Hicham Lahlou and Cheick Diallo Redefine Design with Constellation

A Masterpiece of Design and Heritage

Dubai, February 2025 – When art meets history, culture, and craftsmanship, the result is a timeless masterpiece. Such is the case with Constellation, an extraordinary incense burner crafted by internationally renowned designers Hicham Lahlou and Cheick Diallo, in partnership with Daum, the prestigious French crystal manufacturer.

Unveiled at the grand opening of Daum’s first boutique at Dubai Mall, Constellation is a luminous tribute to the artistic heritage of the Middle East and Africa. Created exclusively for Chalhoub Group in the Middle East, this exceptional piece reimagines an ancient cultural symbol, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern elegance.

A Celestial Tribute to Art and Culture

Inspired by Sirius, the brightest star in the sky, Constellation is more than just an object; it is an ode to shared traditions and universal connections. The two designers, known for their ability to merge heritage with contemporary design, have crafted a piece that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.

Presented in two limited editions—one in blue-green and the other in amber, with only 25 pieces of each available worldwide—this creation tells a story of light, movement, and symbolism. Rooted in the rich traditions of both Moroccan and Malian cultures, Constellation captures the celestial magic of the night sky and the intricate beauty of African and Middle Eastern artistry.

Sirius, twenty times brighter than the sun, has fascinated civilizations for millennia. Positioned east of Orion, it serves as a guiding light, much like the creative vision behind this work of art. The piece’s flowing silhouette and meticulous engravings reflect both the geometry of Morocco’s Merinid dynasty and the architectural influences of Mali’s Dogon people.

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An Artistic and Functional Masterpiece

Beyond its sculptural beauty, Constellation is a multifunctional object:

• As an incense burner, it celebrates the Medkhan ritual, a practice shared across cultures.
• As a photophore, its delicately perforated brass top creates a mesmerizing play of shadows, filling a space with a celestial glow.
• As a decorative object, it can stand alone as a symbol of artistic innovation and refined craftsmanship.

Each detail, from the tribal motifs to the color gradient reflecting an African sunset, has been carefully designed to evoke the harmony between earth and sky, tradition and modernity.