The leading American fashion house Oscar de la Renta is collaborating with the Design Council Abu Dhabi (DCAD) Fashion and Design Residency Program to foster innovation and design excellence in the UAE's fashion industry, and open up opportunities for female designers.

Initiated under the chairwomanship of Sheikha Shamsa Bint Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, this exclusive programme brings together key figures from the Middle East, USA, and Singapore.

Oscar de la Renta is collaborating with Gushcloud International, a global creator and IP management and licensing company powered by AI.

DCAD is focused on supporting creative collaboration, and advocating for sustainable and socially responsible design practices.

The council’s governance includes Undersecretary Rana Kuzayli El Khoury, Vice Chairwoman Nadine Maalouf, and advisory committee members Rym Al Falasy, Asma Al Fahim, Meera Al Suwaidi, and Rima Al Mokarrab.

The DCAD Fashion and Design Residency – hosted at Abu Dhabi University (ADU) – is dedicated to empowering emerging women designers by offering them global exposure, promoting sustainable design practices, and facilitating collaborations between international and local talent.

Through a structured curriculum, world-class mentorship, and cultural exchange opportunities, this residency aims to establish Abu Dhabi as a prominent hub for contemporary fashion.

The programme’s mission is to advance design excellence and innovation while preserving Abu Dhabi’s unique cultural identity. By fostering a global dialogue in fashion, it equips women designers with the skills to address both local and international design challenges.

Strategic partnerships with Abu Dhabi University and Gushcloud are central to the residency, providing participants access to cutting-edge industry insights, international exposure, and collaborative opportunities.

Upon completing the residency, participants will present the collections they developed throughout the programme. Following the showcase, the top three students, based on their merit, will earn a three-month prestigious internship with Oscar de la Renta in New York, beginning in January 2026.

The DCAD Fashion and Design Residency Program will also host a trunk show in January, highlighting Oscar de la Renta alongside local fashion and artisan houses, highlighting the synergy of global and local craftsmanship.

Additionally, a final exhibition will be held at Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, located in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island Culture District, in October 2025 to honour the graduates and celebrate their achievements.

The Design Council Abu Dhabi Fashion and Design Residency will select only 10-15 applicants for this prestigious opportunity, focusing on individuals with demonstrated talent and commitment to fashion and design excellence.

Eligibility Requirements:

● A Bachelor’s degree

● A foundation in fashion design

● Open exclusively to female UAE Nationals and Residents

Selected participants will be announced in late December, with official programme activities beginning in January 2025. 

Oscar de la Renta will be represented by its Creative Director, Laura Kim, who will also conduct a masterclass at the beginning of the course.

In addition to her role at Oscar de la Renta, Kim is also the co-founder of MONSE, a New York-based luxury label established in 2015.

“I'm excited to discover emerging talent from the UAE and deepen my understanding of the culture through this initiative,” said Kim.

“The DCAD Fashion and Design Residency Program is a great platform to share industry knowledge and spotlight Middle Eastern designers who deserve global recognition.

“We at Oscar de la Renta are grateful for this partnership and the opportunity to help shape the next generation of designers.”

Althea Lim, Co-Founder and Group CEO of Gushcloud, emphasised the global significance of the initiative.

“Gushcloud is proud to support the DCAD Fashion and Design Residency Program, which aims to elevate Abu Dhabi at the forefront of fashion and creativity.

“As a global creator and IP company, we are grateful for the network, expertise, and resources that our partners — Oscar de la Renta and DCAD — have extended to us. Together, we aspire to foster opportunities for emerging talents.

“We’re confident that this residency will inspire the next generation of fashion designers, promote sustainable practices, and create a platform for cultural exchange.”

SeMun Ho, DCAD Curriculum Director, said: “I’m excited to share my insights and best practices from Singapore with our students and partners in the UAE.

“Fashion unites people, inspires change, and moves culture, so it’s an exciting time for the UAE to support their new generation of talent.”

Ho currently serves as an adviser to the Singapore Fashion Council, the official trade association for Singapore’s fashion industry.

Michaela Watrelot, Curator and Director of Exhibitions at Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, said: “Bassam Freiha Art Foundation is delighted to support the DCAD Fashion and Design Residency, a program that aligns beautifully with our mission to foster creativity, cultural dialogue, and education for emerging talents.

“By providing a platform for these talented young designers to showcase their work, we’re not only celebrating the art of fashion but also reinforcing the values of sustainable creativity and community engagement that lie at the heart of our Foundation.

“It’s an honour to join DCAD and Oscar de la Renta in this journey to inspire, empower, and nurture the next generation of creators in the UAE and beyond.”

Application are now open for the programme. – TradeArabia News Service