West Elm Launches Stunning Designed By Hind Collection For Ramadan
Made from porcelain, the new collection celebrates UAE craftsmanship and traditions
Created with a purpose of repositioning ancestral pastimes within a modern context, Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Majid Al Qasimi’s brainchild, Designed by Hind, fuses ancient Emirati elements with contemporary designs.
The heritage-inspired works draw inspiration from old weaving techniques such as Safeefah, Sadu and Talli along with traditional prints, to create delicate tableware designs and accessories.
Here, we speak to HE Sheikha Hind about the launch of the collection, which is now available in West Elm in the UAE.
Why did you choose to blend heritage with contemporary design?
Through the Designed by Hind collections and collaborations, I want to tell a story about the region and people by fusing together traditional elements and modern design.
I enjoy blending these two distinctive concepts into a piece which has the best of both worlds, which is also what makes this collection perfect for a 21st-century Ramadan gathering.
Can you tell us more about how this collection celebrates UAE handicrafts, and the use of porcelain?
This collection is not only a celebration of Emirati handicrafts, but of traditions shared across the region and the way they have influenced our modern way of life. Incorporating these traditions and crafts with porcelain designs is not only my passion, but a medium to tell these stories for generations to come.
The collection was created while keeping Ramadan dining traditions in mind – was this the inspiration for the colours used?
I was first approached by West Elm for this collection when the pandemic hit and we were at the height of missing our families, having weekly feasts and gathering around the table to create unforgettable moments.
I wanted this collection to celebrate these customs and family bonds, which is reflected in the two sets that come in pink and gold or blue and gold.
The colour gold is also strongly linked to our traditions and culture in the UAE and the region, which is why it is used to link the entire collection made up of dinnerware and serveware sets, home accessories and lanterns.
Among your collections are Safeefah and NABATA, which have both brought innovation and tradition together. Can you tell us the story behind these designs?
My designs are strongly inspired by the region and its heritage, which is quite visible in these and all my collections. The Safeefah collection is a contemporary take on the traditional craft of braiding palm fronds as mats that were traditionally used for meal-time gatherings.
The pieces for this collection were developed with palm matting acting as the initial cast for the mould, from which each delicate ceramic ‘sarood’ or plate was created. Using this methodology ensured that the imprints of the original handmade weave patterns and slight imperfections were still central to the design.
As for NABATA, the luxurious, handmade, limited-edition collection of perfume bottles was inspired by delicate flowers found blooming from the Ghaf tree, which is commonly known as a sign of peace and tolerance.
Now, the exclusive collection of three pure silver ‘merwads’ is sort of a continuation and incorporates indigenous insects and wild leaves as ornaments, giving them a feeling of gentleness and romanticism and embellishing the art of perfume wearing.
You are also the chairperson of the Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC), which is inspiring female entrepreneurs all over the world. Why is it important for you to empower women especially in the UAE?
Women in the UAE and around the world have a plethora of untapped potential that would help advance our communities, societies and the world economy. Advancing women in business and achieving their full integration in the economy is our top priority at Sharjah Business Women Council for 20 years and counting.
Our goal is to therefore bring more women – in the UAE and around the world – into the folds of our mentorship and support to elevate their entrepreneurship skills and provide them with an empowering environment to thrive and grow.
This of course, is in line with the vision of Her Highness Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of NAMA Women Advancement, and the Founder and patron of SBWC, to inspire, encourage and empower women entrepreneurs and promote a culture of sustainable female entrepreneurship.
You’ve always had a passion for art and craft. How did this lead to your label Designed by Hind being born, and what can other women aspiring to build something of their own learn from this?
My passion for porcelain started out at a very young age and I was a keen collector with a dream to develop my own creations, which led to my very early sketches that were intended to be just for myself and family.
Fast-forward a few years and with the unconditional support I received from my family and friends, I launched my very first collection named ‘Tuminah’, which later on led to the establishment of Designed by Hind.
I believe it is important for every entrepreneur to surround themselves with the right support system; those who would give genuine feedback to help you improve, and encouragement to help you grow.
To shop the Designed By Hind collection at West Elm, click here.