By Jemma Walker
As everyone now knows, Dubai is building a massive creative hub nestled in the bustling arty-atmosphere of d3; and this weekend it’s free for the public to celebrate the space inspired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision. From 2-4 April, artists, musicians, fashion designers and inspiring experiences will be open to everyone attending, and the unique event showcasing the ever-growing creative industry in Dubai will close the first preview (Thursday) with a live performance from John Newman.
By making the exhibitions, interactive experiences (and even soul singer John Newman’s performance) absolutely free of charge, it's welcoming 21st century creatives locally, nationally and internationally to embrace their artistic edge no matter how quirky or unusual. With live music, a chewing gum microbrewery and glass blowing, there really is something for everyone at the emerging Dubai Design District.
Meet threeASFOUR
You won’t want to miss threeASFOUR. The New York brand, known for dressing the likes of Bjork and Yoko Ono, will be sharing their experience from within design and technology. Designers Gabi Asfour, Angela Donhauser, and Adi Gil added a contemporary twist to their Fall 2014 collection with a topographic approach to the runway in a short film featuring model Lily McMenamy. For an insight into the imaginations of these talented ladies, check out this film created for the Fashion Film festival in Paris:
Meet Li Edelkoort
Also attending the event nurturing local talent, is Dutch trend forecaster Li Edelkoort, who last month described fashion as 'a ridiculous and pathetic parody of what it has been' during her annual presentation in Cape Town. She also added, ‘this is the end of fashion as we know it’. Fighting talk? Who knows, but during Meet d3 she will be holding a workshop involving the structure of the design industry and sharing her valuable knowledge to budding designers – whether fashion or interior design is your passion, it’s an event you won’t want to miss.
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Meet Ghaith&Jad
Freedom is something art and design can allow, evoke or express and Ghaith&Jad capture its very essence in their unusual creations. The Lebanese architects won the 2015 iF Design Award and will be featuring an active ‘Project Lines’ exhibition at Meet d3, the design-duo Ghaith Abi Ghanem & Jad Melki are at the heart of the Middle East’s design scene and use height, every day items and simplicity to captivate audiences.
The multi-sensory experience includes music from Talvin Singh, Tania Saleh and Mashrou’ Leila while, of course, providing a platform for local emerging musicians. Alongside a host of edgy, modern sushi bars, street food and unique pop-up eateries, d3 is showing a side of Dubai where anything is possible when you put your mind to it. We can’t wait for the wave of fashion, music, art and design to spill over into the city. Indeed, Dubai Design District may well become the most beloved art-hub in the region over the next few years.
For more information visit: meetd3.com
