Downtown Design, the Middle East’s leading platform for contemporary original design, will feature a curated collection of edgiest creations, technological breakthroughs and a sneak preview into the future of design.

The event runs from October 28 to 31 at the Venue, Downtown Dubai, UAE.

Exhibiting brands are not only some of the world’s most respected in their fields but have also been at the forefront of exciting collaborations with designers that are shaping the evolution of the design, said the organisers.

The top-10 trend-setting items to be exhibited at this year’s fair include:
* Lasvit’s Alice mobile glass masterpiece: Designed by Petra Krausova, Alice is a kinetic bloom of light that opens and closes its gorgeous hand-blown glass petals much like a flower in nature. Drawing on the similarities between glass and nature, Alice in Wonderland’s whimsical world is the eponymous inspiration behind this delicate piece. Each segment of this glass masterpiece is made and assembled by hand to ensure an organic perfection. A Czech Republic company, Lasvit is one of the world’s premium glass lighting specialists, combining the finest traditions and craft in innovative Bohemian glass making with world-class research and development facilities.

* Sicis Gold Collection: Sicis, the brand synonymous with luxury mosaics gracing the interiors of the world’s finest hotels from the Plaza in New York (US) to Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, UAE, will showcase its brand new and exquisite Gold Collection. Each mosaic tile that makes up this collection uses 24-carat gold and shimmering iridescent glass hand-cut by the artists and craftsmen of Ravenna. The result is an ultra-modern marvel of gold-on-gold designs, thanks to cutting-edge techniques and all-Italian production that create sophisticated compositions that mix different shades of gold and play on transparencies and textures.
* Khatt by Loci: In collaboration with Sweden-based global flooring company Bolon, and emerging from the heart of the Emirates, Khatt is a design-rich ultra-modern stand for the traditional men’s and women’s wear, the ‘kandora’ and ‘abaya’.
Designed with the modern Arab man and woman in mind and made by Loci, a Dubai-based design studio and using the finest walnut, leather and brushed steel, Khatt is the innovative brainchild born from the collaboration of regional designers celebrating local tradition, knowledge and craft with global design leaders.
* Cooktop by Gaggenau: The entire surface of the CX 480 induction cooktop by Gaggenau can be used as one large cooking zone. The cooktop automatically identifies the pan-type and size and provides the right amount of heat regardless of its position. Innovations like this are a result of Gaggenau’s three centuries of history in the field and a long history of high-end  unique appliances.
* Raining Lights by Sahrai:  Raining Lights by Sahrai is a beautiful rug made with silk and Swarovski crystals. The rugs have such a refinement that Sahrai opts to display them on mannequins to highlight the sparkle of the crystals used within the rugs raising the concept of flooring to the fabulous heights of fashion.
Like fashion labels, Sahrai designs “prêt-à-porter” collections, as well as provide a custom-made service, or couture in fashion speak, which make it possible for customers to personalize rugs in terms of design, dimension and color combinations.
* Star by Elica – A chandelier or a kitchen hood? With the lines between the kitchen and living room blurring to accommodate our changing lifestyles, Italian-based Elica, a world leader in the design and manufacturing of range hoods, caught on this trend with a breathtaking innovation: its Star collection. It is a fully functioning range-hood that looks more like a modern chandelier. However, this chandelier has the most cutting-edge air-purification technology to principles and technologies that have elevated it to world-leader in domestic air purification cleanse the air in any living space since its humble beginnings in the 70’s.
* Redefining bath time - Moxie by Kohler: Another innovation that reflects the evolution of our way of living, Moxie by Kohler is a wireless speaker-showerhead combo blended seamlessly into one product letting you listen to music in the shower without risking any damage to your mobile phone or mp3 player. For 140 years, Kohler has been innovating in the kitchen and bathroom by combining bold thinking and rigorous craftsmanship to bring innovative, beautiful designs to life.
* Latvia’s Volcanic Fiber Manu Nest by Maffam: On display for the first time this year are original design masterpieces from Latvian designers. Foremost among them is Freeform, a hanging chair made from volcanic basalt fibres. Each piece is hand-made in Latvia by master-craftsmen that tame the basalt fibres into unique and ornate patterns. Winners of the export and innovations award 2013 in Latvia, Maffam freeform specialises in the creation of unique hand-made basalt-fiber furniture.
* The Lake Collection by Golran: The new Lake collection by Persian company Golran uses clever op-art lenticular techniques to make the carpets seems to change style and colour depending on the angle that you look at them. Although its designs are truly modern, Golran’s industry-leading knowledge has been passed on since the company’s creation in 1898 in the Persian city of Mashad. Focusing primarily on quality has become one of the company's key strengths, enabling it to expand into many countries and become a well-established business and one of the most qualified in the sector.
* Eames Lounge and Ottoman by Vitra: One of the most iconic original design furniture pieces of the last 50 years, as timeless today as it was back in 1956 when they were created by the legendary Charles and Ray Eames, the Lounge and Ottoman, produced by Vitra, continue to redefine modern comfort seating. Made using the finest grade material, the chair is a standout investment piece for any home. Vitra continue to be pioneers in design since the creation of their company in 1950 through their goal to create interiors, furniture and accessories that are functional and inspiring. –TradeArabia News Service