Buccellati and David/Nicolas Capture Desert Radiance in Dubai
The Lebanese design duo David Raffoul and Nicolas Moussallem of David/Nicolas reinterpreted Buccellati's centuries-old silversmithing heritage with an earthy presentation at Downtown Design Dubai.
Previous Collaboration in St. Moritz
Earlier this year, at NOMAD St. Moritz, they unveiled “Convivium Montis,” an installation inspired by alpine chalets through Buccellati’s lens of craftsmanship and heritage. The project combined expressive wallpapers, richly grained woods, and celadon and earth-toned fabrics to evoke the colors and textures of mountain life while displaying Buccellati’s silverware in a lived-in atmosphere.
Shared Appreciation for Craft and History
The collaboration highlighted a mutual respect for material craftsmanship and historical details, an exchange that continues in Dubai.
Dubai Presentation at Downtown Design
For Downtown Design, the duo created an installation of two interlocking shell-shaped rooms opening onto a bright central salon. Layered wood and mirrored panels curve outward in gentle arcs, reflecting and scattering light.
- A soft palette of sandy tones references the Arabian Desert just beyond.
- Filtered light ripples softly across the curved surfaces.
- The concept is deeply rooted in Buccellati's silversmithing tradition and its reverence for nature and harmony.
“The installation unfolds as two interlocking shell-shaped rooms that open toward a luminous central salon. Layered wood and mirrored panels curve outward in gentle arcs that catch and scatter light within.”
David/Nicolas’s work continues to merge historical tradition with modern design in a way that resonates with the local environment and the legacy of Buccellati.
Author's summary: David/Nicolas reinterpret Buccellati’s heritage into a desert-inspired installation at Downtown Design Dubai, blending craftsmanship, nature, and light into curved, elegant spaces.