Downtown Design speaks to designer of the celebrated Sushi Collection for Moroso about inspiration, interests and expectations from the fair
Dutch Designer Edward Van Vliet, known for creating worlds and orchestrating experiences through design, will present the Sushi Seat designed for Moroso at Downtown Design. A star feature of this year’s reception at the fair, the chair personifies the essence of Downtown Design by showcasing the idea of global design in one piece.
Downtown Design is looking forward to welcoming you to the fair. Why is Dubai an important market for you?
With my design being influenced by culture around the world; I find that Islamic patterns along with its strong culture and traditions in the Middle East are hugely captivating. Being my first time in Dubai I am very excited about participating in the Dubai Design Week as well as presenting the Sushi Collection.
What set you on the road to becoming a designer?
When I was young I wanted to be a surgeon, but I always wanted to express myself, so I had to decide between being an architect or a designer. In architecture it usually takes too long to see the final result of a project and it only produces one statement. Whereas in design you can anticipate diverse worlds and you can act fast with strong storytelling. In product design it is possible to combine all materials, and this flexibility set me on the path to becoming a designer.
What do you enjoy the most - product or interior design? And why?
Both are very interesting to me- with interior design you create a context for a product but similarly you can create a product to give existence in a selected creative environment. They both help one another and they make each other stronger. Because of this synergy between the product and environment you can craft beautiful stories.
What inspires your work?
My design is influenced mostly by culture around the world, from Africa to Asia to South America. I am fascinated by certain cultures that use many different fabrics and which have a strong heritage. All cultures have different techniques, craftsmanship and technology. A fabric for instance can be printed, woven, knitted or embroidered. I am usually inspired by nine design keys which include pattern, layers, nature, culture, material, colour, tradition, light and treasure.
Tell us about your collaboration with Moroso. How did you work together on the design and production of the Sushi pieces?
My collaboration with Moroso began with an archetypal furniture landscape. I fashioned a complete environment combining fabrics, colours and patterns from all over the world. This gave the client the possibility to create a space with a strong identity for certain interior projects.
The idea is that The Sushi Collection can metamorphose, to work with any project, from sober and subtle to strong and colourful.
What is your recommendation for what to see at this year’s Downtown Design?
I look forward to seeing design pieces from Expormim, Kettal, Lladro, Purity and of course Moroso.
See more of Edward’s work here
Register to visit Downtown Design here
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