For years, Qatari designer Shaikha Al Sulaiti’s name has been linked with mind-bending, creatively crafted decor pieces. Now, her offerings for the Imagining Utopia collection have come under the spotlight for their strong message.
Photo: Sebastian Böttcher
Drawing inspiration from the unique characteristics of traditional Qatari homes, Wahaaj, a collection of colorful pieces from Shaikha Al Sulaiti’s Imagining Utopia collection, serves as a vibrant addition to any space. The colors and materials used for the contemporary tribute to Qatari culture take inspiration from stain glass windows, a common element in Qatari homes.
In Imagining Utopia, each object has a backstory. For one, every creation represents a different facet of life in Doha, serving as an imagination of what luxury Qatari furniture could have been if it had not been touched by the colonial design influence of the 1940s. Manufactured by artisans MyBest in Italy, Wahaaj was first unveiled in Milan, and now has been brought home to Al Thani Palace, located in the same grounds as the National Museum by Jean Nouvel.
Photo: Sebastian Böttcher
With its colorful geometric pieces, Wahaaj is a prime example of how modern design and traditional Qatari culture can coexist. Drawing inspiration from the modular design of traditional Bedouin and Qatari furniture, Wahaaj offers a level of versatility similar to the adaptable urban homes of the past. Its use of recycled yarn in molded plexi/plastic showcases Al Sulaiti’s commitment to environmental sustainability while honoring Qatari furniture’s traditional crafts.
Photo: Sebastian Böttcher
Under Shaikha Al Sulaiti’s watchful eye, each item in the collection showcases the creative expertise of its artisans. While the Nur table lamp is a wonderful tribute to Qatar’s historic pearl diving industry with its glass-bubbled shade reflecting patterns of traditional fishing nets, the Sadu Chair revives the ancient art of Al Sadu weaving, carried out by Bedouin women. Al Sadu, an Arabic term for horizontal weaving on ground looms, produces tightly woven, durable textiles from natural fibers. This chair revisits Qatari tradition through beautiful weaving of boucle fabric into a modern form with a door-knocker accent on its walnut base. And then there’s the Carrom game table. Inspired by traditional Qatari jewelry known as Hilaliya, this piece from the Imagining Utopia collection reflects the meticulous artistic abilities of Qatari jewelers with its beautiful mother of pearl accents and brass inlay. Supported by a solid walnut frame and legs, the game table is a work of art that combines modern design with the rich cultural heritage of Qatar.
Photo: Sebastian Böttcher
In a series of exclusive images, Shaikha Al Sulaiti stands proudly surrounded by the spectrum of pieces that make Wahaaj. Challenging traditional concepts of luxury by incorporating sustainable and ethical methods, the creative remains one of Qatar’s shining stars, and for good reason. In a time when sustainability is crucial, her work demonstrates that it is possible to make a positive impact while still relishing luxury.
