DASHA, a Miami-based luxury atelier launched by designer couple Shana and Dan Benchetrit, is spreading love and luck internationally with a new series of good luck charm objects. Inspired by objects from different cultures around the world traditionally associated with good luck, including their own North African heritage, the four-leaf clover, Hamsa symbols and Chai, DASHA creates limited edition sculptures that speak to a universal need for protection and positive energy.
Shana and Dan Benchetrit wanted to find an artistic way of inviting good fortune into people’s homes, and conceived DASHA as a way of harnessing the power of symbolism via sculptural talismans. The DASHA good luck charm sculptures are created using crystalline resin in a striking palette of jewel-like colours and are designed to invited good fortune and a sense of hope into the modern domestic space.
DASHA references several cultures and different traditions from around the world in the good luck charm sculptures. Shana Benchetrit explains what the starting point for the collection was, and what cultures offered inspiration for the unique collection:
“Dasha was created to spread positive energy through symbols that resonate with people and transcend cultural boundaries. Our inspiration began with the eye and the Hamsa, deeply rooted in our North African heritage. The eye–which is known as the ‘evil eye’ or “Nazur” in many cultures, the eye is believed to ward off malevolent forces and bring good luck and protection. The Hamsa symbol originates from the Middle East and North Africa and is often regarded as a symbol of protection in various cultures and religions, including Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Having been surrounded by these symbols since childhood, they have always provided us with comfort and a sense of inner peace.
We have also used the four-leaf clover and hamsa symbols as motifs for our bespoke sculptures, and we are constantly working through new ways to incorporate colour and material into these talismans of good fortune.”
The Benchetrit’s lived and worked in Paris for many years before moving to Miami and founding their luxury design atelier together. Shana explains what attracted them to Miami and why they decided to start DASHA there:
“My husband and I spent years working at my parents’ gallery, Opera Gallery, and had the opportunity to move to Miami to expand our roles with the gallery. At the time, we were newly married and had our first son, who was just one year old. It felt like the perfect moment to embrace a new adventure and explore this exciting opportunity.
Dasha was created years later, as I found it increasingly challenging to balance Motherhood and the demanding hours of the gallery, especially as our family grew to three children. The idea for Dasha had been in our minds for years, but starting such a project as a young family wasn’t easy. However, seeing it come to life and witnessing the appreciation from people today makes it all incredibly rewarding.”
Miami is known for Art Basel Miami and for its unique design and architecture, making it one of the most exciting artistic and cultural centers in the world. Shana describes the arts and culture scene in Miami compared to other artistic hubs around the world:
“Miami’s art and culture scene is vastly different from that of our hometown of Paris, France. When we first arrived 10 years ago, Art Basel/art week is December seemed to be the only time we could truly experience a major concentration of art programming and exhibitions in Miami. However, as the city has grown and evolved, it has become a vibrant cultural hub, with new museums, foundations, and galleries open year-round. It’s exciting to witness this expansion and see Miami embrace all that this wonderful city has to offer.
That being said, Miami’s art scene remains highly seasonal compared to Paris, where art and culture are deeply embedded in everyday life year-round. In Miami, the art world comes alive intensely from November to March or April, then quiets down for the rest of the year.”
Shana and Dan are art and architecture professionals originating from Paris who have been married for a decade. Dan has a background in interior architecture and is Director of Opera Gallery Miami. Shana studied art market and communication in France and has been working with Opera Gallery since 2007. They have 3 children and moved to Miami 8 years ago before setting up DASHA together.
Find out more about DASHA here.
