With the fifth edition of the fair opening to the public tomorrow, five design professionals give the lowdown on the collectibles to watch out for.

THE CURATOR

Cyrill Zammit, Fair Director

What does the word “collectible” mean to you?

Collecting, to me, is a process. I need to admire the piece, understand the thought process behind it, look into its sustainability and figure out finally if my budget will be able to afford it. Following trends or names can either be a big flop or a long wait for the return of your market. The design market can be uncertain at times, so I would rather buy something I can live with.

Which collectible piece from DDD 2016 do you have your eye on?

There are some pretty amazing pieces this year. That being said, I’m definitely drawn towards the Dawn Lightseries by Sabine Marcelis presented by Victor Hunt Designart Dealer. The mix of resin and neon light is genius, and the production results are simple yet poetic.

THE COLLECTOR

Dana Farouki

Chairperson, The Abraaj Group Art Prize

What does the word “collectible” mean to you?

I buy what I love when it comes to art and design. I love pieces of every shape, size and colour, but they must be innovative, refreshing and spirited. There are so many inspired pieces that will be on view this year. I wish I could take them all home!

The piece you have your eye on this year?

I think I would choose an interactive table by Dubai based designer, Fadi Sarieddine. I love the idea that the table can change  with different modular elements and configurations. I know for sure that this table could evolve with my ever- changing aesthetic and mood —it’s such a good buy!

THE GALLERIST

Rola Wazni

Director at Carpenters Workshop Gallery

What does the word “collectible” mean to you?

For me, it’s definitely more than the material; it’s about the ideas behind the design, the artistic vision, the passion and pain that goes into the creation. Before this, there’s also the thunderbolt — that instant emotional connection you feel when you stand in front of the work. You cannot collect a work simply because someone tells you it is a good investment, or a ‘must-have’. It’s something that only you’ll know is right. That’s what makes collecting so interesting, because a collection is a reflection of the collector’s personality.

THE TALENT HUNTER

Robert Thiemann

Eyes on Talent (Paris- based talent agency)

What does the word “collectible” mean to you?

For me, something is worth collecting if it has more than one story to tell. An object that reveals its message at one glance will become boring after a while, whereas works that trick the eye or make you look twice will have staying power.

The piece you have your eye on?

It’s probably safer to buy work from an established name, but I prefer to choose from a relatively unknown talent. At Design Days Dubai, I like the Dawn Lights series by Rotterdam-based designer Sabine Marcelis. Each of her lights is made of a neon tube and cast resin, creating beautiful, contemporary  sculptures. They play with opacity, and remind me of photographs. A fresh take on decorative lighting.

THE ARCHITECT

Viktor Udzenija

Founder at Viktor Udzenija Architecture and Design

What does the world “collectible” mean to you?

I follow the world of design regularly and try to keep informed on trajectories of certain designers, new technologies and innovations as well as newcomers with great ideas. That said, first and foremost, I rely on my gut feel and the emotion a piece of design manages to evoke in me. I have to fall in love with it. I then look at quality of craftsmanship, use of material, design approach, narrative as well as the provenance/pedigree of the piece and designer.

The piece you have your eye on this year?

This year I would go for a piece found at Victor Hunt Designart Dealer. It is a light installation from Commonplace Studio depicting the endless horizon of the sky and ocean. It is a moving image projected on mouth blown glass spheres — a beautiful and calming image that takes me back home. It is a perfect example of how technology can also be romantic and soft. Since I grew up in Croatia, and live in Dubai, I’ve always had a deep connection with the sea.

THE INTERIOR DESIGNER

Pallavi Dean

Design Director at Pallavi Dean Interiors

What does the word “collectible” mean to you?

The logical answer is to always buy a name — Warhol, Ferrari, Patek — because they hold their value. But for me, the emotional side always wins, so I’d just buy something I love and connect with — that guarantees I’ll enjoy it forever!

The one piece you have your eye on?

Just one? That’s unfair ... I loved the intricate, geometric, sculptural pieces by Naqsh Collective last year — so excited they are coming back again! On my ‘must-have’ list are also the ‘Misnad and Uwairyan’ rugs by Aljood Lootah, homegrown talent — I love her contemporary take on a traditional weaving techniques.

This article, written by Sujata Assomull, first appeared in Khaleej Times (March 12, 2016), a Design Days Dubai 2016 media partner