Page 71 - Designing Ways 250

resilience of the women behind the work
and is a testament of their commitment to
tradition and craft.
Nadine Maalouf, Co-founder of 81
Designs says: “Our mission is to narrate
the artistic tale of old traditions. Our
collaborations allow us to empower the
refugee artisans we employ by providing
them with sustainable jobs. Our
collaboration with Nada Debs reflects a
strong sense of community and the fusion
between craft and design.”
As a true craft-custodian and educator,
Nada Debs’ vision for new-materialism
comes to life through the design process
and creative collaboration, which weaves
emotion into furniture and design by
adding depth to traditional Palestinian
cross-stitching. “My work is about identity,
restoring and elevating traditional craft
and instilling a sense of belonging. By
revisiting roots and working with refugee
artisans, this project was an infusion
of identities and a heartfelt dialogue
conveyed via craft, relaying messages of
hope and freedom, dignity and identity,”
says Nada Debs. dw
The ‘On Belonging’ collection is
available for purchase at Abu Dhabi Art
2021 which runs until Nov 21. For more
information visit:

www.81designsme.com

dw • Issue 250 71