The Abu Dhabi Music & Art Foundation (ADMAF) and luxury fashion brand Dolce&Gabbana proudly revealed the victors of the ADMAF x Dolce&Gabbana Design Award 2023. This esteemed recognition celebrates emerging creatives, nurturing their talents while honouring their cultural heritage through innovative design.
Sarah AlMansoori clinched the inaugural title in the jewellery creations category, while Azza Al Tawila di secured the coveted spot in the fashion category. Both winners are set to embark on a transformative journey, refining their craft through a comprehensive 6-month paid internship program at Dolce&Gabbana headquarters in Milan, Italy, within their respective fields. Their final creations will grace the Abu Dhabi Festival 2025, showcasing the fusion of tradition and innovation in Emirati artistry.
Her Excellency Huda Alkhamis Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF, lauded the creativity exhibited by the six finalists in the Dolce&Gabbana x ADMAF Design Awards, a collaboration with the renowned Italian luxury brand.
She expressed, “In line with our shared commitment to nurturing Emirati youth and fostering cultural and creative industries’ growth within the UAE, we are thrilled to announce the second edition of the Design Award. This year, it encompasses fashion design and creative jewelry categories, inviting students from higher education institutions to showcase their talents in fashion design, handicrafts, jewelry, and accessories, both locally and internationally.”
Continuing, she stated, “Our aim is to bolster collaboration between the UAE and Italy within the cultural and creative industries sector. I extend heartfelt congratulations to both winners, Azza Al Tawila and Sarah AlMansoori, who will embark on a journey to refine their professional paths under the tutelage of leading design, fashion, and perfumery experts. They will undergo internal training at the esteemed brand’s headquarters in Italy, with the chance to exhibit their designs to the public during the Abu Dhabi Festival 2025.”
The winners and finalists of Design Award 2023 were selected by a distinguished jury comprising international luminaries including representatives from Dolce&Gabbana Alta Moda, Asma Al Fahim – Chairwoman of Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council and founder of Villa 88 magazine, Roberto La Lacona – Director of Marangoni Institute UAE, alongside renowned Emirati artists Azza al Qubaisi, jewellery artist, product designer, and sculptor, Ahmad Al Areef Al Dhaheri, Multidisciplinary Artist, and Sultan al Darmaki, Fashion Designer. Completing the panel was H.E Huda Ibrahim Alkhamis, Founder of ADMAF, and representatives of Dolce&Gabbana Alta Moda.