Downtown Design speaks to the co-founders of NM Collection about the beautiful new collection, designed and made in the UAE that will be launched at this year’s fair.
Abu Dhabi based designers Fouad Mirza and Ritchie Nolasco started the brand with a shared vision: to bring local artisanal design and craftsmanship to the forefront of the furniture industry by featuring Arabesque design elements. By doing so, they aim to represent the UAE as a leading source of high-end design on a global platform.
Tell us about your collection for 2016. What inspired you?
The new designs are inspired by antique bohemian jewelry encrusted with semi-precious stones. In keeping with NM Collection’s vision and mission of bringing local Arabic artisanal design and craftsmanship to the forefront of furniture and design, the pieces will feature mother of pearl, bone and ebony inlay design. The marriage of the rustic characteristics of antique jewelry and the delicate intricacy of the Arabic inlay technique calls to mind the richness of the region’s culture and history. The collection was developed to feature the art of the region while combining it with modern design sensibilities.
How is it a departure from the pieces you showcased in 2015?
NM Collection is introducing new materials such as semi-precious stones and gold-plated and painted metals to the pieces this year. As opposed to our previous collection, this year’s pieces are also designed with a more dynamic and modern form. Taking inspiration from bohemian jewelry, the collection features a geometric approach playing with volumes and shapes.
What new materials are you using, and where did you source them?
We are using Lapis Lazuli –a semi-precious stone and a bright blue metamorphic rock consisting largely of lazurite, used mainly for decoration and in jewelry, which we sourced in Germany.
Why is it important for you to participate in Downtown Design?
Downtown Design is the premier exhibition in the Middle East that focuses on innovative design. NM Collection’s goal is to align itself with an organization that believes and invests in promoting outstanding design in the region. It is a great venue for up-coming designers and creators like us to get our work out there in the market.
What kind of target market are you aiming for?
One of the main goals of NM Collection is to promote the UAE as a source of high-end luxury furniture and design, and in keeping with that vision, we are targeting a more discerning market that understands and values craftsmanship and design.
To register to visit Downtown Design click here
To see more from NM collection click here
More NEWS
