Dubai Ladies Club, a member of Dubai Women Establishment, today announced the official call for entries for the fourth annual Oriental Red Carpet Emerging Designer Contest 2011. 

Following the success of the inaugural launch of Oriental Red Carpet Fashion Show in 2008, the competition returns once again as a pioneering campaign aimed at promoting young emerging designers and advancing their careers through extensive media exposure and introductions to key local & international clientele.

Fatima Al Hammadi, Events Manager of Dubai Ladies Club commented: “Our objective in hosting and organizing this competition is to encourage young Emirati female entrepreneurs and designers to come forward and unveil their latest designs to an elite audience and clientele. We are confident that this year will bring to the foreground the works and talent of new and promising Emirati designers.” 

Aspiring designers are invited to rise to the challenge of conceiving ‘The Next Big Trend’ in Khaleeji fashion. The competition is divided into three categories – Abayas, Jalabiyas and Ready-to-Wear. Each category winner will be given a chance to debut their collection at the annual Oriental Red Carpet Fashion Show in September, 2011 at Dubai Ladies Club. 

During a high profile pre-selection event which will take place in August, an international Fashion Panel will choose the winners from 15-30 shortlisted finalists for a chance to present their looks at the Oriental Red Carpet Fashion Show 2011. The Fashion Panel will include influential members of the local and international fashion community including top fashion editors, fashion boutiques and international fashion houses. 

Once again, the competition, which is open to all UAE national ladies between 18 - 35 years, has raised the bar by establishing new and additional criteria for all participants to ensure the highest level of creativity and commitment. This year’s application process will comprise of a joining fees of AED 3000 which be utilised towards assisting each entrant in producing a world-class level fashion portfolio of six designer looks. This will entail a complimentary photography shoot with elite Dubai models and professional hair and make-up.

Fatima Al Hammadi added, “This is a fantastic opportunity for young emerging designers to showcase their creative skills, push boundaries and take fashion to another level. Since we hosted the first competition three years ago, interest has continued to grow with a record number of entries submitted for last year’s competition. In 2011, we look forward to impressing our audience by introducing new talented designers with a unique and innovative style that reflects the mix of Modern and Oriental designs.” 

With each year, the competition has continued to grow by offering spectacular and exclusive prizes to the winning designers. In 2009, Dubai Ladies Club also organised an exclusive fashion extravaganza trip to Paris for the three winning designer for an all-expense-paid excursion to Paris’s fashion attractions. The agenda included visits to fashion emporiums & museums as well as special behind-the-scene visit and exclusive tour of Louis Vuitton’s historical workshops and its Espace Culturel. 

The Oriental Red Carpet Fashion Show has been a launch pad for a number of distinguished local fashion designers such as Hessa Al Falasi, Hanadi Badu, Moza Al Mazrou, Halima Al Sayegh, Mariam Al Mazrou, Fatima Al Hashimi, Athija Al Mazroui, Reem Beljafla, Fatima Al Qassimi and Fatima Al Tunaiji, who have gone on to accomplish even greater things.

Previous winner of the ready-to-wear category, Mariam Al Mazro, who sells stylish designs under her own label, Mimi Fashion Designs, was highlighted in the latest Ahlan! Hot 100 list which recognises outstanding people in the UAE.     

The Deadline for entries is Saturday, 30 July, 2011. Category winners will be announced mid-August who will then move on to showcase their collection at the Oriental Red Carpet Fashion Show on in September 2011 at Dubai Ladies Club.

How to apply: 

1. Call Dubai Ladies Club on 04 349 9922  OR  send an email on eventsteam@dubailadiesclub.com to request an application.

2. Fill out an application form which includes: 

 - completed and signed application 

 - short explanation of your collection idea for the show 

 - portfolio of four sketches of your intended collection for our show and four images of your previous works 

 - Joining Fee: AED 3000

3. Submit your completed application package to Dubai Ladies Club in Jumeirah 2.