Sharjah: The Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council (ICCC) has taken center stage at the Milan Design Week 2023 by unveiling a stunning display of modern, cross-cultural adaptations of traditional Emirati crafts. Alongside this showcase, ICCC also presented two invaluable research works, highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting the region’s rich heritage.
The event, which is the largest annual design gathering globally, provided an exceptional platform for ICCC to showcase its innovative approach to contemporary crafts and its commitment to preserving cultural heritage. From April 17th to 23rd, the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council (ICCC) is showcasing their impressive collection, in collaboration with brand consultancy Lawrence Studio, at the renowned 5VIE Design District in Milan.
This exhibition marks a significant milestone in the effort to educate a global audience, including specialists in crafts, conservation, urban planning, geology, research, and students, about ICCC’s approach to integrating the UAE’s diverse biodiversity and indigenous practices with modern design concepts and advanced technology. The exhibition’s venue at Cesare Correnti 14 has provided a unique opportunity for ICCC and their regional and global partners.
The Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council’s showcase at the Milan Design Week 2023 features six stunning collections of crafts, as well as two insightful research publications. Each of these exquisite collections, as well as the research, draws inspiration from the natural environments, local crafts practices, and food preservation methods of the UAE. Irthi’s innovative design language is based on the research and recipes that have informed the exhibition, resulting in a unique and captivating display.
Among the six remarkable collections exhibited at the Milan Design Week 2023 by the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, the Design Labs II Collection stands out for its innovative use of locally-sourced materials found in the UAE. This collection comprises a series of tables, each of which is crafted using wooden plinths, palm sheath, frankincense, sand, oyster shells, as well as limestone-based bricks and tiles.