tenable, it creates an otherwise down period a cheerful and welcoming experience.

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5 specialist Dubai furniture stores

1. The Emporium

The Emporium is a treasure trove of antiques and vintage-style furniture that will take you on a trip through time.  There’s always a lot to see so give yourself plenty of time to browse the vast range of larger pieces, like four poster beds, chaise lounges, and dining room tables that would have satisfied even Marie Antoinette’s extravagant tastes.

2. The Attic

Finding unusual pieces of furniture requires time and dedication, but the good folk at The Attic can change all that. Describing themselves as ‘independent furniture consultants’, they have the knowhow to acquire even the trickiest pieces on your behalf (all above board, we promise). Out to prove that desirable doesn’t have to mean unaffordable, their experts will listen to your brief and whip it up in their own manufacturing yard in India.

If a hand-crafted piece isn’t what you are after, they can also help you out with up-cycled or antique finds.

3. Objekts Of Design

If you lean towards the contemporary over the traditional, then Objekts Of Design has some treats in store for you. Specialising in colourful chairs, sleek side tables and crazily creative sofas, this place hits the mark for those with an interest in clever interior design, but not the eye-watering price tags.

4. Pinky Furniture And Novelties

Anyone who has been kicking around this town for more than a few months will have heard of this place, a word-of-mouth favourite that has kitted out many a Dubai apartment with quirky, colourful wooden furniture.

Established in 1989, Pinkys (as regulars affectionately refer to it) started life in a warehouse in Sharjah but now operates from a showroom in Barsha. Fans of solid wooden furniture will be in their element, and even more thrilled with the prices for pieces of incredible quality.

5. The Auction House

The Auction House is the first and only specialised auction venue in the region, and it’s on a mission to make getting rid of your unwanted stuff as easy as possible. Flogging everything from bookcases to beds, if it’s in good nick, The Auction House will sell it. The process is simple: give one of the agent’s a buzz, they will pop round to assess the item you want to sell, and then arrange for it to be collected. They charge a commission fee, but given the stress-free nature of the process, we reckon it’s well worth it. You can browse other pre-owned items on their website to replace what you’ve shifted, too.

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Creating Inspiring Gathering Spaces

As the holidays approach, many of us find ourselves looking to create the perfect gathering space.  In this post, we explore different rooms in the home and highlight essential design elements that make them comfortable places to entertain.

The Living Room
For the living room, we love using custom-configured sectionals.  Keeping the Halandale sectional in a neutral tone keeps the space feeling fresh, while its configuration offers open seating perfect for conversation.  It also allows guests to move freely around the room.

Employing a generously scaled cocktail table provides a common place for guests to rest drinks and for hosts to display favorite accessories.  We are particularly fond of the Stone Canyon cocktail table.  The table features a hand-burnished silver leaf metal base and silver travertine top, which ties-in the neutral hues of the room.

Incorporating a pair of ottomans and two accent chairs allows the space to be easily reconfigured to suit the number of guests and activities at hand.  One of our favorite products is the Wheatley Leather Ottoman.    Contrasting welts and decorative nailhead trim give the piece flair, while its casters make it effortless to maneuver.

Finally, we believe that every gathering space should have at least one statement piece.  One we love is the Cross Creek accent table, which features a petrified wood top supported by a hand-burnished, silver leaf metal base.  Since it is a natural material, each table is truly one-of-a-kind.

The Kitchen
Often the heart of the home, the kitchen is a natural gathering place, especially when preparing a holiday meal. Incorporating a large island workspace and pairing with counter stools allows the chef to engage with her guests while cooking.

We particularly like the Merrick counter stools, which feature hand-woven rush seats and a lightly distressed, versatile Oyster finish.  The swivel mechanism and shaped metal back support make it as functional as it is beautiful.

As a bonus, the counter stools pair well with a bistro table, which can serve as an additional seating area if needed.  One of our favorite bistro tables is Hidden Lake from the Oyster Bay collection.  Its burnished stainless top ensures a durable surface, while its four drawers make it highly functional.  The table can accommodate up to six counter stools.

