The Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) has unveiled an exciting venture in partnership with the renowned Italian luxury house Dolce & Gabbana – the Dolce & Gabbana x ADMAF Design Award 2023. This pioneering initiative aims to foster and empower a fresh generation of creatives by providing them with the opportunity to hone their hand-crafting skills while competing for a chance to secure an internship with Dolce & Gabbana in the fashion capital of Milan.
The design award is segmented into three distinct categories: fashion, jewelry, and fragrance. Eligible for Emirati students aged between 18 and 30, the program is geared towards enhancing their creative skills within their chosen sphere under the mentorship of seasoned experts.
As part of the award, the finalists in each category will collaborate closely with Dolce & Gabbana to materialize their designs. Their creations will be showcased at the Abu Dhabi Festival the following year. Furthermore, the winners will embark on an enriching journey to Italy, where they will undertake an internship at the heart of Dolce & Gabbana's headquarters.
The training curriculum is meticulously tailored to the specificities of each category. Fashion students will be immersed in lace-making and flower construction techniques. Budding jewelers will delve into the art of micro-mosaics, while fragrance enthusiasts will harness their talents to craft innovative scents for Dolce & Gabbana Casa, inspired by the vibrant amalgamation of traditional Emirati culture and modern aesthetics.
The competition's fashion segment challenges students to infuse contemporary aesthetics with Abu Dhabi's cultural heritage, drawing inspiration from music, art, and the local landscape. Hand-painting, embroidery, appliqué, and lacework will be employed to bring their vision to life. Jewelry students will be tasked with blending Emirati traditions and culture into their creations, employing micro-mosaics and working with gold and pearls to produce distinctive pieces. Fragrance designers will encapsulate the essence of Emirati life by incorporating traditional elements into innovative scents that embody the rich tapestry of the region's cultural identity.
With a forward-looking approach, this design award seeks to inspire and nurture the burgeoning talent of Emirati creatives. It serves as a bridge that unites tradition with modernity, fostering a harmonious coexistence between the two. Dolce & Gabbana's long standing relationship with the UAE is accentuated by its pioneering strides. Having entered the country as one of the earliest luxury brands, it introduced an abaya collection in 2015 and staged a fashion show at the Dubai Mall in 2018, spotlighting a line designed exclusively for the region. The Dolce & Gabbana x ADMAF Design Award 2023 furthers this legacy of collaboration and cultural appreciation.
