Shatha Essa Al Mulla has joined forces with the Malaysian Pavilion at EXPO 2020 Dubai. With the help of artisans from Malaysia, the Emirati designer has crafted a one-of-a-kind art installation inspired by the bountiful heritage of the UAE, as well as that of Malaysia.
The beautiful artwork by Shatha, the CEO & Creative Director of her eponymous label known to support artisans’ skills and craftsmanship, can be admired at the sustainably-focused community art project, Hammour House, found in the EXPO site.
The standout piece of art, which was presented to to HE Reem Al Hashimi, the Emirati Minister of State for International Cooperation and the Managing Director for EXPO 2020, portrays the emirates’ sand dunes. Using 50 cones, with differing heights and sizes and weaved from crafts and materials found in the Southeast Asian country, the Dubai-based designer created the artwork as a representation of the 50 sand dunes found all over the country.
Shatha has also added fascinating details, like the peaks of each cone that echo the wind’s effect on the dunes and the delicate gold lines that are a nod to the UAE’s 50th anniversary. Additionally, she chose to leave the edges of each cone coarse and crude to illustrate how precarious life in the UAE was before oil was discovered.
About Shatha Essa Al Mulla
While founding womenswear label Shatha Essa in 2016, Shatha Essa Al Mulla wanted to do more than just design garments for women. The fashion lover, who became passionate about CSR after volunteering for different causes from the age of 18, wanted a platform to serve communities. The Dubai-based brand, which is influenced by the world's vibrant cultures, has mainly been doing this by driving revenues towards children's education and supporting mothers in rural districts around the world.
Shatha’s label is known for its sophisticated and feminine styles with intricate embroidery. The enduring, yet modern designs feature plush fabrics, flawless tailoring, meticulous attention to detail, plus a focus on fine finishing and new embroidery techniques. Shatha’s designs have rightfully gained international recognition and have been featured in “Harpers Bazaar,” “Vogue,” and “Elle,” as well as many more esteemed publications.
A member of the Dubai Design & Fashion Council, Shatha has studied in various institutions, including the University of Arts in London and Harvard Business School. And while juggling her family life and successful business, she makes sure to take short courses to continue learning and expanding her skills.
About The Malaysia Pavilion
At its core, the Malaysia Pavilion, which spans an area of 1,234.05m2, focuses on the country’s commitment to sustainability and cultivating an interdependent relationship between man and nature. Located between the Sustainability District and Mobility District, it is reportedly the first Net Zero Carbon initiative at Expo 2020 Dubai. The pavilion’s ‘Energising Sustainability’ theme really captures Malaysia’s commitment to balance socio-economic progress with environmental worries, to guarantee a secure and sustainable future. With features like a Meranti wood façade, pandanus weaving and a ‘Rainforest Canopy,’ it really is a must-visit.
