Cultivating talent across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait, the Van Cleef & Arpels Middle East Emergent Designer Prize, in partnership with Tashkeel, aims to encourage and support designers to bring their creative ideas to reality. Each year, emerging designers are invited to submit proposals for functional products that embody a particular theme, which can be interpreted through materials, forms, functions, and techniques. Designers are strongly encouraged to utilize innovative approaches using locally sourced materials. The designer behind the winning product receives a five-day trip to Paris to attend courses at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, an institute founded by Van Cleef & Arpels and dedicated to sharing the culture and knowledge of the world of jewelry.

10th anniversary of the Middle East Emergent Designer Prize marks a significant milestone in celebrating and nurturing regional talent. With Van Cleef & Arpels’ continued involvement, this partnership with Tashkeel has grown into a prestigious platform for emerging designers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait, encouraging them to bring their creative visions to life. This decade-long collaboration underscores a shared commitment to innovation and cultural heritage, fostering a new generation of designers who embody these values. By providing access to global expertise and supporting local talent,Van Cleef & Arpels and Tashkeel are not only enhancing the region’s design landscape but also contributing to a broader dialogue on creativity and craftsmanship.

This year’s theme was Inspiring Winds. In literature, wind heralds coming change, often enabling us to embark on journeys of growth and renewal. Ranging from charming light breezes to imposing hurricanes and tornadoes, wind possesses specific resonance in desert lands where languages and dialects have numerous terms for the myriad movements of air across both sea and sand. From naseem and harmattan to khamsin, simoom and shamal, these currents of air form part of the cultural heritage of communities who are rooted as much on the waves as they are on the dunes.

WINNING DESIGNS

‘Dhow Kite’ by Hajer Al Tenaiji

Wind is the lifeblood of sailing, and for centuries, pearl divers have relied on its invisible hand to guide them towards their precious bounty, which helped them in earning their living. In the United Arab Emirates there is a long tradition of sailing Dhows. This heritage sport traces its origin to when dhows were used in pearl diving, fishing and transporting goods. Through this Dhow Kite design, culture is connected with the spirit of wind and serves as a symbol of positivity and potential.

Karam Hoar, Marketing & Communications Manager of Tashkeel, said: “Now in its 10th edition, the Middle East Emergent Designer Prize has developed a formidable reputation for identifying and nurturing rising talents who are poised to play a prominent role in the region’s dynamic design scene. This year, we were incredibly impressed by the quality and creativity of the submissions. After a great deal of deliberation and discussion, the jury selected Hajer Al Tenaiji for her beautiful design that thoughtfully blends the traditions of the region with the natural elements that inspire her work. We are thrilled to see how these designers will continue to contribute to the evolution of Middle Eastern design.”

‘Breezeborn’ Console by Lamies Yayha

Crafted with the whispering essence of wind-sculpted landscapes, the Breezeborn Console embodies the timeless beauty of erosion’s gentle touch. Featuring softly curved edges and textured surfaces that echo the sands’ intricate patterns, this minimalist masterpiece invites to tranquility and connection to the earth. Each piece is crafted from reclaimed wood, ensuring a harmonious and natural design.

‘No Beginning” Chandelier by Khaled Al Kathir

Inspired by the concept of using wind to make a sculpture with soft and malleable materials, the “No Beginning” chandelier conveys a sense of movement and life with natural world. Hand sculpted, the design depicts the effect of the wind on shaping the stone - made from recycled cork and sand - whose unique earth tones suggest it was cut from the surrounding mountains. Ultimately, a sense of freedom can be found in the organic design, allowing one to feel an appreciation for the random beauty found in nature.