At the recent Maison & Objet exhibition held in Paris, the baby carrier brand DMANGD debuted its stylish and lightweight products, which drew considerable international attention. This event showcased DMANGD's Ali Baby Carrier, inspired by the traditional Korean "podaegi" carrier, and aimed to resonate with the current European trend of close-contact parenting.
Crafted from natural materials to minimize skin irritation, the baby carrier features appealing natural colors and textures. DMANGD has even turned heads by incorporating patented technology, earning certification as a safe baby carrier from the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI). Previously, the product ranked as Taiwan's second most popular baby carrier, gaining acclaim for its thoughtful design and functionality.
During the exhibition, DMANGD conducted a photoshoot featuring local mothers and babies, showcasing the baby carriers. The overwhelming response—a competition rate of 80 to 1 for models—reflects the carrier's burgeoning popularity among Parisian consumers. "DMANGD's baby carrier is an exceptionally appealing product. By combining Korea's traditional culture with modern design, it is poised to become beloved by parents worldwide," noted one visitor at the event.
Building on its successful European debut, DMANGD plans to obtain safety certification for children’s products within Europe and aims for official market entry by 2025, alongside launching premium baby carriers and hip seats to shape the global parenting market.
Meanwhile, the virtual art gallery Maison Gaston is pushing Caribbean art's boundaries onto the global stage. Founded by Christelle Clairville, the gallery is named after her great-grandfather, showcasing Caribbean talent and aiming to alter perceptions of the region's art.
"I created Maison Gaston as a Creole art house and I really intend to find artists with connections to the Caribbean," Clairville explained. Under her guidance, the gallery now boasts representation of around 20 artists, demonstrating how their work questions stereotypes and addresses the nuanced racial interactions rooted in their history.
At the annual Also Known as Africa (AKAA) contemporary art fair, Clairville highlighted artists like sculptor Florence Gossec, whose pieces reflect her connection to Guadeloupe, and painter Alain Joséphine from Martinique, whose works evoke lush vegetation—an artistic link between the two Caribbean creators.
While trying to redefine Caribbean art, Clairville has built bridges with the African diaspora through her online operations. She believes art can inspire compassion and help dispel misconceptions about the Caribbean. "Art is a way to build bridges between two people. It’s about creating compassion and connection. When they are moved by the work, then they will see the artist and the islands differently," she remarked.
Across the globe, DAMAC Maison Distinction, luxury residence based in Dubai, recently achieved the prestigious title of Best Boutique Hotel at the Middle East Hospitality Excellence Awards 2024. Representatives from leading regional hotels gathered to celebrate distinguished hospitality organizations demonstrating creativity and excellence within the sector.
Key DAMAC leaders, including Director Hossam Elkeshk, General Manager Ahmed Lotfy, and Senior Director Zein Hbous, accepted the award. "We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this recognition. It’s testimony to our team’s hard work and relentless pursuit to redefine what luxury hospitality means in the Middle East," said Dean Rossilli, Senior Vice President of Hospitality at DAMAC Hotels and Resorts. This accolade serves as motivation for the team to continue pushing boundaries and delivering outstanding service to guests.
DAMAC Maison Distinction's elegant accommodations, spacious suites, and luxurious amenities contribute to reshaping boutique hotel experiences, earning its spot as a premier destination for visitors to Dubai. The Middle East Hospitality Excellence Awards are respected for honoring dedication and innovation within the industry, consolidifying DAMAC's prestige in the hospitality sector.
Together, DMANGD, Maison Gaston, and DAMAC Maison Distinction exemplify how brands are leveraging cultural ties and innovative practices to resonate with diverse markets across various industries.
