Milan Design Week 2025: Jwana Hamdan Unveils Al Bustan, a Mediterranean-Inspired Outdoor Collection

At Milan Design Week 2025, Jwana Hamdan, the Italian-Lebanese designer and founder of her eponymous outdoor furniture brand, presents Al Bustan—a poetic and contemporary collection deeply rooted in Arab heritage and Mediterranean design.

Unveiled in the heart of Brera, Milan’s historic design district known for its graceful courtyards and timeless architecture, Hamdan’s installation is titled The Wandering Majlis Collection. Inspired by the Arabic word bustan, meaning “flourishing garden,” the collection reimagines the majlis, a traditional gathering space in Arab culture, through a modern, immersive courtyard installation.

With a design language informed by geometric harmony, intricate woven textiles, and coastal symbolism, Hamdan brings together Lebanese landscapes and Mediterranean aesthetics in a fresh, soulful reinterpretation. The collection echoes the light and colors of Lebanon, particularly the tones of olive groves and the warmth of summer gatherings.

Born in Lebanon and raised in Italy from the age of five, Hamdan reconnects with her roots through design. “I created this collection because I was missing my identity,” she shared with Arab News. “Design has become my way of expressing myself—an art form. Living in Milan’s design district, I’m constantly surrounded by the industry.”

Her family has long been immersed in design—her father worked in textiles, and her relatives operate a manufacturing business that supports international designers. During the pandemic, Hamdan launched her own label, drawing inspiration from how people come together, particularly across Middle Eastern cultures.

Entirely produced in Italy, Al Bustan is marked by elegant craftsmanship and tactile richness. The majlis sofa, made from iroko wood, evokes a simple, authentic outdoor lifestyle. The Maitha lounge chair—named after the Arabic word for “fertile garden”—is offered in deep magenta with a decorative floor-inspired pattern, removable cushions, and a flexible structure available with or without armrests.

The Ghaf table, named after the resilient tree symbolizing tolerance in the Gulf region, was designed by Lorenza Bozzoli. Its laser-cut base mimics deep-rooted systems, evoking strength and grace found in nature. Completing the set are the Amar and Shams coffee tables, named after the Arabic words for moon and sun. Their circular, minimalist forms suggest unity with nature and the communal essence of Arab gatherings.

“There’s a cultural contrast that inspires me,” said Hamdan. “In Italy, people gather in the kitchen; in Arab culture, the majlis is where everything happens. These pieces reflect my summer memories in Lebanon—moments spent outdoors, surrounded by people.”

Al Bustan is more than furniture—it is a bridge between cultures, a celebration of memory, and a tribute to the enduring spirit of Arab hospitality, reinterpreted through Italian craftsmanship and contemporary design.

Source: Arab News