Aneesha Rai

May 2025 be the year I talk about my creative endeavors more. ✍️
Here’s the January issue of where we tackle the theme of designing the future. 🪐

We collaborated on the cover with Pallavi Dean, founder of . Born and raised in Sharjah, UAE, Pallavi has recently expanded her studio’s presence to Saudi Arabia. For the cover shoot, we knew we wanted to pay homage to where she grew up. Dean suggested , reflecting her love for the desert. Inspired by themes of flow and reflections, we and sought to capture her dynamic essence on a very windy day, amidst wobbly props, sinking chairs and flying fringes. 😂With a limited time to execute, pulling this cover off was tough, but rewarding. An important lesson for us to do hard things sometimes, because they’re most often than not, worth it.

In our cover feature, she opens up about her journey, sharing insights into how financial acumen fuels creative freedom and revealing her cleverly coined ‘10 C’s’ of success.

We are also thrilled to be a media partner at this year’s highly anticipated in Paris. From 16 to 20 January 2025, we’ll bring you highlights from the fair, sharing stories on . We also explore the latest tech innovations, beautiful design hotels and more in this issue.

Here’s to designing a future full of possibilities.
You can access our e-issue on identity.ae

What a journey it has been to this issue 🪴✨
Presenting ‘The Greener Perspective’ -out on news stands now, where we delve into choosing a path for the greater good. (Guess what, it’s hard - but the best things are.)
Relentlessly leading the charge is former Abu Dhabi resident and .vinudaniel at Wallmakers, whose honesty and pragmatism is refreshing to read in a world full of filters (here for it.)

We also shine a light on imbibing sustainability in the local and scene with academics and architects . A must-read into those looking beyond just the label and optics of ‘sustainability’ and an important conversation to be had.

We also debut a series called - At home - where we peek into Omar Nakkash of .design.studio’s library. Also Sharjah-raised (sense a theme here?), it was amazing to interview what moves him and drives his practice and creativity. I need his playlist!

If you’re about about the , there are some epic projects that deserve a look at by .are.noa & .studio.
I also chat to Sarah about her brand and analyze what drives in her practice.
There’s something in this issue I hope everyone can resonate with, and I think I achieved that.
hope you enjoy the read! 🤍✨