Emirati designers uncover plans after winning ADMAF x Dolce & Gabbana design award 

The duo is set to embark on a six-month paid internship at the Italian luxury label’s headquarters in Milan, culminating in a showcase of their final products at the Abu Dhabi Festival in 2025 

DUBAI: Emirati designers Sarah Al-Mansoori and Azza Al-Tawila have plans for their prospectives in fashion and jewellery after winning the ADMAF x Dolce & Gabbana Design Award 2024. 

Sarah Al-Mansoori claimed the inaugural prize in the jewellery creations category, while Azza Al-Tawila secured the top spot in the fashion category. The award is a partnership between the Abu Dhabi Music and Art Foundation and the luxury fashion brand. 

The duo is set to embark on a six-month paid internship at the Italian luxury label’s headquarters in Milan, culminating in a showcase of their final products at the Abu Dhabi Festival in 2025. Both winners will refine their work through the internship. For Al-Mansoori, this opportunity marks the start of an exciting journey. “Each day, I’ll be surrounded by industry professionals who will help me grow my skills. I’m excited to be in the heart of the fashion world, where creativity and innovation are everywhere,” she informs media persons. “I see myself not only improving my technical abilities but also making valuable connections in the fashion and jewellery production industry.” 

Al-Tawila echoed this sentiment, expressing her anticipation of the influence this opportunity will have on her future designs. “Having such an opportunity to work with industry professionals at Dolce & Gabbana will heavily influence my ambitions, propelling me to a higher level of design for the future of fashion design,” she said. She looks forward to experiencing the fashion house’s work culture and learning new techniques. “Exploring and expanding my creativity in a unique environment that is culturally and artistically varied from my own fuels my curiosity towards innovative garment production and how to utilise my experience to actualize contemporary, forward-thinking design,” she explained. 

During her time in Milan, Al-Mansoori aims to learn about micro-mosaics, a technique using small glass mosaic pieces to create intricate images, and filigree work, involving intricate metalwork. “I plan to integrate these techniques into my own design process, adding intricate details and a touch of luxury to my creations,” she said. 

Al-Tawila, whose work is deeply influenced by Emirati heritage, sees the internship as a chance to hybridize her culture with new experiences. “Emirati garments have always inspired and motivated me to develop a unique sense of fashion aesthetics and my overall attitude towards design,” she said. “Hybridizing my own culture with the experience gained during the internship will create a distinct reconstruction of what Emirati identity could transform into.” 

Al-Mansoori is inspired to create jewellery pieces that celebrate Emirati heritage. “Pearls will be a central theme, symbolizing elegance and grace,” she said. “I also want to incorporate elements of Al-Sadu, a traditional Emirati craft known for its vibrant colours and intricate patterns. My goal is to blend tradition with modernity, creating pieces that tell a story of Emirati culture while appealing to contemporary tastes.” 

Retail Jeweller ME News