L’École Festival to Launch at Dubai Design District in February

This February, L’École, School of Jewelry Arts, is unveiling its inaugural L’École Festival at Dubai Design District (d3). Scheduled for February 14th and 15th, the festival invites families, students, and jewelry enthusiasts to delve into the world of jewelry arts through interactive activities, expert talks, and hands-on workshops.

Founded in Paris in 2012 with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels, L’École expanded to the Middle East in 2024, establishing a campus at Dubai Design District. “Since joining our global creative community, L’École has been at the forefront of hosting engaging exhibitions and events such as this upcoming festival,” Khadija Al Bastaki, senior vice president of Dubai Design District, tells Scene Styled. “These events invite individuals to immerse in the legacy of jewelry craftsmanship and emphasize the complexity of design within and beyond the creative industries.”

L’École offers a deep dive into jewelry culture, with courses spanning three key areas: jewelry art history, gemology, and jewelry-making techniques. Classes, led by art historians, gemologists, jewelers, and artisans, are tailored to all levels of interest—whether for beginners, collectors, or enthusiasts—with no prerequisites required.

“The L’École Festival is a celebration of everything we stand for at L’École—sharing knowledge, inspiring creativity, and building community,” says Sophie Claudel, director of L’École Middle East. The event promises hands-on workshops designed especially for children, in-depth discussions with jewelry experts, and a unique outdoor cinema experience in collaboration with Cinema Akil, highlighting jewelry’s pivotal role in film. A dedicated gallery will also showcase L’École’s collaborations with organizations such as Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, UAE French Embassy, Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, and others.