Exuding modernism and artisanal charm, Silsal’s Sadu collection celebrates the cultural heritage of the UAE. Created exclusively for Crate and Barrel, the collection draws inspiration from the ancient Emirati weaving technique known as Al Sadu and was created in collaboration with award-winning architect, Souraya Daouk Al-Shukairy.
“Having grown up surrounded by my great-grandfather’s antique furniture, I could relate to the geometric patterns and fell in love with its deep heritage. We wanted the collection to have a contemporary approach that could honor the traditional patterns and appeal to a wide clientele,” she says.
Traditionally practised by Bedouin communities to craft clothing, carpets and tents, Al Sadu is characterized by distinctive and vibrant geometric patterns, inspired by the country’s nomadic cultural heritage and natural beauty. However, with nomadic tribes shrinking, demand for these once-coveted textiles has virtually ceased, and the technique is disappearing – so much so that the craft was added to UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.
“We hope the collection reawakens an interest in this magnificent technique,” says Silsal Founder and CEO, Samar Habayeb. “Silsal is proud to call the UAE home, and we’re honoured to pay tribute to the country’s heritage with this collection. The Al Sadu technique is in many ways reflective of the UAE itself, resilient, resourceful and timeless.”
In addition to the monochromatic, Sadu-inspired patterns, the collection also features the use of colorful arches in unexpected hues of deep teal, mustard and earthy terracotta. “The arches reminded me of buildings on a skyline, explains Souraya. “Using that point of inspiration, we juxtaposed arches of different sizes, creating a dialogue between the shapes in the same way that I see buildings do in a city,” she adds.
Unconsciously glamorous and powerfully evocative, the Sadu collection is a contemporary and relevant expression of the modern UAE – strong, innovative and eclectic. It’s a spectacular collision of beauty and functionality.
Meet Souraya
Souraya Daouk Al-Shukairy is the founder of -ism: a design studio creating cutting-edge innovative solutions for architecture, interiors, and design interventions of all scales. She is an award-winning architect with a career spanning the US, Europe, Japan and the Middle East. Souraya worked with SOM, a leading architecture firm, with Hines, a global development and management firm, with Bernard Khoury, a highly regarded architect in the international scene, and with Isozaki, one of the most avant-garde Japanese architects. She holds a Master’s degree from Columbia University and a B.Sc. in Architecture from the American University of Beirut. The Sadu collection will be available exclusively at crateandbarrel.me and Crate and Barrel’s Dubai stores at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, and The Dubai Mall.
Available from Sadu Collection
