We’ve been seeing quite a few designers transform traditional design pieces to beautiful modern creations with a twist. But not all of them make the cut. The Gildeh sisters, however, do. Jordan born, Swiss based designer Dina Gildeh, with the help of her sister Tala, has since 2009 been adding new life to once standard looking classical furniture pieces, turning them into true design marvels. I had the privilege of talking to Dina Gildeh and getting to know more about her designs and what keeps her motivated.
The Gildeh sisters’ designs infuse Western elegance with modern arabesque inspirations, creating one-off, exquisite furniture items. Arabic calligraphy and urban design transform
simple side tables, cocktail tables, candles, trays, consoles, and many more to contemporary works of art. Dina experiments with different concepts and materials, including wood, metal, and leather, and makes an endless variety of complementary designs. Her choice of colors and details, coupled with the pure aesthetics, add an original touch to these furniture pieces, which can brighten up any interiors.
Known for their unique style, the Gildeh sisters tend to focus on the magical world of the arabesque with an emphasis on quality craftsmanship. “Most of our designs are handmade. We always try to experiment with different materials ranging from wood, steel, mother of pearl, aluminum, and brass and acrylic,” says Dina. Most importantly, however, it comes down to form and function, as she stresses, “I always try to be practical with my creations and creative with the material I use; that’s how I keep things interesting.”
Creativity and love for design knocked on Dina Gildeh’s door at an early age. “I have always had a love for design in all its forms,” says the designer. “I had an interest in art, interior design,
graphic design, jewelry and fashion, yet I find furniture design very stimulating and rewarding. Having the chance to create my own pieces is a dream come true.” Making original pieces requires an immense imagination and creativity that artists have trouble to constantly find ideas for a new collection.
Dina’s inspirations “come from so many places, often unexpected ones,” she remarks, adding, “Yet, I am very much influenced by our arabesque culture, shapes, and forms.”
Despite finding success and establishing a growing fan base that extends beyond Jordan, Dina says there is always something new to learn. “As a designer, my biggest evolution is actually developing a much more refined eye when editing during the production phase.”
The Gildeh sisters work long and hard to keep their brand strong, dividing the work fairly amongst them. “I do work with my sister; she often gives me ideas and inspirations, yet she is more involved in the marketing and business side of our brand,” Dina says. Although the brand has come a long way in a record three years, the road never gets easier. So the girls concentrate on the best part of their jobs in order to keep going. In Dina’s case, her greatest joy lies in being able to express herself in 3D! “It’s great to be able to see the progress of thoughts realized into sketches, and then sketches materialized into actual design products,” she says. The Gildeh sisters seem to be a fountain of creativity and ideas, constantly introducing unique ways to display arabesque yet modernized furniture. And we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next.
For more information visit: www.dinagildeh.com
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