Two Turkish sisters have made artistic history by becoming the first fashion designers to win the Jameel Prize.
Ece and Ayse Ege, who founded their brand Dice Kayek in 1992, were awarded the £25,000-pound prize (Dh150,900) on Tuesday night at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Their creations, structured dresses of lamé brocade and cotton, take influence from the robes of Ottoman rulers and the Islamic architecture in mosques.
Martin Roth, the V&A’s director, who led the prize’s jury of judges, said the museum’s team were “struck by the way that Dice Kayek’s work uses Islamic inspiration in a completely secular context, taking it into a new world – that of contemporary fashion”.
Also on the panel, was the prominent architect Thomas Heatherwick, who assess how the artists and designers examine Middle Eastern art, craft and design through a contemporary filter. The jury also included the 2011 winner, Rachid Koraichi.
The Ege sisters, who are based in Paris, will also be given the chance to appear on the judging panel of the forthcoming Jameel Prize in 2015.
• An exhibition showcasing the work of the 10 shortlisted artists runs at the V&A until April 21
aseaman@thenational.ae
