Under the Royal Patronage of HH Sheikha Manal Bint Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Women Establishment, wife of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayad Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Presidential Affair, UAE, to commemorate its “excellence du Savoir-Faire” Louis Vuitton has organised a world-travelling exhibition which pays tribute to the creativity and talent of contemporary iconic characters - who have themselves an outstanding expertise in their own field. While stopping in Dubai, it was natural for Louis Vuitton, in collaboration with Dubai Ladies Club, to sublimate this celebration by combining it to the art of Arabic calligraphy, a true cultural heritage. The House has created a calligraphy case for this special occasion which will be sold by silent auction for the benefit of the UAE (United Arab Emirates) Association for Down Syndrome, and will be unveiled in Dubai Mall on 10th October.

“There is no doubt that choosing Arabic calligraphy in the designs of an international brand reflects how far Arabic art has reached in general. Internationally, Arabic art has had a wide reach and can be seen in a number of landmarks,” says HH Sheikha Manal.

HH Sheikha Manal also indicated that choosing the UAE and Dubai for such an exhibition and the unveiling of the unique piece, comes to confirm Dubai’s leading position as a capital of exquisite art and a platform for international designers into the region.

The Ultimate Louis Vuitton Special Order: The Calligraphy Case

Sensitive to the Arabic art of writing Louis Vuitton elaborated an exquisite calligraphy carrying case in deep green alligator leather. The contrast of the rich green and vibrant gold colours provides a sensation of ultimate luxury. Inside, the same rich green leather engulfs the interior where several finely measured compartments have been constructed for traditional calligraphy utensils. Bamboo pencils in various sizes lay perfectly the forefront of the case. An inkwell along with traditional ink coal and beautiful stainless steel removal nibs have their special, dedicated spaces which allows for space optimisation and safe travel. This calligraphy case is considered another incredible and exceptional creation, provoking awe and appreciation from all admirers.

This calligraphy case will be a special addition to the world-travelling “Excellence du Savoir-Faire” exhibition where five special orders created by five renowned celebrities (Annie Leibovitz, Marc Jacobs, Patrick-Louis Vuitton, Ferran Adria and Gustavo Santaollala) will be presented in the Dubai Mall after the Royal Inauguration by HH Sheikha Manal Bint Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (from October 13th to 17th).

Louis Vuitton and the Art of Writing: the Celebration of Arab Calligraphy

Often called the art of writing the calligraphy founds its definition on the art of giving form to signs in an expressive, harmonious and skilful manner. As a genuine example of calligraphic ornament the Louis Vuitton Monogram canvas created by George, the son of the House’s founder, in 1896 was very quickly distinctive and recognizable while asserting Maison Louis Vuitton’s identity thought the power of an image. At the time, the interlaced initials “LV” and the three stylized floral motifs were delicately punctuating the canvas thanks to a hand-stencil application. This traditional way of writing and drawing letters with care and patience still exists today; the calligraphy’s ultimate use remains in the graphic transcription of fabulous Arabic poetry which appears as piece of art due to its floating letters.

About the UAE Down Syndrome Support Group

Officially launched as a public benefit association by the Ministry of Social Affairs Ministerial Decree in 2006, the UAE Down Syndrome Association is a volunteer based Association for supporting people with Down Syndrome. Moreover, HH Sheikha Manal Bint Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum is Honorary President of the UAE Down Syndrome Association. The Association seeks to provide the best practice to similar associations in the region in order to empower individuals with Down Syndrome, and highlight their maximum potential and skills to become productive and active members in the community through social activities, sports and education. They aspire to reach the best achievements of people with Down Syndrome at local, Gulf, Arab and international levels, and achieve the slogan” disability is a potential not a deficiency”.