Dubai-based Al Hashemi is a conceptual artist and designer specializing in site-specific installations, spatial art and modern public sculpture. Inspired by the traditions of her Emirati culture and local artisans, she creates intriguing, interactive works that experiment with new materials and techniques. Much like Swarovski, Al Hashemi’s work unites craftsmanship with innovation, making her a natural choice for a collaboration.

Nestled amongst the towering steel and glass buildings of d3, Al Hashemi has set 33 hexagonal mirrored-steel structures with 1,145 Swarovski crystals and mirrored prisms. Mounted horizontally, and standing 1.5m high and 3m wide, the structures reveal an infinite series of kaleidoscopic views as the crystals reflect and refract the multicolored light. Faced with a shimmering, geometric mirage, visitors are challenged to interact with the reflections, exploring the connections between each other and the world around them.

Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board, commented: ‘We are extremely pleased to collaborate with the innovative Emirati designer Zeinab Al Hashemi on her stunning hexalite installation. This playful kaleidoscopic piece is the perfect way to celebrate our debut at Dubai Design Week.

In addition to Al Hashemi’s installation, Swarovski will be showcasing its inaugural collection for Atelier Swarovski Home at Dubai’s Downtown Design trade fair (October 25 – 28), held durring Dubai Design Week.

Atelier Swarovski Home is an annual collection of functional objects for the home, made in collaboration with luminaries from the worlds of design and architecture. This debut season’s nine designers include Zaha Hadid, Fredrikson Stallard, Tord Boontje and Aldo Bakker.

Mixing crystal with other materials, the pieces push crystal to its aesthetic and technical limits. The result is a range of tabletop objects and accessories that exude a unique charm and an expressive modernity. Atelier Swarovski Home will be available to buy from Etoile La Boutique, Mall of the Emirates Dubai as well as online from store.wallpaper.com and yoox.com.

Nadja Swarovski continued: We are also very proud to showcase our new Atelier Swarovski Home collection as part of Downtown Design. It will be the first time the iconic design by Zaha Hadid has been seen in the Middle East.

Atelier Swarovski Home follows the success of the Atelier Swarovski jewelry line, set up by Nadja in 2007. The ultimate expression of the Swarovski brand, Atelier Swarovski continues to collaborate with the worlds most exciting designers on twice-yearly collections, creating pieces of unmatched quality and innovation with the premier ingredient of crystal.

Schedule of events

Dubai Design Week: October 24 – 29, 22016 [hexalite will be located between buildings 6 and 7 in d3]

Press conference – October 24, 2016

Designer talk with Zainab Al Hashemi – TBC

Panel discussion with Nadja Swarovski – TBC

@dubaidesignweek #DXBDW2016 #DXBDW

Downtown Design: October 25 – 28, 20116 [Atelier Swarovski Home will be in booth B06]

Official opening and press tour – 11am October 25, 2016 at d3

@downtowndesignd #DTD2016 #DTD #DTDExhibitor