Coming Soon To Design Days Dubai

 

Mariam Nihal

Saudi Gazette

 

In 2006, Hazem Aljesr launched Zoom Creative, a branding, web and design firm in Riyadh.



The lack of regional design and lifestyle outlets urged Aljesr to create a platform that serves the purpose and fills the void for people like himself.



So two years later, he created Cities Design and Lifestyle store in Riyadh. Cities opened its second location in Dubai last year.



And it has come a long way. This year, Cities will be debuting their designs at Design Days Dubai, which will take place from March 16 – 20, next month.



“We have created a comprehensive, themed exhibit focusing on the interaction between the art of nature and the art of man, and how that is reflected using wood as a material of creation,” Aljesr told Saudi Gazette in an interview.



He said that Cities is more than just a concept store and  has the ability to be a source of comprehensive design in the region.



Aljesr is trying to inspire and communicate a deeper appreciation and awareness about the world of design.  



“We are very supportive of the art and design sector in the Middle East, and we want to help it grow by introducing people to diverse designers and myriad styles of creation.”



About the founder



Born in Lebanon and raised in Saudi Arabia.  I got my undergraduate degree from University of Houston in America, and my post-graduate work was completed in London.



My career began at Tom Dixon Design studios in London.  Upon my return to Saudi Arabia in 2006, I opened Zoom Creative, a branding, web, and design firm in Riyadh.



I’m the Owner and Founding Managing Director of Cities, so I am involved with everything.  



I’m very hands-on, so I play a role in everything from the selection of products for the store to deciding how they will be displayed.  



I am a great admirer of design, and I find it fascinating in all of its forms.  I love staying informed about all the ongoing changes that are constantly occurring in the world of design.



The evolution of Design in the Middle East



I think that the definition of what constitutes acceptable to design has been broadened quite a bit.  



We are no longer limited to utilizing only design, which depicts traditional styles. I think the knowledge and exposure have increased and people are not only more open-minded to differing design styles, they are pursuing them.  



There has also been a lot of progress made to invest in young regional designers; to support and encourage them, and so our growth as a region is reflected in the evolutionary nature of their designs.



From Zoom to a lifestyle store



Zoom Creative opened and was a great success almost right away.  We started with a terrific team and we worked very hard, and it paid off.  



I am very proud of Zoom Creative and the outstanding work that it continues to do. I have always been passionate about art, design, and creation in all forms, and I had the idea at the back of my head to create a place like Cities for a long time.  



When I saw that Zoom was running well, I was free to put new ideas and projects into action, and that is how Cities came about.  



Having successfully launched one business, I knew that I could do it again.



Harvey Nichols to Design Days Dubai



When we were looking to expand our presence in Riyadh, we approached Harvey Nichols and it turned out that they were big fans of our store, and happy to enter into a collaboration with us.



We have a great working relationship, and being featured, as a prominent part of their store was a big step up for Cities.



Cities as a design destination



Cities is known for its diverse inventory of products and pieces that are sourced from all over the world.



We are also a platform for up-and-coming regional designers, and we do a lot to support them and publicize their work.  



We have also developed a reputation for our innovative displays.  We change the store displays monthly, so returning customers get an entirely new shopping experience and it also provides inspiration and ideas for how people can update their own interiors and incorporate new pieces into their homes.



Wherever I go, I am on the lookout for unique and distinctive items that will appeal to Cities customers.  



I’ve lived in many different places and been exposed to different cultures, so I think that has helped me to develop an eye for how to combine distinctive pieces and styles and to be open to new design ideas.  



Unfortunately, I am not a designer. I wish I were, but instead, I consider myself more of a collector and connoisseur.  



Current Trends



As far as trends are concerned, we still seem to like our traditional styles, but we like them updated and combined with a more modern style.  



So we see a lot of traditional accents in otherwise modern pieces. Items that acknowledge our history and past, but also gear us towards the future, and of course, pieces that are reflective of our individuality.  



Personal expression is coming to the forefront and that is an exciting change to see. I think that change is a big reason why stores like Cities are doing so well.



Plans in 2015



Cities has a broad customer base.  We have pieces available in so many styles and varying price ranges, and we offer items for anyone from casual shoppers to collectors.



2015 is going to be a big year for us.  We are planning a series of exhibits and installations at our Dubai location.  



First, we have an installation of work by Lebanese designer Nayef Francis, and then we will hold a joint exhibit of art from French sculptor Richard Orlinski and Greek-American artist Fotis Gerakis.



There is also Design Days Dubai in March, and we are working to get the Cities magazine up and running as well.  



Finally, we are in the process of opening a new and larger Cities store in Riyadh. My ongoing goal is to ensure that customers are pleased and excited by their experiences at our store.  



As a concept, Cities works to anticipate trends and customer needs and also provides a unique shopping experience.  



So, we hope to continue and expand on that.  We are considering opening a second Dubai location and perhaps in Abu Dhabi as well.



We also want to continue in our support of regional designers and work to become an indispensible part of the design market in the Middle East.



Website: http://www.citiesstore.com/



Contact numbers:



Riyadh: +966 11 218 0007



Dubai: +97143434301