Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), and Member of The Executive Council of Dubai, recently inaugurated the first permanent campus of ‘L’ÉCOLE Middle East.’ This momentous event unfolded in a strategic partnership with Dubai Design District (d3). The occasion marks a significant leap forward for L’ÉCOLE, a prestigious school of jewelry arts that has now expanded its reach into the vibrant heart of Dubai.
The opening of this new campus signifies not only a physical expansion but also a symbolic commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and cultural diversity in the region. Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said, “Dubai offers an environment that fosters business enterprise and creativity and provides opportunities to exchange expertise in various creative fields. The establishment of L‘ÉCOLE’s first headquarters in the Middle East in Dubai underscores the city’s pivotal role in the creative industries and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation.”
L’ÉCOLE Middle East’s mission goes beyond providing education; it is a platform for introducing the public to the rich culture of jewelry arts. By offering a range of courses and training programs, L’ÉCOLE aims to expand the creative horizons of artisans and designers while promoting a knowledge-based and innovative-driven economy. The school’s collaboration with Dubai reflects a shared vision of advancing the creative industries and strengthening the region’s position as a global hub for design and craftsmanship.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of key figures from Dubai Culture, Dubai Design District (d3), as well as distinguished personalities from the world of jewelry arts. Among them were Nicolas Bos, Global President & CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels; Lise MacDonald, Global President of L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts; Alessandro Maffi, President of Van Cleef & Arpels Middle East & India; and Sophie Claudel, Director of L’ÉCOLE Middle East.
As part of its launch, L’ÉCOLE Middle East introduced 13 public courses and unveiled its inaugural regional exhibition titled ‘Gold and Treasures: 3000 Years of Chinese Ornaments.’ This exhibition, running from 26 April to 10 August, showcases a curated selection of 100 masterpieces from the esteemed Mengdiexuan Collection, highlighting millennia of goldsmithing excellence in China. Complementing these artifacts are pieces from the L’ÉCOLE collection, demonstrating the natural beauty and versatility of gold.
The courses offered at L’ÉCOLE Middle East delve into the art, history, and intricacies of jewelry design, providing a unique learning experience under the guidance of expert instructors and industry professionals. Notably, the school’s commitment to social responsibility is evident through its pledge to donate 100% of the proceeds from public courses and talks to Dubai Cares, an organization dedicated to improving education access in developing countries.
Situated within the Dubai Design District, the new L’ÉCOLE campus, designed by Constance Guisset, reflects the school’s core values of craftsmanship, heritage, and creativity. The campus design, structured around three foundational pillars – Art History of Jewelry, The World of Gemstones, and –Savoir-Faire offers a comprehensive and immersive learning environment. This design ethos aligns seamlessly with L’ÉCOLE’s educational approach, ensuring students gain a deep understanding and appreciation of the artistry behind jewelry arts.
The inauguration of L’ÉCOLE Middle East’s permanent campus in Dubai heralds a new chapter in the region’s journey towards artistic excellence and cultural enrichment. It serves as a testament to the city’s commitment to nurturing creativity, fostering innovation, and promoting global collaboration in the realms of design and craftsmanship. As L’ÉCOLE continues to inspire and educate, it paves the way for a brighter, more vibrant future for the jewelry arts industry in the Middle East and beyond.
Images courtesy: L’ÉCOLE Middle East
