young designers

Photo: Courtesy of M7
Seven up-and-coming designers from Qatar enrolled in ‘The Collective’ Retail Incubation Program designed by M7 have launched their exclusive capsule collection for the newly opened Printemps Doha. This collaboration has not only provided the ideal shopping destination for the soon-to-be-celebrated Eid al-Fitr but also aims to empower and equip Qatar-based designers through their creative process, ultimately enabling them to develop a successful retail business.
M7 Director Maha Al Sulaiti commented on the partnership, “We are grateful to partner with Printemps Doha whose vision aligns with ours in supporting local talents in Qatar.” She added, “The Collective retail incubation program was designed to answer the current demand and challenges designers face today. We are particularly proud of the commitment and progress made by the seven designers throughout the 5-month incubation period. To finally see their collection in store at Printemps Doha is a testament of our commitment to empowering the next generation of designers in Qatar.” 
Photo: Courtesy of M7
The selected designers were provided with mentorship – including guidance and support, the necessary tools, and one on one coaching sessions – from industry leaders. These mentors included Laetitia Lumbroso, co-founder of label ‘Destree’, who taught Sales and Distribution; Cutting Studio founder and 1309 designer Ghada Al Subaey taught Production and Supply Chain Management; Missak Haji Avedikian, a Lebanese Armenian fashion designer and consultant; and Chuchri Cavalcanti, mentor and advisor to regional startup fashion brands, who spent 15 years in executive positions for brands such as Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, and Reem Acra. 
“Fashion design has the power to carry powerful statements, and one of my main ambitions is to inspire our young designers to form their own distinct point of view, whilst carrying a universal message,” said Al Subaey about her role and ambitions for the program. 
Photo: Courtesy of M7
The inaugural program enabled the designers to present a unique and exclusive capsule collection spotlighting a mix of abaya, ready-to-wear, and jewelry designs. Dana Riad presents a collaboration between heritage, modernity, and romance in the form of timeless garments taking the wearer from day to night. Kaltham Al Majid of Kaltham’s Pavilion takes inspiration from Qatar’s national flower, Qataf, and a Turkish Islamic art pattern comprised of Tulips to create jewelry pieces featuring precious gemstones. Poze founder Zulfa Al Thani bridges the gap between haute couture and ready-to-wear while celebrating feminity. 
“My collection is inspired by the practicality of coats,” said Rawan Al Nassiri of SDN about her contemporary abayas paying homage to Qatar’s natural landscape. Amna Al Misned blurs the line between Qatari cultural attire and the global fashion world through her brand TRZI while Abdul Rahaman Al Ahmad, co-founder of The Project, brings streetwear and urban wear elements to traditional Middle Eastern clothing. Sayuri Kurotsu of Shirotsu comments, “The capsule collection Face Value by SHIROTSU is a critical investigation into the apparent worth of people and their possessions.”
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Photo: Courtesy of Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation
The Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) has announced a special collaboration with the house of Dolce & Gabbana with the aim of empowering young Emirati designers and celebrating local heritage through design.
Her Excellency Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, founder of ADMAF and the Abu Dhabi festival commented that “this new award will provide our nation’s youth with the invaluable opportunity to learn about the craftsmanship of couture and design, enhance their skills, realize their dreams and present their creative talent not only in Abu Dhabi but in the international arena.”
Photo: Courtesy of Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation
Open to current and recently graduated university students, the new ADMAF x Dolce & Gabbana award will cover several design categories – clothing, jewelry, fragrance, and even home decor. Finalists will gain the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to intern at the Dolce & Gabbana headquarters in Italy before showcasing their designs at the next Abu Dhabi festival in 2024.
The Abu Dhabi festival under the patronage of HH Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohamed Al Nahyan is dedicated to uplifting the nation’s creative economy by highlighting some of the greatest works of music and art in the UAE and beyond. As one of the first cultural foundations in the Gulf ADMAF shares this vision, supporting creatives all across the region and promoting Abu Dhabi as a cultural beacon is one of the core missions of the foundation.
Photo: Courtesy of Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation
Alkhamis-Kanoo believes that “together with Dolce & Gabbana, we witness another milestone in both our efforts to drive innovation and creation, advance progressive thinking, and empower the youth. Both ADMAF and Dolce & Gabbana believe in the strong will for evolution—the will to create impact and inspire this generation and many more to come with knowledge, enlightenment, and creative ambition.” 
Since the early days of their careers, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have been avid patrons for young creatives in the industry. From carving up space in their boutiques for young designers to supporting the creation of collections by emerging talents such as Sohee Park, Matty Bovan, and Tomo Koizumi in recent years the pair have always been dedicated to supporting the next generation. 
Read Next: Azza Fahmy and Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council to Nurture New Generation of Emirati Designers