Skinlal
Textile Design
Art Direction
Sustainable Design
Product Design
Research
Slowmade
Textile Design
Art Direction
Sustainable Design
Product Design
Research
Slowmade
Credits_
Art Director & Designer Ismail Designs
Film & photography Arts AlUla, Nadine Eid
Music composition Nat Li Lin Steinhouse
Communicating with the past
Skinlal is a culmination of in depth research on the region of AlUla where we can find an extremely rich historical cultural heritage and a biodiverse natural landscape. In this context, the form of this camel cover draws its inspiration from the linear structure of alphabetical inscription found in the region as a basis for creating a new visual language. On it, we start exploring native species of flora creating a visual and phonetic experience with the movement of the camel.
Sketches in metamorphosis
As our ancestors attempt to communicate with us today through their heritage, we must answer their call by communicating with our environment. To do this, we imaged a universal language based on the geometric structure of the Nabataean alphabet and its cultural significance in the region.
The indigenous species of AlUla's flora are sketched as the alphabet of this new language. The leaf of the Phoenix Dactylifera palm is the first letter of the alphabet, due to its symbolic significance in terms of nurturing, generosity and, above all, resilience.
Precise selection of flora
The crocheted floral ribbon is a representation of specific species of native flowers. The purpose of this ribbon is to transform this functional detail into a visual poem. Each step offers the human mind a glimpse into the future of the oasis while calling local species to return, dictating our motivation to create a more bio-diverse future.
Skinlal is a call for the return of native species
Every step taken with Skinlal is a new call towards a more sustainable future. Inspired by the AlUla landscape and its diverse and complex native plants, the protagonist of this blanket is the Phoenix Dactifera, protector of the land and the most abundant natural source of nutrients for local species. Each knitted piece is a phonetic melody based on the geometric structure of the inscriptions and engravings of the AlUla region.
The Prototype
Skinlal is a camel cover entirely made by hand by Lebanese artisans from locally sourced natural materials. Knit by knit, Skinlal's design evolved with each discussion and trial bringing to life this prototype winning the AlUla Design Award.
Skinlal aims to create a language in itself, based on a structured system of meaningful patterns that convey a message of harmony to our environment. Crochet, just like language, has been creatively manipulated by the artisans to produce a new form of expression and communication. Skinlal's colors, inspired by the beauty and diversity of AlUla, blend into this knitted fabric, evoking a sense of connection with nature and fostering a sense of well-being and belonging.
By weaving a new dialogue between humans and camels, Skinlal re-imagines a future where we experience a deeper relationship with nature and a richer cultural heritage. Much more than just an accessory, Skinlal is an artistic expression taking on the mission of raising awareness in local and international communities of the importance of the camel and its well-being.
