Oscar de la Renta is embarking on a new collaboration with the Design Council Abu Dhabi (DCAD) to launch the Fashion and Design Residency Programme, under the guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan.
Set to take place at Abu Dhabi University, the initiative aims to empower and elevate the UAE’s fashion industry, focusing on training and mentoring the next generation of female designers across the region.
The programme is designed to create a fusion of global mentorship and sustainable design practices, with the goal of positioning the UAE capital as a dynamic hub for contemporary fashion innovation. The initiative sets its sights on transforming the local fashion scene while preserving the rich cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi.
This residency aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. Through a thoughtfully crafted curriculum, students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in both technical skill-building and creative exploration, while also participating in cultural exchange programmes that will broaden their perspectives. The programme encourages students to explore ethical fashion practices and work closely with both international and regional industry leaders. In doing so, it aims to help shape the future of fashion in the UAE and beyond, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s growing role on the global fashion stage.
This initiative is part of DCAD’s broader mission to cultivate a vibrant, sustainable design culture within the UAE. Under the stewardship of Undersecretary Rana Kuzayli El Khoury, Vice Chairwoman Nadine Maalouf, and an advisory committee including influential figures such as Rym Al Falasy and Rima Al Mokarrab, the programme represents a significant step in shaping the future of UAE’s creative industries.
The residency is led by Oscar de la Renta’s Creative Director Laura Kim, who will deliver a masterclass for participants and guide them through the intricacies of high fashion, offering access to the expertise of one of the fashion industry’s leading figures.
The programme will culminate in two major events: a trunk show in January 2025, where students’ creations will be showcased alongside pieces from Oscar de la Renta’s latest collection and local artisan houses, and a final exhibition in October 2025 at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation.
The top three graduates of the programme will also be offered an extraordinary opportunity: a three-month internship at Oscar de la Renta’s New York studio, set to begin in January 2026.
The residency is open to 10-15 participants, with applications now open to UAE nationals and residents who hold a Bachelor’s degree and have a foundation in fashion design. Selected participants will be announced in December 2024, and the programme will officially begin in January 2025.
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