Supported by AD, the open call for the 11th edition of the Van Cleef & Arpels Emergent Designer Prize in partnership with Tashkeel has been announced.
Inspired by Van Cleef & Arpels’ commitment to creative innovation, experimentation and renewal – philosophies that have guided the Parisian jewellery brand since it was founded in 1906 – the prize spotlights and nurtures talent across the GCC. This year marks the 11th edition of the competition, which has become a beacon for creativity throughout the Middle East.
Each year, emerging designers resident in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are invited to submit proposals for functional products that embody a particular theme, which changes from year to year. The open call welcomes visionary interpretations of the theme through product design, furniture, installations, functional objects and lighting designs. Sustainable proposals are strongly encouraged, including the sourcing of materials locally and ethically – these could be reused, recycled or created with a minimal carbon footprint.
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The competition culminates in an exhibition of the winning and runner-up designs. In addition, the winner and runner-ups attend L’ECOLE Middle East for a 5-day program in Dubai Design District. The winner also receives a commission to produce their proposed design, and a trip to L’ECOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, supported by Van Cleef & Arpels in Paris, where they develop their knowledge and skills with exclusive access to the Maison’s artisan expertise.
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Read on for more details about this year’s theme and how to sumbit entries for the 11th edition of the Van Cleef & Arpels Emergent Designer Prize.
The theme for the 11th edition of the Van Cleef & Arpels Emergent Designer Prize is Blooming Poetry – a tribute to the history of the Maison, which has counted poetic ideas and the many aspects of nature as core tenets since its inception. The brand’s jewellery celebrates the perpetual renewal of Flora and Fauna, alongside captivating stories of love, magic and adventure; all are translated by the extraordinary skills of its craftspeople, who are constantly finding new ways to bring dazzling jewels to life. With the announcement of this year’s theme, Van Cleef & Arpels hopes that aspiring designers will respond with similar innovations of their own. .
Designers are encouraged to explore how poetry can manifest through design – whether by capturing fleeting beauty, expressing cultural narratives, or evoking personal reflections. The proposal might echo the lyrical flow of calligraphy, the structured elegance of a sonnet, or the raw emotion of free verse. It could draw from the region’s rich poetic heritage, from classical Arabic poetry to contemporary expressions of life in the Gulf. The theme is open to interpretation; after all, an emotion, a rhythm, or a gesture suspended in time can be found in the gentle curve of a chair, the play of light through a sculptural form, or the harmony of materials brought together with intention.
The winner will receive AED 30,000 that must cover the entire materials and production of the work. An additional sum of AED 5,000 for shipping costs to and from Dubai will be provided, if necessary. Upon satisfactory manufacturing of the winning design, the work will be unveiled at a press conference, followed by an exhibition in Dubai. The designer behind the winning product will also receive a five-day trip to Paris to attend courses at L’ECOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, supported by Van Cleef & Arpels, an institute dedicated to sharing the culture and knowledge of the world of jewellery.
Also Read: Meet the winner of the Van Cleef & Arpels Emergent Designer Prize 2024 10th Edition, Abu Dhabi Designer Hajar Al Tenaiji
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The call is open to all artists and designers living in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Please note that submissions in the form of jewellery and/or watch design will not be accepted. Please read the guidance document carefully before submitting your proposal.
Deadline for submitting proposals for the 11th edition of the Van Cleef & Arpels Emergent Designer Prize is: 10pm (GMT+4), 25 May 2025
- Click here to find out more about the prize on Tashkeel’s website
- Please read the guidance document before submitting your proposal. AD takes no responsibility if any entry is disqualified for not adhering to the guidelines
- Click here to apply
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