The Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) has joined hands with the renowned Italian luxury brand Dolce & Gabbana to introduce the Dolce & Gabbana x ADMAF Design Award 2023, a student competition aimed at fostering and nurturing the next generation of creative minds. This initiative seeks to provide a platform for Emirati students, aged between 18 and 30, to hone their artistic talents and learn invaluable hand-crafting skills, with a unique opportunity to secure an internship at Dolce & Gabbana’s headquarters in Milan.

Structured into three categories – fashion, jewellery, and fragrance – the competition invites participants to delve into their chosen realms under the mentorship of expert guides. Finalists from each category will see their designs brought to life in collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana and will showcase their creations at the upcoming Abu Dhabi Festival.

Fashion students will merge modern aesthetics with Abu Dhabi’s cultural heritage by crafting innovative abayas, while aspiring jewellery designers will integrate traditional Emirati culture and techniques like micro-mosaics, goldwork, and pearl setting.

The fragrance category challenges participants to create scents inspired by the dynamic blend of old and new inherent to Emirati life, capturing influences from Dolce & Gabbana’s iconic Carretto Siciliano and Blu Mediterraneo designs as well as the UAE’s landscape.

This collaboration reflects Dolce & Gabbana’s enduring connection with the UAE, signifying a harmonious synthesis of tradition and modernity, culture and innovation, as it propels young Emirati talents toward a promising creative future.