In the heart of Abu Dhabi, Italian luxury house Prada hosted an exclusive gathering at the UAE capital’s MiZa neighborhood to celebrate the 11th edition of Prada Mode. The traveling social club, co-curated by American multidisciplinary artist Theaster Gates and Dubai-based art advisor Myrna Ayad, featured thought-provoking talks, workshops, art installations, performances, and a VIP guest list that included the region’s coolest.
It was particularly refreshing to see such strong Arab, particularly, Palestinian representation at the event. In attendance was Palestinian-Algerian crooner Saint Levant, Palestinian artist Zeyne, Egyptian hitmaker Bayou, Algerian model and boxer Younes Bendjima, Syrian swimmer Yusra Mardini, Libyan-American journalist Noor Tagouri, Tunisian fashion commentator Osama Chabbi, and the queen of making everything from scratch, Nara Smith, among many others.
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Prada has been seriously upping its game when it comes to bringing diverse creatives into the mix, and a lot of that progress comes thanks to Gates. As the head of Prada Group’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council, the Chicago-born artist has been a major force in pushing the brand to be more inclusive. His influence shone through at the 11th edition of Prada Mode in Abu Dhabi, where the lineup featured a diverse array of talents, showcasing the inclusive spirit of Prada that Gates has helped cultivate within the brand.
Guests navigated the dimly lit, stylish space, choosing from an array of signature cocktails on offer, while intermittent camera flashes briefly illuminated the room like quick flashes of lightning. Meanwhile, amid brief conversations with friends, attendees were treated to a musical program co-curated by Gates and NTS, a radio platform founded by Femi Adeyemi, which included a live set by Saudi DJ Nooriyah, offering a break from the breezy temperatures outside.
Opening to the public from Feb. 13 and 14, attendees can expect to experience more than just a simple space to catch a vibe. For Prada Mode’s Abu Dhabi debut, Gates created two distinct experiences, both in tone and sound—one housed within a circle, dedicated to performances that demand silence and attentive listening from the audience, and a square, which serves as a more relaxed environment, conducive to conversations and casual chatter. Register here.
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