Van Cleef & Arpels, in collaboration with Tashkeel, is pleased to announce the winners of the 11th edition of the Emergent Designer Prize: Joud Malhas and Rachel Antoun.
Van Cleef & Arpels Middle East Emergent Designer Prize continues its mission to nurture and support creative talent across the region. In partnership with Tashkeel, the annual initiative invites designers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait to propose functional works that interpret a set theme through materiality, form and innovation. This year’s theme, Blooming Poetry, called for bold, thoughtful designs, rooted in local culture, sustainability and storytelling.
As part of the award, the winning designers will participate in week-long courses on the Dubai campus of L’ÉCOLE, the School of Jewelry Arts, supported by Van Cleef & Arpels. This is followed by a five-day immersive L’ÉCOLE experience on the Paris campus at the Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau, along with visits to partner museums in the city.
For the 11th edition of the Prize, Malhas and Antoun’s winning concept, Where There Is Uns, captivated the jury with its thoughtful narrative and sensory impact. A light installation inspired by Gulf traditions, Where There Is Uns reimagines the Bedouin practice of lighting fires to welcome travelers with warmth, shelter, and guidance. The piece draws inspiration from the country’s multicultural fabric and incorporates contemporary design techniques and sustainable materials.
Joud Malhas, a Jordanian designer based in Dubai, brings an interdisciplinary background in spatial strategy and experience design. Her work focuses on creating environments that foster community and adaptability. Rachel Antoun, a Lebanese interior architect specialized in new materials design, approaches pieces with a deep sensitivity to material expression and cultural context, often exploring the intersection of form, memory, and public life.
The winning piece will be unveiled on June 3rd at L’ECOLE, School of Jewelry Arts as part of a dedicated public exhibition until July 31st, 2026.