This series, COLLECTIBLE In-Depth, unveils the backstage of contemporary creation. Tackling various topics from personal designer processes to the position of collectible design on the global design market, COLLECTIBLE In-Depth offers different views to suit all tastes. Today we speak with Tarek Dada.

C: Why do you focus on contemporary collectible design? What does it mean for you?

TD: My focus on contemporary collectible design is deeply personal and stems from my signature aesthetic – one I’ve honed over the years to blend comfort and functionality with modernity and bold design. To me, creating collectible designs is not about pleasing the mass market, but about expressing myself and delighting a select few. This personal approach allows me to foster a strong connection with those who want to buy my pieces. When discussing contemporary collectibles, you’re building a bond between you and your collectors. This gives a new human dimension and element to the process, which is deeply personal.

C: What do you think collectible design brings compared to other more massively produced pieces?

TD: As a creator of collectible pieces and a collector, I deeply value the bond between the designer and the collectors. Owning a piece from a designer means acquiring a part of their story. You play a role in shaping their career, allowing it to thrive. This often leads to a lifelong customer relationship, keeping our creative industry alive and competitive against mass-market producers. By buying these pieces, you own a part of design history, something that might never be replicated again, preserving our work. This connection is something I truly cherish and is essential for the sustainability of our craft.

C: What tips would you give to a collector who wishes to start collecting contemporary designs?

TD: My tip would be to listen to your heart – go for pieces you truly love and want to use, rather than what you think is a worthy investment. I’ve always collected pieces that speak to me without considering their investment potential, making the process more creative, free and enjoyable. A private collection is deeply personal, making each piece so special and completely unique. When buying a collectible, embrace the piece as it is, and accept its changes over time. These pieces are meant to age, change, and develop, and it’s about embracing their lifespan and story.

C: How do collaborations with artisans or craftspeople influence the final outcome of your collectible design pieces?

TD: Collaboration with artisans significantly influences a design’s process and can shape a collectible piece. You can envision something, but you need a skilled artisan to bring it to life – it’s a give-and-take process. This collaboration involves an open dialogue between the designer and craftsperson, where you learn about material properties and finishes you never knew existed. This exchange inspires future work, as you can create designs with these artisans’ unique skills in mind. When faced with design challenges, the artisan can mold your design into something even better. It’s a real dialogue and is a process I thrive on.

C: Can you talk about a new piece that you released for COLLECTIBLE this year?

TD: I am unveiling our Wall Lamp in two colours for COLLECTIBLE this year, inspired by how light dances on different surfaces, casting reflections that transform and distort the surroundings, integrating this into functional living. The Wall Lamp comprises two lighting elements: the first is a primary piece made with a steel sheet folded into an L shape and manually etched to achieve a textured element. The other is the lighting element, crafted using a 5mm stainless steel sheet polished to create a mirror-like finish and applied with pigments to create a gradient of colours.

C: Can you talk about a designer, whom you admire?

TD: I admire Pierre Yovanovitch for his haute couture aesthetic, which masterfully combines volumes, proportions, and light with raw and refined materials. His commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and unparalleled savoir-faire quality results in a unique, one-of-a-kind style. Yovanovitch's playful yet elegant designs feature daring combinations of materials and colors. His passion for contemporary art, as an avid collector and collaborator with artists, adds a vibrant, dynamic dimension to his interiors. This blend of creativity, innovation, and artistry truly sets him apart in the design world, making his work both distinctive and inspiring.