UAE: Mosaic and marble manufacturer, Fantini, is one of many exhibitors that participated in the second annual Italian Luxury Interiors 2011 from November 27-30, Dubai.
Fantini has an office in the UAE and is currently working on the interiors of the AED 2.3bn Palazzo Versace hotel and residential resort, which is expected to open in Dubai at a date to be confirmed.
It has also completed a mosaic for the Sahan Courtyard for The Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque, Abu Dhabi and a project at Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Science & Technology Centre, Dharan, (KSA).
“We are coming to Dubai because we are interested to spread our know-how and publicise our high end products, which are often hidden behind the scale of projects we take on,” said Lorenzo Lotesto, head craftsman, Fantini.
“We are keen to align ourselves with the best of Italian craftsmanship. Our challenge is to use modern tools and materials, whilst studying and investigating techniques and material belonging to past traditions and heritage. Sometimes we uncover traditions that would have otherwise been totally forgotten.”
Highlights at the show include Made A Mano for its ceramic and tile work, Tuttattaccato for its quirky and whimsical accessories and Formitalia, which creates interiors and accessories for Lamborghini and Aston Martin.
Other confirmed exhibitors include Artunis, hand-loomed woven products, Selezioni Domus furniture and household objects, Euro Lamp Art lighting, L’Opifico fabric for interior decorations such as quilts and cushions and Omnitech, which specialises in leather, mirror, LED screens and wood.
The exhibition is a follow-up to its successful debut launch, organised by the Italian trade commission at Emirates Palace, in Abu Dhabi, last year.
It will comprise of both small and medium artisans featuring an array of artisanal techniques handed through the generations with objects on display as well as live workshops and demonstrations.
Approximately 15 designers and manufacturers are expected to take part in the free event, hand-picked and personally invited by the ICE selection panel.
All the products will be on sale at the show and are handmade.
Every item on display has a connection with the town they are manufactured in and the designs are inspired by the Italian culture and its productive traditions, which have been handed down through the generations.
The event has already drawn great interest from the region’s trade buyers, as well as design consultants and architects.
New exhibitors this year include Omnitech and Tessitura Corte which produces fabrics including bed linen, duvet covers, pillows, duvets, blankets and bedspreads.
The Italian Luxury Interiors 2011 exhibition was held from 2-10pm on November 27-30 at the Johara Room, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.