Continuing its longstanding commitment to nurturing talented and ambitious designers across the GCC, Van Cleef & Arpels in partnership with Tashkeel announces the 11th Edition of the Emergent Designer Prize with the theme “Blooming Poetry”.
 

For the 11th edition of the Prize, Van Cleef & Arpels and Tashkeel invite applicants to create a work of contemporary, functional design that responds to the theme. This open call welcomes visionary interpretations through products, furniture pieces, installations, functional objects, or lighting designs that translate the essence of poetry into tangible form.

Ever since the Maison’s founding in 1906, the many aspects of nature have been at the core of Van Cleef & Arpels’ design philosophy, inspiring innovation and allowing the craftsmen to continue exploring new ways to transmit their search for excellence. To celebrate the perpetual renewal of flora and fauna, the Maison calls on techniques that endow its pieces with an intense sparkle. 

The call is open to all artists and designers living in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. The designer behind the winning product receives a five-day trip to Paris to attend courses at L’ECOLE Van Cleef & Arpels, an institute dedicated to sharing the culture and knowledge of the world of jewellery.

The Van Cleef & Arpels Emergent Designer Prize encourages a sustainable approach to design proposals, including the sourcing of materials locally and ethically; whether reused, recycled or recreated with minimal carbon footprint. Please note that submissions in the form of jewellery and/or watch design will not be accepted. Entries will be judged by a panel of experts on the following criteria: Interpretation of theme; originality; concept development; functionality; use of materials, techniques; production feasibility; final design resolution and aesthetics; and overall quality of submission.