Abu Dhabi Launches Fashion and Design Residency with Oscar de la Renta

SINGPAORE, November 28, 2024 – A new chapter in fashion and design begins as Gushcloud International and the Design Council Abu Dhabi (DCAD) unveil the inaugural Fashion and Design Residency Programme. This landmark initiative, developed in collaboration with global luxury brand Oscar de la Renta and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, aims to nurture UAE-based female fashion designers, blending local craftsmanship with international innovation.

The programme, chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa Bint Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, is a strategic effort to position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for contemporary fashion while preserving its rich cultural heritage.

Empowering Emerging Designers

Rooted in Abu Dhabi’s creative vision, the residency will be hosted at Abu Dhabi University (ADU) and is designed to advance sustainable design practices while fostering collaboration between local and international talents. A structured curriculum, mentorship from industry leaders, and cultural exchanges are central to the programme’s goal of equipping designers with the skills to navigate global and regional design challenges.

Participants will showcase their collections in a final exhibition at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation on Saadiyat Island in October 2025. Top graduates will earn three-month internships at Oscar de la Renta’s New York headquarters starting in January 2026.

A highlight of the programme includes a January trunk show featuring Oscar de la Renta alongside local designers and artisans, showcasing the synergy of global and local design excellence.

Key Figures and Collaborators

Oscar de la Renta Creative Director Laura Kim will deliver a masterclass to kick off the residency. Known for her role at the luxury label and as co-founder of MONSE, Kim expressed her excitement about engaging with Middle Eastern talent. “This programme provides a platform to spotlight designers from the UAE who deserve global recognition. We are grateful for this partnership and the chance to help shape the next generation of talent,” she said.

Gushcloud Co-Founder and Group CEO Althea Lim highlighted the initiative’s significance: “This residency positions Abu Dhabi as a leader in fashion and creativity. By partnering with Oscar de la Renta and DCAD, we’re fostering opportunities for emerging talent, promoting sustainability, and creating a vibrant platform for cultural exchange.”

The programme’s curriculum will be directed by SeMun Ho, an advisor to the Singapore Fashion Council, further strengthening the residency’s global outlook.

Applications Open Now

Open exclusively to UAE-based female designers, the programme seeks 10-15 participants with a strong foundation in fashion and design. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and demonstrate a commitment to design excellence. Applications are now open via the official website, with selected participants to be announced in December. Activities begin in January 2025.

Driving Creative Growth in Abu Dhabi

DCAD aims to contribute to Abu Dhabi’s creative economy by promoting cross-cultural dialogue and sustainable design. The council, led by Undersecretary Rana Kuzayli El Khoury and Vice Chairwoman Nadine Maalouf, is committed to creating opportunities that celebrate the UAE’s unique heritage while fostering global collaboration.