The Dining Room
A great dining room is often the result of a well-balanced design that is both stylish and functional.  In this example, the Drake dining table takes center stage with a lustrous walnut finish and brushed rose gold accents, balanced by the neutral Seneca side chair.

The Highland Park server offers plenty of storage, but also contributes to the ambiance of the room with its sophisticated step back design.  It also features hand painted gold accents, which ties-in with the detailing on the table and hardware on the chairs creating a cohesive look.

Outdoors
One of our favorite places to unwind and reflect on the day is around a warm fire.  Ensure a seamless indoor to outdoor flow and conversation by arranging a combination of chairs and loveseats to create an intimate space.

Achieve elegance by choosing pieces with exquisite detail.  We are particularly found of the Marimba firepit and seating group from Tommy Bahama Outdoor Living.  Hand-cast in aluminum, the group features luxe down throw pillows, all-weather fabrics and a graceful intersecting ring motif.  The ability to choose your own fabric ensures the group will reflect your personal style.

Regardless of your personal style, each of us has the ability to create a space that is both functional and stylish. By curating unique items and thoughtfully arranging your seating and accent pieces, your house becomes a home.

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Furniture maker spreads its wings into new areas under new owners

Chris Holland meets the bosses of a long-established Bradford furniture maker which is breaking into new market areas.
 
TIME flies, they say, especially when you're enjoying yourself.

That's certainly the case for Alan Towns and Peter Denham who are approaching the first anniversary of acquiring Knightsbridge Furniture on Thornton Road.

Their first 12 months of owning as well as managing the firm has seen some major developments and they are buoyed up about prospects for the future.

Alan and Peter were directors of Knightsbridge when they completed a management buyout from majority shareholder and chairman Margaret Miller who had joined the firm in 1959 as personal assistant to founder Arnold Moore, who died in 2010 aged 93 and was well known for setting up the city's War On Cancer charity.

Margaret Miller became the first woman to hold the title Lady Master of the Worshipful Company Of Furniture Makers.

Alan and Peter celebrate the heritage and culture of Knightsbridge, which Mr Moore started as Furniture Productions in Leeds Road in 1938 making domestic chairs.

It now operates from a three-and-a-half acre site incorporating six former mill buildings providing 250,000 sq ft of space. The canteen area is where Mr Moore used to drill as a member of the Home Guard during the Second World War.

Some of this history was communicated to employees during a briefing about Knightsbridge's new branding, which represents a new era for the business which is also making waves in new market sectors.
Alan Towns said: " Our heritage remains important to our commitment to making quality products and excellent customer service for which Knightsbridge is renowned.

"But we are moving the business forward by widening the areas in which we operate, developing new designs for new customers and ensuring the business is on a growth path."

New developments have included developing direct export business, including for market leading office furniture specialists in the United States, Herman Miller and Steelcase for which Knightsbridge produces upholstered seating.

Bradford-made furniture now also graces the business and first class Emirates passenger lounges at Dubai Airport. Knightsbridge has produced furniture for a hospital in Israel and has shipped a consignment of bar and lounge chairs to Cadiz for use on Carnival Cruise Lines ships.

Knightsbridge has also secured its first order from the Baltic States to provide products for a care home in Finland

Peter Denham said: " We've started looking at the Baltic states and appointed a new agent there which has resulted in enquires for the care home order. Since we acquired the business Alan and I have put more focus on exports and on producing for the corporate sector.

" This has paid off as we now get corporate clients, including several blue chip companies, approaching us directly with enquiries about furniture for retail showrooms and offices.

"These developments are part of our stated objectives."

Under the new ownership Knightsbridge has increased its workforce from 118 to 135, including four apprentices in the upholstery section and other operations. More recruitment is planned next year to meet planned increased capacity..

Alongside people, the business has also made capital investment totalling around £250,000. It's delivery fleet is being upgraded, new CNC machines are on order and a new cross-cutting machine was recently installed.
Alan said: "The investment will ensure we are geared up to meet rising demand and handle orders from a more diverse customer base.

" Refreshing our transport fleet is vital as it is a critical part of our operations. Our furniture needs careful handing and needs to be unpacked and installed correctly. A big attraction for our customers is our drivers who are ambassadors for the company."

