International design brands and platforms are constantly involved in a dialogue around mutually-beneficial [...]

27 October | 8 - 9pm
The Atrium, Building 4, Dubai Design District (d3)

International design brands and platforms are constantly involved in a dialogue around mutually-beneficial collaborations.

This panel discussion explores how the established design industry employs creativity through different approaches, be it in-house, by inviting guest designers or through programmes that recognise and celebrate emerging practitioners and new talents, all while successfully integrating the DNAs of all the parties involved in the collaboration.

Moderated by Rue Kothari

The Panel

Alex Alorda

Kettal is a family business that was established in Europe in 1966. Today all the products in the catalogue are designed and manufactured in the firm’s plant in a small coastal town 45km from Barcelona. Alex Alorda joined Kettal in 1998 and is now CEO and vice-president of this timeless outdoor-furniture company. In the early 2000s the firm acquired the brands, Hugonet and Triconfort, which came together to form Grupo Kettal. Today Kettal works with the most important names in international design: Patricia Urquiola, Rodolfo Dordoni, Hella Jongerlius, Jasper Morrison, Emiliana Design Studio, Ronan and Erwan Bourollec and Doshi Levien.

Edward Van Vliet

Van Vliet started off as a fabric designer before moving into interior design and, ultimately, luxury hotel design, always displaying a special focus on textile research and the use of fabrics. His work – be it graphic, lighting or interior design – always combines traditional design with industrial processes in a mixture of high-tech and natural materials. Edward Van Vliet’s interiors and products are luxurious, exclusive, they have lots of character and create a very pleasant atmosphere which is immediately perceived in the reception areas, foyers and bars of the hotels he designs.

David Trubridge

David Trubridge is New Zealand's best known furniture/lighting designer. His work, which is all manufactured by his own company in Hawkes Bay, is sold and exhibited all around the world. His designs have featured in countless international publications including the most influential, as an instigator of the trend of 'raw sophistication' and as an exemplar of environmentally responsible design. In 2008 the French magazine Express listed him as one of the top 15 designers in the world, and in 2012 the Pompidou Centre in Paris purchased his 'Icarus' installation for its permanent collection.