It’s all in the detail
As Thailand’s Lotus Arts de Vivre opens its doors in Dubai, its founders Helen and Rolf von Bueren — who were in the city recently — talk about turning their passion into a global niche luxury brand
The new extension at City Walk has a ‘high street’ feel to it — it’s in a prime location and all about luxury. Among the many recent launches here is Thai lifestyle brand Lotus Arts de Vivre, brought to Dubai by self-described fan Renu Judge. A patron of the brand, she says she has been “obsessed with everything Lotus does” since she first came across the brand while living in Singapore 15 years ago.
The brand was started by Helen and Rolf von Bueren, out of passion, over 30 years ago — but soon turned into a full-time business. Starting with handmade jewellery and handbags and moving into home décor, it certainly seems like anything Lotus Arts de Vivre produces can be described as a masterpiece.
It really is about the finest for the Von Buerens, for whom sourcing the best materials means travelling a lot — to China and Japan for lacquer, India for gem-cutting, Indonesia for wood-carving, and even parts of Europe and America. (Their first stop at any of these places? A museum, so they can soak in the local culture.) The materials they use range from seeds and nuts to scarab wings and Burmese rubies, and they are driven by their passion for craftsmanship. When ivory was undergoing a ban, for instance, the couple ensured the ivory carvers retained their skills by giving them a new material to work with — coconut shells.
Speak to Helen and Rolf about any of the crafts they employ and it’s evident that their knowledge runs deep. Sitting on the table in front of us is a lacquer box, requiring 50 to 60 layers, with each layer involving a five-day process to create. Rolf could take you over the entire process in great detail. Their book, Unexpected Creations, published by Assouline and soon to be available at their Dubai boutique, is a testament to their expertise — and a work of art in itself.
Though the von Buerens are of Scottish, German and Thai descent, they see themselves as a ‘Made in Thailand’ brand. Their inspiration comes mainly from Asian mythology — and, whether it’s a clutch crafted out of rare seashells with a gold dragon as hardware or a handcrafted, wooden, oversized chair covered in gold lotus leaves, these pieces are true conversation starters.
The East has been known for its artisans, craftsmanship and style for centuries, but has not produced many international lifestyle brands. The few that exist — like Jim Thompson, Red Bull and Kempenski — come mainly from Thailand, as does Lotus Arts de Vivre. The brand’s main atelier is in Bangkok, but its stores can be found in 15 countries, with a footprint that stretches from the East to the West. “Thailand is all about freedom of thought,” says Rolf. “The society there allows you to do anything — and be anything. It is a fabulous place for anyone who is creative or entrepreneurial.”
The von Buerens enjoy a very close association with the Thai royal family and credit them for the country’s rich cultural heritage. “The country’s support for crafts is mostly thanks to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit,” says Helen. “Craftsmen are encouraged to hand down their crafts to their children, and heritage is given priority over everything else.”
Rolf started his career in Thailand as a representative for a German chemical company and has a keen eye for detail. “It is a curse,” he says. “Anything I look at, my first thought is: how can it be improved?” His wife Helen, who started the brand, is an art connoisseur and has a natural flair for design. The first store she opened at The Peninsula Hotel in Bangkok still has a loyal client following. Today, it is their sons, Sri and Nicki, who are taking the brand to the next level.
Their Dubai store at City Walk comes across as a veritable treasure box, with two VIP rooms. Attention to detail is evident, from the Thai silk wall coverings to the green stingray trays, in which the jewellery is displayed. One reason that the von Buerens knew Dubai was the next ideal stop for Lotus Arts de Vivre is because they already have a loyal clientele in the region — especially in Saudi Arabia. Though they’ve just opened this store, they are already considering taking on a larger space at City Walk on a non-retail level, and using it as an apartment to display the beautiful décor works that the boutique is too small to house.
It looks like Dubai may also soon become a regular part of the von Buerens’ hectic travel schedule.