Oscar de la Renta is collaborating with the Design Council Abu Dhabi (DCAD) to launch the first-ever Fashion and Design Residency Program in Abu Dhabi.

Under the leadership of H.H. Sheikha Shamsa Bint Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, this groundbreaking initiative aims to revolutionise the UAE’s fashion industry...

A platform for empowerment and innovation

Hosted at Abu Dhabi University, the DCAD Fashion and Design Residency is a trailblazing program designed to empower emerging female designers. Blending global mentorship with sustainable practices, the residency seeks to establish Abu Dhabi as a global hub for cutting-edge fashion innovation while honouring its cultural heritage.

Participants will engage in a comprehensive curriculum, including masterclasses led by Laura Kim, Creative Director of Oscar de la Renta. Kim will share her expertise in high fashion, offering insights into the creative and business aspects of the industry. She remarked, “I’m thrilled to discover the incredible talent emerging from the UAE and to immerse myself in the region’s rich culture. This program is an opportunity to share knowledge and shine a global spotlight on Middle Eastern designers who deserve recognition.”

The programme’s top three graduates will be awarded a prestigious three-month internship at Oscar de la Renta’s New York studio, starting in January 2026.

Supporting Abu Dhabi’s vision for sustainable design

The residency aligns with DCAD’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable design culture in the UAE. Led by Undersecretary Rana Kuzayli El Khoury and Vice Chairwoman Nadine Maalouf, and supported by an advisory committee featuring notable figures such as Rym Al Falasy and Rima Al Mokarrab, the council is dedicated to driving innovation while preserving local identity.

This initiative not only promotes collaboration between international and local talent but also emphasizes sustainability, equipping participants with the tools to address contemporary design challenges on a global scale.

Who Can Apply?

The DCAD Fashion and Design Residency is open to 10–15 female UAE Nationals and residents with a background in fashion design. Successful candidates will be announced in December, with the residency officially commencing in January 2025.

Through an immersive learning experience that includes hands-on mentorship and opportunities for cultural exchange, the program prepares participants to navigate both local and international fashion landscapes.

A New Era for Middle Eastern Fashion

By partnering with Oscar de la Renta, the DCAD Fashion and Design Residency Program aspires to highlight the Middle East’s unique voice in the global fashion industry. This initiative is not only a step forward for the UAE’s design community but also a celebration of the rich cultural heritage that continues to inspire creative excellence.