Knightsbridge is also investing in a new biomass boiler which will burn all the factory waste wood to heat the premises in winter.

Knightsbridge is a debt-free business and being run by a Scot and a Yorkshireman keeps a tight rein on its finances.

" We don't spend money lightly and when we do it's our own," said Glaswegian Alan, who joined Knightsbridge in 2006 after a range of senior management roles in brand management, security products and construction.

Peter started as sales administration manager at floorcoverings firm Associated Weavers in Bradford, later working for a leading jewellery supplier as operations director and joined Knightsbridge in 2008.
The pair work well together and are friends as well as colleagues. They share n aversion to "top down" management

Alan said: "We have a very open management style and like to involve our people wherever possible. We like staff to take customers round the factory and have a lot of long -serving staff.

"We have enormous passion for what we do and create environment that's fun to work in. Our core values include open communications and developing a true team through attracting and retaining good people as well as delivering excellence through quality "

All Knightsbridge furniture is bespoke and included 120 new lines this year . Customers can order one item or hundreds. The factory is an end -to-end operation, starting with pieces of sustainably sourced beech wood with the bark still on through carpentry and machining, upholstering and stitching the computer designed products.

The in-house design team led y Jason Brown has recently collaborated with leading furniture designers David Fox and John Coleman on crossover furniture suitable for health, hospitality and corporate uses.
Design has been key to boosting business in the firm's traditional healthcare market .

"What we bring to the party for healthcare is design. Our healthcare furniture not only meets the required standards but also looks good. We don't believe healthcare furniture needs to look institutionalised like many ranges do.

"We know the practical side is right and we offer a ten year guarantee knowing it will outperform that . It's essential to have cutting edge design and that puts Knightsbridge ahead of the market. Our ability to design and make products to meet individual requirements also sets us apart," said Alan.

Through increasing margins and controlling costs, along with smarter buying Alan and Peter have seen Knightsbridge's profits increase significantly on a slightly lower turnover. In the 2014-15 financial year revenues of £9.2 million produced a £300,000 profit, against just £18,000 on a £9.8 million turnover the previous year.

This year they are budgeting for a £10 million turnover and expect to exceed that figure - sales are already 20 per cent ahead of plan.

The company has been selected as the preferred supplier for the Scottish NHS which will see it supply contract furniture to more than 200 hospitals across Scotland and the Isles - which could mean an extra £1 million of business.

Knightsbridge Furniture has produced contract furniture for the new £250 million Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.

Alan said: “We have been making great progress since the management buyout and the Scottish NHS deal is an exciting development for Knightsbridge. Our plans are going very well and we continue to look at opening up new markets in the corporate sector and are seeing growing demand from own equipment manufacturers .
"Apart from the quality and design of our furniture, our best selling point is to bring customers to the factory where they the skills and craftsmanship."

Skills development is key to the continued success of Knightsbridge, which is also committed to sourcing as many supplies as possible from local firms.

In addition to the usual apprentices, Knightsbridge is also preparing to provide work experience to people helped by its adopted charity the Cellar Trust in Shipley, which works with those recovering from mental illness.

 SOURCE

3 modern outdoor design tips

Patios are wonderful places to relax, to gather, to socialize, to eat, to drink, to play. In other words, your patio is what you choose to make of it, a canvas on which to paint your personal style and preferences. You can go for a bold, colorful statement or let nature take center stage. if you feel you have the right furniture and space however there is still something missing in your design here are 3 modern outdoor design tips for your outdoor space.

1- Make it Comfy (Space to relax)

We believe that the key to success in outdoor space design is treating it the same way you treat your interior space. Your outdoor space can be as comfy and inviting as your indoors. We are creating distinct outdoor rooms or spaces for separate uses such as cooking, dining, lounging, playing and storing. Apart from being extremely functional, creating separate outdoor rooms makes the space infinitely more interesting and aesthetically pleasing. Your starting point for making your outdoor space comfortable and functional is deciding on what do you want and need? A space to relax? A space to entertain? Designate the best spot in your yard for each of your needs. Then, set to work required for each space.

photo by groundswelldesigngroup.com

2- Fire It Up (centerpiece)

An outdoor fire is the perfect centerpiece to spark conversation. The right fire pit can serve not only as a potential focal point for your outdoor space, but it also creates a warm, cozy ambiance, adds lighting, and provides an adequate cooking source.

