Buccellati and David/Nicolas Capture Desert Radiance in Dubai

The Lebanese design duo David Raffoul and Nicolas Moussallem of David/Nicolas have reimagined Buccellati's centuries-old silversmithing heritage in an earthy installation at Downtown Design Dubai.

From Alpine Chalets to Desert Inspired Spaces

Earlier this year, at NOMAD St. Moritz, David/Nicolas presented "Convivium Montis," where they reinterpreted alpine chalets through Buccellati's craftsmanship and heritage lens. The installation featured expressive wallpapers, richly grained woods, and celadon and earth-toned fabrics to reflect mountain life hues, while displaying Buccellati’s silverware as part of a lived-in setting.

A Continuation of Craft and Heritage

This collaboration highlighted their mutual respect for material craft and historical detail. Now reunited in Dubai for Downtown Design, the duo showcases a new installation that channels Buccellati's classic elegance into two interlocking, shell-shaped rooms.

The installation "unfolds as two interlocking shell-shaped rooms that open toward a luminous central salon. Layered wood and mirrored panels curve outward in gentle arcs that catch and scatter light within."

The soft sandy palette reflects the Arabian Desert landscape, while filtered light creates gentle ripples on the curved surfaces, emphasizing natural harmony and the maison’s silversmithing tradition.

Design Philosophy Rooted in Nature

David/Nicolas’s concept emphasizes a deep reverence for nature and harmony, translating Buccellati’s signature elegance into spatial design that resonates with its environment.

Author's summary: David/Nicolas reinterpret Buccellati’s silversmithing heritage through an earthy, desert-inspired installation at Dubai’s Downtown Design, blending craftsmanship with natural harmony.

Galerie Magazine — 2025-11-08