Kenneth Surat

Last March I had a privilege to be invited to the opening night of Design Days Dubai (see link here). This really kicked my inspiration+ creative bone to a high.

With all the furniture (and art pieces) exhibited it feels like I am in what one part of my heaven map.

Compared to last year’s exhibition, this year focused on a more contemporary approach, which is not a bad thing (I just missed seeing some very expensive vintage pieces).

This is a very interesting design for a clock..this is called “clock clock” designed by Humans Since 1982 and currated by Victor Hunt. This unique approach for time management really got my attention. These are actually series of clocks placed together to create a bigger clock. I still cant grasp how this is working.

Another interesting piece is “Jari” by Jihoon Ha. This is a modular, repetitive sculptural piece that works brilliantly as a seat. Perfect I must say!

I also love this stringed art display. This are actual scaled furniture outlines stringed from the ceiling. Although you cannot really seat on them but they are brilliantly installed to create a real 3d sketch.

I cant help to watch how they are producing pearl (a bit brutal I must say—-poor oyster)

After seeing their work, I instantly became their number 1 fan. I want to ruin their partnership and turn it into trio! Studio Swine made my vision possible. What they are actually doing is what was planning to do after working here in Dubai and manage my own design studio. To know more about them visit their website here.

All in all my eyes were satisfied with the buffet of creativity displayed—and of course, I do have some favorite pieces..cant wait for next year’s event!

As a designer, I’ve been seeing a lot of designer furniture in the web and up close (I have even tried and sourced some of them for projects).

What I love about designer furniture is the story behind every piece. And also the story behind their designer/s.  I am dreaming (still in present tense) to be one of those great designers and have my own collection which people will see the value of craftsmanship and the story behind every detail.

With this said, I thought of posting every now and then furniture pieces which I find very interesting aside from being beautiful of course.

My first feature will be Eileen Gray’s Bibendum Chair.

Eileen Gray’s Bibendum Chair was one of the 20th century’s most recognized furniture design. It was designed for Madame Mathieu Levy, a boutique owner. This was part of her work when she was commissioned to re-design Mademe Mathieu Levy’s apartment in Paris.

Although seems over-sized, the two semi-circular padded tubes in leather makes this chair ideal for lounging and socializing.(I love it)

With its bold size and shape, this furniture became an instant masterpiece and was widely accepted in the market. Today, this chair can sell for an approximate of 2300 pounds. 

Sources:

www.artimeless.com

www.wikipedia.org

www.bbc.co.uk

One of my “neophyte days” events that I did was a grand wedding by an Indian couple in Phuket. It was a very festive event, with 5 days of parties and celebrations  and parties…and more parties, surely the guests really had fun (we had fun also).

One of the night party that was tasked to me was to create a cozy, warm (not that all out rave party) venue. A place where guests can really talk and chill-out with one another. I think the key word there was “chill-out”.

Our venue was the Banyan Cafe in the Banyan Tree Hotel. We played and got inspired with the orange and brown combination like an “Hermes” box. We painted the existing columns in tangerine and wrapped around a rich brown ribbon (wrapping those ribbons were a bit of a headache). We also played around with fabrics of the same motif and created a festive look from a plain resort type cafe.

This is the schematic sketch that I did for the main entrance area. We framed the existing buddha statue with fabrics and ribbons to create a vertical reference. For carpets, instead of red, we thought of using a bolder shade ——yes it is orange!

Here is a schematic sketch for the whole  venue.  We installed a dance floor and a DJ table. Also we created pocket areas for seating (lounge type)

The set-up was a bit nerve wracking, I started coordinating everything early in the morning with painting started a couple of days before, except for the dance floor. The weather was not participating also because it was cloudy with a bit of a drizzle. All in all we did it (Thank God)! It was awesome because we stayed true on what we have designed and it turned out pretty chic and classy.

It was a blessing to have worked with these lovely folks. I learned a lot for my first big event gig. After this, I did a lot of events but I must say, this team has a big place in my heart.

One of my favorite clothing brand just announced their “Savers 50% off” sale. This will run until the 4th of May in all their stores in the UAE.

I am excited to visit their store in Dubai Mall tonight! hooothooot

Images courtesy of Topman Middle East FB page.

Follow the in Instagram at TopmanME

I am getting excited that I will be spending my summer in the US and will walk around the streets of New York and LA. To prepare for my up coming escape, I thought of getting my summer travel inspirations outfits as early as now.

What I am actually looking at are casual and comfortable-ready for anything outfits. I was browsing H&M’s FB photos and saw these simple yet trendy ensembles. This are really perfect for those easy summer travels where you just need to pack and go.

Photos by H&M

You can find their stores around UAE by clicking this Link

For latest offers and trends check their website by clicking this Link

A trip to Paris without visiting the Eiffel Tower is like not visiting Paris at all. With all the museums that I visited and macarons that I ate, the Eiffel Tower I must say was the highlight of my trip. The Eiffel Tower is symbol of this magnificent city and one of the most recognizable man made structures in the world.

Just a few minutes walk from my house, the view of the tower became the highlight of my everyday adventure. I know, I know, people may say that this huge steel structure towering along the River Seine is overrated but seeing it in person, I then understand why this became a symbol of France’s queen city. 

The tower stands 320 meters tall, overlooking the whole city. It is the tallest structure in Paris. The moment I saw it, my heart  was enveloped in an overwhelming feeling of joy. Maybe because I have been dreaming of traveling this part of the world since I was a kid. 

During my short backpacking trip, every time I feel tired and needed to clear my head, a quick gazed at the tower will just remind me to not complain and be thankful to God that He brought me in this place.

It was a surprise that my friend Wilma (who is a cabin crew) was also in Paris. We met at the foot of the tower and of course did some pictorials.

I spent my last day in Paris climbing the Tower. The observatory platform (Third level) was open for the public, it costs 13Euros to go there including lift charges. I met a lot of tourists (like me), some came from Spain, China, US and Germany.

The view of the city from the top of the tower was magnificent. (sometimes you just want to sing and belt out a song). It was summer, but it was very cold at the observation deck, so as a tip, you should bring a jacket or a scarf.

In the evening, the tower sparkles like a diamond in the city (and literally if you wait long enough, you will really see the lights sparkle).

With three of my Dubai friends passing by in Paris at the time I was there, we planned a dinner in one of the Eiffel Tower restaurants. We booked a table in 58 Tour Eiffel and had a 3 course meal where I tasted my first Foie Gras.

With a glass of champagne and with stories from traveling friends in one of the most iconic places in the world, it was indeed a perfect way to finish a long and tiring day.

I’ve been dreaming and hoping that I will have one of these to accompany me with in one of my travels very very soon.