THE GOLDEN ZENITH (L’Apogée Doré)

A New Symbol of Festive Luxury

The Golden Zenith marks the arrival of the holiday season inside the Emirates First Class Lounge with a composition that balances artistic intention and architectural precision. Designed by Damien Overputte, the installation introduces a festive atmosphere rooted in craftsmanship, luxury, and visual harmony. It stands as an immediate statement of celebration, transforming the space into a glowing prelude to the season’s most memorable journeys.

The Central Crown of Light

At the heart of the installation rises a striking topiary composed of gold-dyed Gypsophila layered over a refined base of Dianthus Kiwi Mellow. Each bloom is delicately brushed with golden shimmer, giving the structure a luminous quality that shifts with the ambient light of the lounge. This radiant summit defines the piece’s namesake — the “Zenith” — evoking the point where beauty reaches its highest expression during the festive season.

The Wings of the Installation

Surrounding the central topiary, the rear compositions extend upward in a sculptural gesture that suggests motion, elevation, and grandeur. Golden Palm Leaves create sweeping, elongated lines that interact with the light, while the textural richness of Grevillea Gold adds depth and contrast. Interwoven within these elements, the powerful red of Amaryllis ‘Ferrari’ introduces a regal warmth, grounding the installation with a tone reminiscent of traditional holiday interiors. These rear structures evoke the sensation of wings unfolding — a subtle nod to the dynamics of flight and the continuous movement of global travellers.

The Foreground: Laurels of Celebration

At the base, vibrant orbs of Amaryllis ‘Rapido’ sit atop lush foundations of Araucaria and Skimmia Rubella. The deep green and ruby tones combine to create a sense of seasonal richness and visual balance. Encircling these arrangements, sprigs of Grevillea Gold form a delicate “Crown of Laurels,” introducing a symbolic layer of honour and achievement. This refined detail marks the installation as not merely decorative, but ceremonial — a formal welcome to premium travellers during the height of the festive period.

A Harmonious Expression of the Season

The strength of The Golden Zenith lies in its equilibrium. The composition is bold yet controlled, radiant yet understated, festive yet sophisticated. Through a carefully orchestrated dialogue of gold, red, and deep green tones, the installation embodies the spirit of December in Dubai — warm, luminous, and inherently luxurious. Each botanical element contributes to an atmosphere that feels intentional and serene, offering travellers a moment of visual comfort before their onward journey.

An Invitation to Pause and Reflect

More than a floral arrangement, The Golden Zenith serves as a moment of pause within a space defined by movement. It captures the essence of festive elegance while maintaining the calm refinement expected in a First Class environment. In this interplay of structure, colour, and light, the installation becomes a pinnacle of holiday storytelling — a celebration of craftsmanship and a reminder that luxury is often found in the details.