Photo zillow.com

3-Theater with a View (space to entertain)

For the most complete drive-in movie experience in your own backyard, set up an outdoor entertainment system like this one, equipped with an HD projector, electric-powered flat screen, speakers, and more. There’s nothing quite like watching a movie under the stars, and if the action’s happening on a high-def screen—well, all the better.

Photo by hgtv.com

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Dubai Design District, d3, signs exciting new F&B concept Harper’s Bazaar Café

Dubai Design District, d3, the destination dedicated to design, has announced the signing of an agreement with Marka Hospitality, the dedicated F&B division of Marka PJSC, the UAE’s first publicly traded retail operator, to launch an exciting new F&B concept, Harper’s Bazaar Café at d3, which is scheduled to open in Q1 of 2016.

The signing signifies the commencement of many new retail and hospitality agreements for d3, as it looks to introduce many business partners to the design district throughout 2016. With a focus on originality, d3 has chosen to partner with bespoke and distinctive brands, with many choosing d3 as their first location and launch pad in the Middle East.

Harper’s Bazaar Café will be the perfect synergy of fashion, culture and dining. The café will feature a total dining capacity of 140, with 74 interior seats and 66 across the 166m2 terrace. It will be a socially aware space that enables Harper’s Bazaar to direct and tell inspiring ‘stories’ to its audience. Classic French inspired attitude and styling informs the design – a luxurious, sophisticated, feminine and – most importantly – timeless character, with a direct relation to the Harper’s Bazaar Brand.

The Harper’s Bazaar Café will offer an elegant Café dining experience with a refined attention to detail, reflected by the use of classically luxurious motifs and materials, whilst the adaptable open plan layout uses loose furniture items for easy reconfiguration to suit a variety of events.

Acting as a meeting place for fashion forward creatives that nurture both local and international talent alike, the Harper’s Bazaar Café will include a variety of activation events and activities that encourage social and cultural interaction – creating a destination venue and offering must-see opportunities to explore and sample the best in food, fashion and art.

Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, the Chief Operating Officer of d3, said, “Through our partnership with Marka Hospitality we are proud to welcome this exciting and original F&B concept to d3, which will add a further lifestyle dimension to our already thriving community. We have designed d3 to become a dynamic ecosystem and by introducing the Harper’s Bazaar Café as its latest offering we are taking another step in our journey to position d3 as an emerging, self-sufficient district of creativity.”

Khaled Almheiri, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Marka, said “Harper’s Bazaar is a globally renowned title and leading fashion publication that is the epitome of glamour, sophistication and upmarket couture. Marka Hospitality is delighted to have partnered with d3 to bring the first ever Harper’s Bazaar Café to Dubai – a new offering that is set to become a firm favourite with the UAE’s discerning, on-the-scene fashionistas. Harper’s Bazaar Café will stand out from the crowd with its stylish, intimate ambience and its extensive menu of firm favourites, as well as its more exotic fare that highlights the magazine’s cosmopolitan traditions.”

- See more at: http://ameinfo.com/luxury-lifestyle/lifestyle/fashion/dubai-design-district-d3-signs-exciting-new-fb-concept-harpers-bazaar-cafe/#sthash.A4TJe3De.dpuf

