Bottega Veneta Presents An Evening of Music and Cultural Exchange in Dubai

Emma Hodgson   |   12-11-2024

Luxury Italian fashion house Bottega Veneta recently unveiled Waves, an immersive celebration of sound, art, and creative dialogue, at Dubai’s innovative multidisciplinary space, Concrete.

Under the creative direction of Matthieu Blazy, the event marked a bold step in the brand’s commitment to fostering artistic exchange across cultures and generations.

BOTTEGA VENETA WAVES – DUBAI

Designed to push boundaries and ignite connections, Waves offered a one-of-a-kind experience where music and innovative soundscapes met cutting-edge design. Hosted in collaboration with Lebanese architect Carl Gerges, the event space was a harmonious blend of nature-inspired elements and artistic vision.

BOTTEGA VENETA WAVES – DUBAI

Softly lit and adorned with concentric seating arrangements in warm, sand-coloured tones, the venue evoked the undulating desert landscape while echoing the rhythmic patterns of sound waves. The setting, created with an eye toward intimacy and atmosphere, perfectly set the stage for an evening of cultural exploration and sonic discovery.

DINA EL WEDIDI – IMAGE COURTESY OF DAHOUL STUDIO

A defining feature of Waves was the spatial composition by Lebanese artist Tarek Atoui, whose installation took centre stage. Atoui, a visionary electroacoustic composer, introduced a unique sound experience using a series of experimental instruments. As these instruments autonomously generated ever-evolving soundscapes, they invited guests into a world where the boundaries between digital, analogue, and primal music blurred. The installation highlighted Atoui’s pioneering approach to sound and its capacity to catalyze human connection.

NEMAHSIS – IMAGES COURTESY OF DAHOUL STUDIO

The night’s musical performances brought together some of the most exciting and diverse talents from the Middle East, blending genres, traditions, and contemporary influences. Palestinian-Jordanian singer-songwriter Zeyne captivated the audience with her fusion of Arabic music and contemporary R&B. With her critically acclaimed tracks Balak and Ana Wein, Zeyne’s performance pushed the limits of musical expression.

DINA EL WEDIDI – IMAGE COURTESY OF DAHOUL STUDIO

Rising star Nemahsis, a Palestinian-Canadian artist, moved listeners with her soulful voice and poignant lyrics. Exploring themes of identity and belonging, Nemahsis’s music resonated deeply with audiences, with tracks from her debut album Verbatim offering a powerful reflection of her personal journey.

BOTTEGA VENETA WAVES – DUBAI

Kuwaiti musician and composer Fatima Al Qadiri, known for her genre-defying electronic soundscapes, drew from her multi-cultural background to create a spellbinding performance that explored themes of spirituality and futurism. Al Qadiri’s music, which blends the ancient with the contemporary, is a testament to her innovative spirit and artistic vision.

BACHIR ATTAR – IMAGE COURTESY OF DAHOUL STUDIO

The evening also showcased Dina El Wedidi, an Egyptian singer, composer, and producer, whose fusion of folk traditions and contemporary sounds has made her a key figure in modern Arabic music. With her evocative voice and emotive compositions, Dina’s performance was a journey through her unique musical universe. Her third album, Five Seasons, was recently released to critical acclaim.

BOTTEGA VENETA WAVES – DUBAI

Adding a profound layer to the evening, Bachir Attar, the legendary leader of the Master Musicians of Jajouka, transported guests with the deep spiritual rhythms of Moroccan Sufi traditions. His group’s timeless music, which spans centuries, connected the past with the present, exemplifying the power of music as a tool for cultural preservation and innovation.

BACHIR ATTAR – IMAGES COURTESY OF DAHOUL STUDIO

Through Waves, Bottega Veneta reaffirmed its longstanding dedication to nurturing craftsmanship, cultural exchange, and innovation. As the night unfolded, it was clear that Waves was not just an event—it was a celebration of artistic transmission, where diverse voices and traditions came together to create something truly groundbreaking. Just as the house has passed down its unique savoir-faire from one generation of artisans to the next, Waves marked another chapter in the brand’s ongoing exploration of creative expression and collaboration.

In a world where the ripple effects of sound and culture are felt across borders, Bottega Veneta’s Waves illuminated the profound connections between heritage and modernity, offering a new platform for voices from the Middle East to reverberate globally.

waves.bottegaveneta.com