In support of emerging local talent, Robinsons has launched its third edition of THE COLLECTOR, a unique space dedicated exclusively to featured local designer collections. The platform, located on the first floor of the department store at Dubai Festival City Mall has created a partnership with the Dubai Design and Fashion Council (DDFC), sees two local talents showcase their homeware collections.

This edition of THE COLLECTOR features pieces by MMAC Design Associates and Helena Bjaj Larsen, which will be showcased for the next three months. “Robinsons is a space that combines unique and on-trend pieces from some of the best designers and is curated beautifully to create a seamless shopping experience for our clientele. Supporting home-grown, local talent that aims to bring luxury and beauty to the fashion scene is something we are proud to do with initiatives such as THE COLLECTOR,” said Adosh Sharma, general manager “It provides our clientele with the unique opportunity to discover brands closer to home.”

Christian Merieau of MMAC Design Associates sitting on the Drop chair

MMAC Design Associates presents the Drop Chair, designed by Christian Merieau and Anil Mangalat. Made of 80% recycled or upcycled materials, this rocking chair is designed to be functional, comfortable but mainly fun to use. It is envisioned as a beautiful object showcasing passionate craftsmanship and demonstrating that scrap material deserved a second life. Kinetic energy is used to make the rocking chair self-sufficient. The built-in reading lamps are powered by two press handle torches inserted in the wooden base.

Helena Bjaj Larsen Parson graduate and Paris born Helena Bjaj Larsen showcases her homeware and interior pieces at THE COLLECTOR. Her focus has been on textile design and textural explorations in surface design through various mediums. The fabrics for the collection were sourced from Khadi shops around India and have been hand painted using acid and pigment dyes on a variety of silks and other materials. DDFC was established in 2013 and aims to raise the profile of Dubai as a regional and global destination for design and a hub for the design industry. As part of the DDFC’s mandate to enable the growth and recognition of designers based in the UAE and the MENA region, while also developing and nurturing a sustainable design industry in Dubai, THE COLLECTOR is a platform that truly encompasses the goals of the council.