Dubai Design District, d3, the destination dedicated to design, has announced the signing of an agreement with Marka Hospitality, the dedicated F&B division of Marka PJSC, the UAE’s first publicly traded retail operator, to launch an exciting new F&B concept, Harper’s Bazaar Café at d3, which is scheduled to open in Q1 of 2016.
The signing signifies the commencement of many new retail and hospitality agreements for d3, as it looks to introduce many business partners to the design district throughout 2016. With a focus on originality, d3 has chosen to partner with bespoke and distinctive brands, with many choosing d3 as their first location and launch pad in the Middle East.
Harper’s Bazaar Café will be the perfect synergy of fashion, culture and dining. The café will feature a total dining capacity of 140, with 74 interior seats and 66 across the 166m2 terrace. It will be a socially aware space that enables Harper’s Bazaar to direct and tell inspiring ‘stories’ to its audience. Classic French inspired attitude and styling informs the design – a luxurious, sophisticated, feminine and – most importantly – timeless character, with a direct relation to the Harper’s Bazaar Brand.
The Harper’s Bazaar Café will offer an elegant Café dining experience with a refined attention to detail, reflected by the use of classically luxurious motifs and materials, whilst the adaptable open plan layout uses loose furniture items for easy reconfiguration to suit a variety of events.
Acting as a meeting place for fashion forward creatives that nurture both local and international talent alike, the Harper’s Bazaar Café will include a variety of activation events and activities that encourage social and cultural interaction – creating a destination venue and offering must-see opportunities to explore and sample the best in food, fashion and art.
Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, the Chief Operating Officer of d3, said, “Through our partnership with Marka Hospitality we are proud to welcome this exciting and original F&B concept to d3, which will add a further lifestyle dimension to our already thriving community. We have designed d3 to become a dynamic ecosystem and by introducing the Harper’s Bazaar Café as its latest offering we are taking another step in our journey to position d3 as an emerging, self-sufficient district of creativity.”
Khaled Almheiri, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Marka, said “Harper’s Bazaar is a globally renowned title and leading fashion publication that is the epitome of glamour, sophistication and upmarket couture. Marka Hospitality is delighted to have partnered with d3 to bring the first ever Harper’s Bazaar Café to Dubai – a new offering that is set to become a firm favourite with the UAE’s discerning, on-the-scene fashionistas. Harper’s Bazaar Café will stand out from the crowd with its stylish, intimate ambience and its extensive menu of firm favourites, as well as its more exotic fare that highlights the magazine’s cosmopolitan traditions.”
- See more at: http://ameinfo.com/luxury-lifestyle/lifestyle/fashion/dubai-design-district-d3-signs-exciting-new-fb-concept-harpers-bazaar-cafe/#sthash.A4TJe3De.dpuf

Dubai Design District, d3, the destination dedicated to design, has announced the signing of an agreement with Marka Hospitality, the dedicated F&B division of Marka PJSC, the UAE’s first publicly traded retail operator, to launch an exciting new F&B concept, Harper’s Bazaar Café at d3, which is scheduled to open in Q1 of 2016.
The signing signifies the commencement of many new retail and hospitality agreements for d3, as it looks to introduce many business partners to the design district throughout 2016. With a focus on originality, d3 has chosen to partner with bespoke and distinctive brands, with many choosing d3 as their first location and launch pad in the Middle East.
Harper’s Bazaar Café will be the perfect synergy of fashion, culture and dining. The café will feature a total dining capacity of 140, with 74 interior seats and 66 across the 166m2 terrace. It will be a socially aware space that enables Harper’s Bazaar to direct and tell inspiring ‘stories’ to its audience. Classic French inspired attitude and styling informs the design – a luxurious, sophisticated, feminine and – most importantly – timeless character, with a direct relation to the Harper’s Bazaar Brand.
The Harper’s Bazaar Café will offer an elegant Café dining experience with a refined attention to detail, reflected by the use of classically luxurious motifs and materials, whilst the adaptable open plan layout uses loose furniture items for easy reconfiguration to suit a variety of events.
Acting as a meeting place for fashion forward creatives that nurture both local and international talent alike, the Harper’s Bazaar Café will include a variety of activation events and activities that encourage social and cultural interaction – creating a destination venue and offering must-see opportunities to explore and sample the best in food, fashion and art.
Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, the Chief Operating Officer of d3, said, “Through our partnership with Marka Hospitality we are proud to welcome this exciting and original F&B concept to d3, which will add a further lifestyle dimension to our already thriving community. We have designed d3 to become a dynamic ecosystem and by introducing the Harper’s Bazaar Café as its latest offering we are taking another step in our journey to position d3 as an emerging, self-sufficient district of creativity.”
Khaled Almheiri, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Marka, said “Harper’s Bazaar is a globally renowned title and leading fashion publication that is the epitome of glamour, sophistication and upmarket couture. Marka Hospitality is delighted to have partnered with d3 to bring the first ever Harper’s Bazaar Café to Dubai – a new offering that is set to become a firm favourite with the UAE’s discerning, on-the-scene fashionistas. Harper’s Bazaar Café will stand out from the crowd with its stylish, intimate ambience and its extensive menu of firm favourites, as well as its more exotic fare that highlights the magazine’s cosmopolitan traditions.”
- See more at: http://ameinfo.com/luxury-lifestyle/lifestyle/fashion/dubai-design-district-d3-signs-exciting-new-fb-concept-harpers-bazaar-cafe/#sthash.A4TJe3De.dpuf

