Van Cleef & Arpels, in collaboration with Tashkeel, proudly marks the 10th anniversary of the Emergent Designer Prize with a special exhibition at the newly renovated Tashkeel Nad Al Sheba. The exhibition pays tribute to creativity, showcasing the winning works of designers from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait.
Since its inception in 2013, the Emergent Designer Prize has nurtured emerging regional talent, inviting participants to submit proposals for functional design pieces inspired by an annually changing theme. Over the years, the initiative has recognized ten winners and numerous talented finalists, each of whom has brought a distinctive vision to life through locally sourced materials and innovative craftsmanship.
In recognition of their achievements, the winner and runner-ups of each edition receive the opportunity to attend a five-day course at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts in Dubai, while the grand prize winner is awarded a five-day trip to Paris to further immerse themselves in the world of craftsmanship and design. Founded by Van Cleef & Arpels, L’ÉCOLE is dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of jewelry-making, fostering a deeper understanding of its artistry, craftsmanship, and historical significance. It plays a crucial role in supporting the Maison’s vision of passing down savoir-faire and sharing jewellery culture around the world.
During the most recent edition, the Prize was judged by a distinguished panel, including Emirati designer Abdalla AlMulla, Paris-based designer Aline Asmar d’Amman, Amman Design Week co-founder Rana Beiruti, Qatar-based design leader Shaikha Al-Sulaiti, and Architectural Digest Middle East’s Talib Choudhry. Each brought their expertise in shaping and celebrating design across the region.
This year’s exhibition shines a spotlight on the latest winner, Hajar Al Tenaiji, alongside the outstanding creations of past winners and finalists. Responding to the 2024 theme, “Inspiring Winds”, Al Tenaiji designed Dhow Kite, a piece that reflects the historical significance of wind in traditional pearl diving and dhow sailing. Her design symbolizes the wind’s role in guiding seafarers and shaping the UAE’s economic past while inspiring younger generations to connect with Emirati heritage through play and sustainable design.
The exhibition also features the works of this year’s finalists, showcasing the breadth of talent emerging from the region:
• Breezeborn console, by Lamis Yahya – Crafted with the whispering essence of wind-sculpted landscapes, this minimalist piece features softly curved edges and textured surfaces, evoking the beauty of natural erosion. Made from reclaimed wood, it embodies a harmonious connection between nature and design.
• No Beginning chandelier, by Khaled Al Kathir – Inspired by wind’s transformative power, this hand-sculpted chandelier conveys a sense of movement and organic beauty. Crafted from recycled cork and sand, it mirrors the wind’s effect on shaping stone, evoking the earth’s natural landscapes.
The exhibition will run for seven weeks, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore a decade of design excellence and innovation.
To commemorate this milestone, Alessandro Maffi, President of Van Cleef & Arpels Middle East & India, shares:
“For ten editions, the Emergent Designer Prize has been a testament to Van Cleef & Arpels’ unwavering commitment to fostering creativity and craftsmanship in the region. Each edition has brought forward incredible talent, and we are honored to celebrate the journey of these designers as they push the boundaries of innovation and storytelling through design.”
Salim Ahmed, Senior Design Projects Supervisor of Tashkeel, shares:
“This exhibition celebrates the remarkable 10-year partnership between Van Cleef & Arpels and Tashkeel, born from a shared passion for excellence in art and design. This partnership has been a driving force in elevating design innovation across the region; it shares our vision to nurture creativity and foster sustainable design that connects with nature and our heritage.”
Looking ahead, preparations are already underway for the 11th edition of the Prize, with the new theme of blooming poetry.
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