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In a creative world that is facing a culture of excess, owing in no small part to the role of AI, Prada takes it upon itself to revisit the minimal and elegant austerity of handcrafted luxury in the latest edition of Prada Mode.
he social club finds its home in a different part of the world each year and in 2025, Prada Mode is making a return to the UAE, two years after its stint in Dubai, to the capital, Abu Dhabi. The honour falls to the MiZa neighbourhood in Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi. Hosted by Theaster Gates, renowned for his expertise in multiple disciplines, the event represents the latest in a trilogy of collaborations between the Italian fashion house and Gates.
While digital futurism sets the pace for today’s conversations, Gates’ intention with his concept for Prada Mode is a reminder that human hands built and carried our shared histories and cultural evolution – although it may seem easy to forget.
This duality of opposing ends of a spectrum is realised architecturally at Prada Mode Abu Dhabi; a cylindrical structure set within a square space, physically and conceptually divides the venue. The walls serve to separate two sonically differing environments: quiet acoustics aid conversation and introspection on the inside, while booming DJ sets dominate the senses outside.
Gates worked with Femi Adeyemi’s radio platform, NTS to curate the musical program for the event, while cultural strategist Myrna Ayad has created a cultural program that will spotlight Arab women and their role in shaping regional heritage and innovation. “I’m honoured 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,” notes Gates. Complementing the programming, Chef Salam Daqqaq’s menu traces the UAE’s diasporic influences, merging culinary traditions with contemporary flavours.
By juxtaposing analogue intimacy with communal energy, Prada Mode Abu Dhabi becomes both a sanctuary and a celebration, questioning what culture retains – and rejects – in the digital age.
The event opens as a private members’ club on February 11–12 before welcoming the public on February 13–14. Admission for the latter is complimentary, subject to availability. Register here to take part.
This article was originally published on icon.ink.
