Born in Tel Aviv, Israel in 1981, Dafi Reis Doron studied industrial design at the Bezalel Academy in Jerusalem, graduating with a bachelor’s degree (and honors) in 2006. In 2005, while still at Bezalel, she studied as an exchange student at the Polytechnic University of Milan; during that time, she worked at Patricia Urquiola’s studio, an experience that inspired her “to always seek perfect proportion, colors, and materials.” In 2006, after graduating, Doron interned in the prestigious D-vision program of Keter Ltd, an Israeli plastics company; she went on to work as a development manager in Keter’s home department, designing a variety of products that can still be found in retailers such as Argos, B&Q, and Walmart. In 2009, Doron attended classes in art history and philosophy at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. She went on to study design products at the Royal College of Art in London, earning her master’s degree in 2012. Doron established her design studio later that same year in London. In 2014, she opened a second location in her hometown of Tel Aviv; she divides her time between the two cities.
Using her extensive industrial design expertise, Doron’s work challenges existing production processes as well as the dichotomy between one-off designs and industrial production. As the designer notes, “I am always looking to create objects that have never been seen before, either in terms of their process of production, the materials used, or shape.” Notable projects to date include a 2011 collaboration with Fendi, timed in coordination with the opening of its London Sloane Street boutique. While working with the brand’s leather, Doron realized an innovative material combining veneer and leather that she used in CAD weaving to construct stools and jar tops. Her work has been exhibited broadly, including, as of this writing, shows at: Mint Gallery (2012) during London Design Festival; IMM Cologne (2013), as part of the BEDG group supported by UK Trade and Investment; and Ventura Lambrate at Salone del Mobile in Milan (2013).
