The Greek word Eklego - from which "eclectic is derived - means "to choose from, a fitting name for the trendy interior design firm that is just about to launch three new brands. Dina El Kachab, who holds a degree in architecture from Canada's McGill University, and Hedayat Islam (better known as Heddy), who studied at the New York School of Interior Design, launched their label in 2000, designing houses and furniture pieces for Egypt's elite. Eklego's mantra has always been combining functionality, innovation, contemporariness and of course good quality. With this in mind, the company decided to venture out and do some research on what Turkey can offer their Egyptian customers. "We explored what we can get because of the similar culture, Heddy told Daily News Egypt. "We think the Turkish [designs] will compliment our local market... they are very resourceful and we are learning from them. The first label is called "Gaia and Gino which offers home accessories. Most of their designs are produced by top notch EgyptianNew York-based designer Karim Rashid. Two award-winning pieces are Heddy's favorites. "Morphescape is a masterpiece consisting of modular tableware in white glazed porcelain resembling the cityscape of Istanbul showing the silhouette of the mosques and minarets of the modern city. "I like it a lot because it combines both the functional and the aesthetic sides, says Heddy, referring also to all of Rashid's creations. In the pipeline is the "Q too bathroom accessories line featuring wood and stainless steel products created by Danish designer Hans Thyke Raunkjær, filling a gap in the local market. The final brand is "Maybe Design focusing on the products of Turkish designer Erdem Akan who dabbles in the "East meets West concept. Heddy points out to a Turkish teacup Akan made of blown glass in the shape of a tulip merged with neat geometrical Western forms. Another one of his inventions is a bench resembling a flying carpet with geometric carving and oriental details. Although it looks fragile, it can apparently carry very heavy weights. Following an inspiring trip to Istanbul, the owners began developing a line of Plexiglas with Middle Eastern components. Heddy explains it is still a work in progress, and like all their products they create up to five prototypes before reaching the perfect quality fit to offer customers. The Turkish brands along with their new line will be launched at Le Marché Furniture Fair at the Cairo International Conference Center on Nov. 29. Heddy explains that although their designs are modern, they still cater to an older clientele who are starting to appreciate what they offer. Dina and Heddy too are beginning to appreciate classical design, but say they will always add a little something extra to keep their creations functional and fun. Eklego Design recently took part in a contemporary art project titled "Tales Around the Pavements, addressing how Egyptians make use of public space, where they created a seating area near Kasr El Nil Bridge. Dina and Heddy also plan to start a small workshop to encourage young designers from the Faculty of Fine Arts to develop their talents. This will launch with a competition, whose winners will carry the Eklego Design brand. For more information about Eklego Design, visit http://eklegodesign.net.
