Heart of the city
Designer Renate Aridi reveals how Dubailove allows locals and visitors to embrace – and take home – the essence of the emirate.
Designer Renate Aridi reveals how Dubailove allows locals and visitors to embrace and take home the essence of the emirate
Not long ago, sisters Kristina Reinberga and Renate Aridi launched their innovative, design-driven company Dubailove. The interior designer and architect create gorgeous gifts and souvenirs from Dubai to fit into contemporary lifestyles. They chatted with us about their own journeys as they prepare to open their first store.
What inspired you to start Dubailove?
We felt that gifts truly representing Dubai were limited. We began by designing and creating t-shirts and I made sure we had the best fabric, outstanding design and unique packaging. We wanted to create centrepieces that were also functional.
What about the city inspires you?
Dubai is home to many artists, designers and creators. Visitors sometimes miss the talent. We love the traditional neighbourhoods with their masterpieces of modern engineering, and the blend of different cultures – and this makes our products desired by both residents and tourists.
How did your background in design prepare you for this venture?
It’s our true love and passion. It allows us to understand and visualise [not only] graphics, but also materials, forms, light, colour and proportions. We tend to be perfectionists. We went back to the drawing board multiple times with our alphabet until we found the right balance between a modern minimalist aesthetic and Arabic character.
What are some of your challenges?
Our posters are printed by hand using silkscreen techniques, and when each colour is applied, the shift must be at 1 mm, so finding partners who are as passionate as us and who have a very strong eye for detail is challenging.
What are the architectural gems of the city that inspire you?
We’ve been inspired by Al Khazzan Park and its water tank. It’s a timeless structure with a great shape and traditional Arabic patterns, [and was] built in the 1980s. We love Al Bastakiya because of its narrow pathways and hidden courtyard. Etihad Museum is also wonderful – its open layout brings out the idea of openness and integrity between the seven emirates.
What does the future hold?
We will be launching new products this summer, including home and fashion accessories, and we have opened our first store in Dubai: Dubailove City Gifts & More Store The Westin Mina Seyahi Dubai Beach & Marina. dubailove.ae