About the Founder

London-born Rue Kothari, has spent 25 years living and working in the Middle East. During that time she has built considerable influence in the international design industry, bridging the gap between international designers and regional opportunities. As launch Editor in Chief for Harper’s Bazaar Interiors and then as the Director of Downtown Design in Dubai, she grew both into globally recognised brands that continue to thrive today. Acknowledged for raising the profile of Middle East designers, she launched Editions, a showcase for craft, handmade and collectible design that brought almost 100 regional creatives together from Beirut to Saudi Arabia. As an active mentor for new talent, she continues to shape the strategy and creative direction for young studios. For established design businesses, she enables their entry to new markets in the Middle East, India and China.

As a purpose-driven professional, Rue is an advocate for tech-powered sustainability, working with craft communities in Sri Lanka and India, and as an advisory board member with CIAAD, supporting the sustainability goals of the United Nations. Rue is also a Founding Partner in VisionNow, a creative agency with teams in London and Shanghai, catalysing growth for art and design brands in the Asian market. Since 2013, she adds Founder and Creative Director of DESIGNEAST to her portfolio. This platform promotes artists and designers from the Global South, focusing on textiles as a medium, curating art exhibitions around the world and helping emerging creatives to collaborate with international luxury brands.

rue@ruekothari.com