Calibre 32 stool by Richard Yasmine

Referring to horology, a movement is known as a “calibre”, in few words it’s the “process of time”. “Calibre 32” is the wheel train transmitting the force of the power source to the escapement; in our case, back in time to the glories of Lebanese civilization, age of the old architecture and the traditional tiles rarely existing nowadays in Beirut, creating an interactive asset for a successful concept where structures, shapes, patterns materials and colors meet.



“Calibre 32” is a circular stool composed of multiple leftovers wooden pieces varying in sizes, accumulated together in order to form the base and the top using vintage joinery in an artisanal marquetry style. This concentric combination of 32 elements makes an entire entity. The main objective of the concept is to urge our society with its different religions, doctrines, mentalities, communities, etc. to get united; once united, we make the difference keeping the wheel moving straight forward to improve.
Designed by Richard Yasmine

Photography by Mike Malajalian


















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Mizu Shelf by Alicja Prussakowska

Mizu is a transformable piece of furniture which gives its user a possibilty to co-create and give it an unique, individual touch. Japanese meaning – water, reflects well its character, associated with emotion, adaptability, mistery and magnetism.

Emotion

 
Time naturally changes objects. These flaws or stains make things become personal – yours. Every scorch or dent tells a story, recalls memories. This effect is more powerful when the object was created or transformed by its user, by you. It becomes your own reflection, exstention, a mark of presence and action. By changing the identity of things, you can establish an intimate relationship with it. I gave much thought to the relation between a person and an object, while designing Mizu. Time and co-creation is bonding. I think it’s important that things that surround us aren’t transparent for us, they are full of emotional meaning.

Adaptability

 
The number of Mizu’s configurations is infite. Once you place the planks between the levels, you can set each of it using a simple mechanism. By unscrewing and sliding brass collets along the steel cord, you can reshape the shelves freely. Planks bend easly between the construction of the furniture, creating a sculptural storage space, where things can be placed in less organised and rigourous way. The resulting shape is a record of your free will and unrestrained creativity.




                                                                    Mistery
 
The frame of the furniture is made of oak slats with dovetail joinery. The black chest made of chipboard has been hand polished to a high gloss. The chest boards were milled at an angle of 45 degree, making the joinery invisible. It’s hard to guess at first glance how to open the chest or is there even a place for storage. I wanted it to look a little bit mysterious and inaccessible so that it could become a good spot to store the users valuable and intimate objects.



                                            Magnetism
Mizu was crafted by experienced carpenters and turners, which brought every detail to perfection. Brass collects and rings look subtle and elegant while still maintaining important constructional role. Vanereed plywood shelves that seem delicate, almost ethereal, withstand big load. The contrast of glistering surface of the chest and warm shade of wood attracts the eye and engages the senses.
Design: Alicja Prussakowska

Photography: Bartłomiej Senkowski

About Alicja Prussakowska

 
I am a recent graduate of Industrial Design Faculty, at Fine Academy of Arts in Kraków, Poland. Mizu is my Master Degree project designed in Conceptual Design Studio held by Professor Piotr Bożyk and Maciej Własnowolski. I’m also a co-founder of Derstone studio – a multi-disciplinary design practice, providing services within industrial and product design.

The relation between an object and the user, the way we perceive and experience them is what interests me the most in design.

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