Dubai 2019 – Aljoud Lootah launches Mudeem, a collection of hand-crafted storage boxes inspired by the traditional Mandoos wooden chests which “celebrates the deep-rooted values of our culture and heritage.” Says the designer to Archipanic.
- RELATED STORIES: read more about Dubai Design Week 2019 on Archipanic…
“Such tangible and intangible heritage is essential to preserve the past, but it is also essential that they are adapted and highlighted as our society changes. They evolve, to keep pace with a changing world, and also to provide a long-lasting link with our rich history.”
Mudeem, which means ‘long-lasting’ in Arabic, serves to document and draw attention to those aspects of culture that cannot easily beheld but must be experienced. “The collection is inspired by the beautiful past, those memories, and that of the Mandoos. It aspires to keep our heritage inherent in our hearts permanently.” Explains the designer.
The Mudeemcollection examines new innovations in material manipulation while giving new presence to the traditional Mandoos storage boxes. The series serves to explore the seemingly endless possibilities inherent in camel leather and highlights the delicacy and fineness of the material.
Each detail is made by hand via pleating, layering, airbrushing and forging while other parts of the leather are folded, woven and cut out. Such manipulation of the material led to unique patterns and textures that resulted in a permanent three-dimensional surface.
“The creations are the result of vast experiments combined withrefined craftsmanship and, most importantly, an innate passion forworking with leather.” Adds Aljoud Lootah.
The collection debuted at Downtown Design during Dubai Design Week. Archipanic has been exploring the Middle East leading fair in search of furniture collections paying homage to regional heritage with a contemporary twist. Check our selection!
All photos: courtesy of Aljoud Lotah.
- RELATED STORIES: read more about Aljoud Lootah designs on Archipanic…
