Gulf News The Kurator Hyeres Festival Christian Louboutin
French shoemaker Christian Louboutin Image Credit: Supplied

The 36th edition of the Hyeres Festival will take place this week at the Villa Noailles, nestled on the hills of the magical city of Hyeres in the South of France overlooking the sea.

Gulf News The Kurator Hyeres Festival Mateo Velasquez
A creation by the Columbian designer Mateo Velasquez, finalist for Hyeres 2021 Image Credit: Supplied

Each year, hundreds of designers from different countries compete at the festival, creating Hyeres Festival's unique creative diversity. Only ten designers made it to the finals this year including Mateo Velasquez from Colombia and Mengche Chiang from Taiwan.

Gulf News The Kurator Hyeres Festival Adeline Rappaz
A creation by the Swiss designer Adeline Rappaz, finalist for Hyeres 2021 Image Credit: Supplied

European designers are also present among the winners such as Adeline Rappaaz from Switzerland or Elina Silina from Latvia. In past editions prestigious prizes were awarded to Christopher Rumph in 2019 and to Tom Van Der Borght last year, who will be part of the jury of this year’s edition.

Gulf News The Kurator Fashion Showroom
The fashion showroom at the Villa Noailles Image Credit: Supplied

Various Fashion prizes will be awarded, such as the Grand Premiere Vision Prize, and Chanel Métiers d'Arts, worth 20000 euros each. In addition to that, designers will be competing for the famous Chloe Prize, as they are requested to design a silhouette inspired by the famous French brand, currently represented by Gabriela Hearst, which promotes the codes of the house in a more eco-responsible design.

An approach to sustainability is also part of the Hyeres Festival, thanks to the Mercedes-Benz Awards. Savoir-faire is also honoured through 19M Chanel Prize, a partner of the festival. The prize will be awarded to the best collaboration between designers and art & crafts. The renowned French shoe designer Christian Louboutin will be president of the fashion accessories jury and will award the Fashion Accessory Prize, to leather goods and jewellery designers.

Gulf News The Kurator Hyeres Festival Photography Dominique Issermann Karl Lagerfeld
Portrait of Dominique Issermann by Karl Lagerfeld Image Credit: Supplied

On the other hand, ten international photographers are the finalists to compete for the Photography Prize; a prize which Guanya Chu won last year. In this category, Dominique Issermann will preside the jury and award the prizes to the winners. Known for his famous monochrome Fashion and Cinema portraits, the photographer has worked for famous houses like Chanel, a loyal partner of the Hyeres Festival.