Buccellati and David/Nicolas Capture Desert Radiance in Dubai
The Lebanese design duo David Raffoul and Nicolas Moussallem of David/Nicolas have transformed Buccellati’s centuries-old silversmithing heritage into an earthy and elegant installation at Downtown Design Dubai.
Earlier Collaboration in St. Moritz
Earlier this year, Buccellati presented “Convivium Montis” at NOMAD St. Moritz, where David/Nicolas reimagined alpine chalets through the jewelry house’s craftsmanship and heritage. The installation combined expressive wallpapers, richly grained wood, and celadon and earth-toned fabrics to evoke mountain life textures and colors, while showcasing Buccellati’s silverware in a lived-in environment.
“The collaboration revealed a shared appreciation for material craft and reverence for historical details.”
New Presentation at Downtown Design Dubai
In Dubai, the duo reunited for the rising fair Downtown Design with a new thoughtful presentation that translates Buccellati’s signature elegance into two interlocking curved rooms. These shell-shaped rooms open up to a luminous central salon where layered wood and mirrored panels curve outward in gentle arcs, catching and scattering light.
- The soft palette of sandy tones references the Arabian Desert.
- Filtered light creates rippling effects across curved surfaces.
- The concept is deeply rooted in Buccellati’s silversmithing tradition, reflecting nature and harmony.
“David/Nicolas rooted their concept in the maison’s silversmithing tradition and its deep reverence for nature and harmony.”
This collaboration highlights a seamless blend of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design language inspired by the desert environment.
Author’s summary: David/Nicolas reinterpret Buccellati’s silversmithing heritage into elegant, nature-inspired curved spaces that reflect the desert’s light and textures at Downtown Design Dubai.