Under the chairwomanship of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, the Design Commission Abu Dhabi (DCAD) is accelerating Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a global leader in next-generation sustainable luxury, cultural production, and design-led innovation—while laying the foundations for a future-ready creative economy in an AI-amplified world.
Central to this vision is positioning Abu Dhabi as a producer and owner of globally relevant design IP, pioneering UAE-origin materials and high-performance textile innovations, and cultivating a world-class talent pipeline through international residencies, advanced training, and sector-aligned capacity building. These efforts are further reinforced through high-impact cultural showcases and strategic global collaborations that elevate Abu Dhabi’s creative influence on the world stage.
In alignment with this strategy, Oscar de la Renta will unveil an exclusive caftan design developed in collaboration with the DCAD during its upcoming Abu Dhabi Preview of the Pre-Spring Collection. The debut marks a significant moment for the house as it deepens its presence in the region through culturally resonant, bespoke offerings that celebrate Emirati heritage through contemporary couture.
Rooted in the silhouette of the traditional Emirati thobe, the caftan pays tribute to Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural identity and its intricate floral landscape. Conceived as a limited, special-order design, the piece was crafted by the Oscar de la Renta atelier in porcelain flower–printed silk georgette, finished with an ivory silk georgette plumetis overlay and intricate three-dimensional thread-work floral appliqué. The result is a refined dialogue between couture craftsmanship and Emirati cultural references—where tradition and innovation converge.
The creative inspiration for the collaboration traces back to a 2025 visit to Abu Dhabi by Co-Creative Director Laura Kim. While touring the emirate, Kim drew inspiration from local art, architecture, ornamental floral stonework, and the Emirati thobe itself. This visual exchange between architecture, nature, heritage, and couture became the foundation for the caftan’s design, translating regional influence into the house’s signature romantic craftsmanship.
The exclusive caftan will be available by special order only during the Oscar de la Renta Pre-Spring Collection Preview at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, with appointments offered from January 13 through January 15, 2026.
