SINGAPORE: Global creator and IP management and licensing company Gushcloud International has announced the launch of the first-ever Design Council Abu Dhabi (DCAD) Fashion and Design Residency Programme on Thursday (Nov 28).

In partnership with global luxury brand Oscar de la Renta and the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) – Abu Dhabi, the initiative aims to bring together key figures from the Middle East, USA, and Singapore to train, mentor, and offer global opportunities to fashion designers based in the UAE. 

Notably, Singapore Fashion Council (SFC) advisor SeMun Ho will serve as the residency programme’s curriculum director. SFC is the official trade association for Singapore’s fashion industry.

Chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa Bint Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the initiative aims to promote innovation and design excellence in the UAE’s fashion industry, offering exclusive opportunities for talented female designers.

The DCAD works to promote the UAE’s design culture, encourage creative collaboration, and champion sustainable and socially responsible design practices. Its governance includes Undersecretary Rana Kuzayli El Khoury, Vice Chairwoman Nadine Maalouf, and advisory committee members Rym Al Falasy, Asma Al Fahim, Meera Al Suwaidi, and Rima Al Mokarrab.

The DCAD Fashion and Design Residency, hosted at Abu Dhabi University, empowers emerging women designers by giving them global exposure, promoting sustainable design practices, and encouraging collaboration between local and international talent. It aims to establish Abu Dhabi as a hub for contemporary fashion through a structured curriculum and mentorship.

The programme focuses on design excellence, innovation, and cultural preservation, with strategic partnerships offering industry insights and international exposure. Strategic partnerships with Abu Dhabi University and Gushcloud provide participants with access to industry insights, international exposure, and collaborative opportunities.

Upon residency completion, participants will present their collections, with the top three earning a three-month internship with Oscar de la Renta in New York, starting January 2026.

The programme also features a trunk show in January, showcasing Oscar de la Renta alongside local fashion houses. A final exhibition will ...