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DCAD Fashion Residency Program

DCAD Fashion Residency Program, a forward-thinking initiative aimed at promoting design excellence and innovation within the fashion and design industry. Rooted in Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural heritage, the DCAD Fashion Residency – hosted at Abu Dhabi University (ADU) – is dedicated to empowering emerging women designers by offering them global exposure, promoting sustainable design practices, and facilitating collaborations between international and local talent. Through a structured curriculum, world-class mentorship, and cultural exchange opportunities, this residency aims to establish Abu Dhabi as a prominent hub for contemporary fashion. DCAD Fashion Residency Program's mission is to promote design excellence and innovation while preserving the cultural identity of Abu Dhabi. By fostering a global dialogue in fashion and design, the program empowers women designers to address both local and international design challenges.  Strategic partnerships with Oscar de la Renta and Gushcloud International are central to the residency, ensuring access to cutting-edge industry insights, international exposure, and collaborative opportunities for all participants.

Our Partners

About DCAD 

Under the chairwomanship of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa Bint Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the Design Council Abu Dhabi (DCAD) is dedicated to cultivating a vibrant fashion and design culture in Abu Dhabi by empowering emerging designers and fostering innovation. DCAD, is dedicated to contributing to Abu Dhabi’s creative economy through fostering cross cultural dialogue in fashion and design. 

DCAD's Mission 

Our mission is to promote a dynamic design culture within the UAE, support creative collaboration, and encourage sustainable and socially responsible design practices. Through cultural exchanges and global dialogue, we provide a platform for local talent to showcase their work, drive innovative solutions, and gain international exposure.

Advisory Committee Board

H.H. Sheikha Shamsa Bint Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan

Chairwoman of the Board 
Nadine Maalouf

Vice Chairwoman of the Board 

Rana Kuzayli El Khoury
Undersecretary of the Board 
Asma Al Fahim

Advisory Committee  Member of the Board 

Rym Al Falasy

Advisory Committee  Member of the Board 
Rima Al Mokarrab

Advisory Committee  Member of the Board 

Meera Al Suwaidi

Advisory Committee  Member of the Board 

Economic Development

By fostering a dynamic fashion and design community, DCAD contributes to the economic diversification of Abu Dhabi, attracting investments and tourism related to the creative economy.

Cultural Preservation and Innovation

We encourage contemporary designs that honour cultural heritage, playing a vital role in preserving traditional crafts while promoting innovation in fashion and design.

Education and Skill Development

Through strategic partnerships, DCAD enhances the skills of emerging designers, preparing them to meet the evolving demands of the fashion and design industry.

Global Recognition

By positioning Abu Dhabi as a hub for fashion and design excellence, we elevate the city's profile on the global stage, drawing international designers and events to the region.

DCAD's Goals

The Design Council Abu Dhabi (DCAD) is committed to driving meaningful impact in the design ecosystem through several key goals:

About
Oscar de la Renta

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Oscar de la Renta is one of the world’s leading luxury good firms. The New York-based company was established in 1965, and encompasses a full line of women’s accessories, bridal, childrenswear, fragrance and home goods, in addition to its internationally renowned women’s ready-to-wear collection.

For further information about Oscar de la Renta: www.oscardelarenta.com.

Gushcloud
International

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Gushcloud International is a global creator and IP management and licensing company powered by AI. It connects audiences and brands to influencers and content creators through representation and management, brand strategy, marketing and activation services, media production, sales and distribution, licensing and co-creating significant IPs in the content, media and event spaces.

 

The company has three units: Talent & Brand Agency, IPs & Studios Unit, and Commerce Unit. With over 300 employees, Gushcloud International operates in 12 offices globally including Australia, Greater China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, and Vietnam.

About
Laura Kim

Photo By Andres Linares

Laura Kim, born in Seoul, Korea, began developing her sewing skills as a child under her grandmother's guidance. She later moved to New York to study fashion design at Pratt Institute, where she excelled and secured an internship at Oscar de la Renta. Kim’s impressive work and critical eye led to a permanent position upon graduation. As Design Director, she worked closely with Mr. de la Renta, overseeing collection development and managing the studio responsible for fabric design, ready-to-wear, knitwear, and accessories. In 2015, Laura and design partner Fernando Garcia left Oscar de la Renta to co-found Monse. They returned to the brand as Creative Directors, debuting their Fall 2017 collection in February 2017. Today, Laura Kim is widely recognized as a leading talent in the fashion industry, highly regarded for her design aesthetic and inimitable talent.

Photo By: Andres Linares

About DCAD 

Under the chairwomanship of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa Bint Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the Design Council Abu Dhabi (DCAD) is dedicated to cultivating a vibrant fashion and design culture in Abu Dhabi by empowering emerging designers and fostering innovation. DCAD, Design Council Abu Dhabi is dedicated to contributing to Abu Dhabi’s creative economy through fostering cross cultural dialogue in fashion and design. 

DCAD's Mission 

Our mission is to promote a dynamic design culture within the UAE, support creative collaboration, and encourage sustainable and socially responsible design practices. Through cultural exchanges and global dialogue, we provide a platform for local talent to showcase their work, drive innovative solutions, and gain international exposure.

Advisory Committee Board

H.H. Sheikha Shamsa Bint Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan

Chairwoman of the Board 
Nadine Maalouf

Vice Chairwoman of the Board 

Rana Kuzayli El Khoury
Undersecretary of the Board 
Asma Al Fahim

Advisory Committee  Member of the Board 

Rym Al Falasy

Advisory Committee  Member of the Board 
Rima Al Mokarrab

Advisory Committee  Member of the Board 

Meera Al Suwaidi

Advisory Committee  Member of the Board 

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