Prada Mode Chose Abu Dhabi as the Location For Its 11th Edition

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On Feb. 11–12, Italian luxury label Prada will unveil the latest edition of its renowned Prada Mode series in Abu Dhabi. Marking its 11th iteration since the concept’s inception in 2018, the event will bring art, music, food, and entertainment all together in one place— at the MiZa neighborhood in Mina Zayed— for an immersive sensory experience.

The forthcoming event will be held in collaboration with American artist and professor Theaster Gates, who is known for his impressive architectural projects, and promises a return to “the minimal and analogue amidst the contemporary cultural dominance of technology and AI.”

Gates designed the pop-up for the 11th edition, which includes a split room, with a cylindrical structure in the middle of the space that will serve as the focal point of the event. Visitors can expect eery acoustic music sets inside the cylinder, while outside, a more energetic soundtrack will be played, with live performances and DJ sets creating a dynamic contrast between both sides.

“This space is a reflection on the spiritual possibilities of quietude, the power of gathering, the contiguity between the aesthetic of the past and their relevance for the future, and reverence for Arab women,” Gates expressed in a recently-shared press release. “As we increasingly exist in a world where computer-generated possibilities govern our reality, my concept for Prada Mode Abu Dhabi is an homage to our interiority, the human hand, and our spiritual contributions to the rich cultural histories of this region. I’m honored to host Prada Mode Abu Dhabi, deepening my relationship with Prada as a cultural institution invested in global dialogue and creative excellence, and celebrating the artistic traditions and futures of Abu Dhabi,” he added.

Prada Mode Series in Dubai in 2022
Prada Mode in Dubai in 2022 / Courtesy of Prada

The sound selection, in the two zones, will be curated by Gates himself along with NTS Radio founder Femi Adeyemi. Meanwhile, the cultural programming will be arranged by Dubai-based art advisor Myrna Ayad, who will place the onus on both local and regional talent, with a line-up featuring a slew of activities from thought-provoking conversations, talks, and performances designed to uplift “the multivalent expressions, traditions, intelligence, creativity, and contributions of Arab women.” On the catering front, renowned Palestinian chef Salam daqqaq will be creating a menu that highlights the diversity of Abu Dhabi’s culinary scene, with dishes from across the UAE and its many different communities.

For the first two days, the event will operate as a members-only club, before opening to the public on Feb. 13-14, with admission on availability.

It’s not the first time Prada Mode chooses the UAE for the location of the maison’s traveling social club. In 2022, Prada Mode hosted its first UAE iteration in Dubai, in collaboration with Damien Hirst. The gathering has also previously been held in major cities like New York, Hong Kong, and Seoul, among others.

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