Be drawn into the story of fashion designer Rami Al Ali and architect Carmelo Zappulla at an exclusive art installation at Expo2020 Dubai.

A renowned designer in the region, Al Ali created intricate, hand-embroidered organic shapes that cover the tips of Zappulla’s 3D installation. Al Ali’s work creates a visual journey, which emphasizes the evolution of crafts in the region while modernising it to appeal to today’s generation. The project was spearheaded by Samer Yamani, curator of the Emirati Design Platform, which is part of Expo 2020 Dubai.

Yamani introduced both designers to each other and requested an installation for the entrance of the space combining both creativity and tradition. Zappulla, founder and executive director of the international studio External Reference, specializes in urban design, architectural and interior design, and exhibition design. Al Ali’s involvement was a true passion project and he uses his work with Zappulla to provoke a new perspective while highlighting the breadth and vibrancy of the UAE's contemporary design scene.

The embroidery uses a mix of traditional UAE crafts, incorporating natural fibres from palm fronds used for weaving, Talli (traditionally used for embroidery), Sadu (a form of Bedouin weaving), and cotton fishing nets. The installation took a total of 375 hours to create, uses 1,520m of material, and reflects elements of Al Ali’s couture line. He also designed a series of commemorative hand-crafted traditional boxes in champagne, gold and bronze. Rami Al Ali’s window display will be on exhibit for the duration of Expo 2020, from October 2021 to March 2022.The boxes are available to buy at the MENASA Boutique located at the Rove Hotel.