Abu Dhabi is set to host the Comité Colbert, a grouping of 84 French luxury houses and 16 cultural institutions, as its presents Flânerie Colbert Abu Dhabi, French Luxury in the 21st Century, a unique series of initiatives in multiple locations across the emirate that will explore 21st century French luxury as well as French culture and its burgeoning dialogue with Emirati culture.
Comité Colbert was started in 1954 by 15 prominent visionaries seeking to parlay French style into economic strength and international influence for France. Today, the Colbert membership of 84 French luxury houses and 16 cultural institutions works to create a business environment conducive to the collective and individual growth of French brands.
Taking place from November 12 to December 14, 2019, the series of special events, with the support of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), will take place at the House of Artisans at the Al Hosn site, at The Galleria Maryah Island, at the annual Abu Dhabi Art fair, and at Louvre Abu Dhabi, where the events will also echo the themes of the 10,000 Years of Luxury exhibition, which will be presented from October 30 until February 15, 2020 at the museum by the MAD, an associate member of the Comité Colbert.
The dedicated components of Flânerie Colbert Abu Dhabi will see the Louvre Abu Dhabi exhibition complemented by cross-cultural craft demonstrations, workshops and talks at House of Artisans from November 12 to 28, activations throughout The Galleria Al Maryah Island, which will highlight the combined creativity of teams of French luxury houses, from November 12 to December 14, and also talks on French luxury and contemporary art by speakers from prestigious French luxury houses and cultural institutions at Abu Dhabi Art, which will run on November 20 and 23.
“Flânerie Colbert Abu Dhabi represents the first time the combined French luxury brands have collaborated on such an endeavour, and as such this is a seminal moment for the emirate and for the region,” said HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi. “The building of cultural bridges is a fundamental aspect of DCT Abu Dhabi’s mandate, as we reflect the openness of wider Emirati society, and its enthusiasm for embracing other cultures, and for sharing Emirati culture with the world. In this respect, Flânerie Colbert will bring together artisan skills, contemporary creation and the very best of both Emirati and French cultures.”
“I am glad to give my patronage to the Flânerie Colbert Abu Dhabi, which celebrates the close relationship between France and the United Arab Emirates,” said the French Minister of Culture, Franck Riester. “The French luxury sector combines intangible heritage and creativity. The cultural
dialogue developed by the Comité Colbert through this series of events around excellence skills and Contemporary Art will definitely contribute to strengthen the bonds between our countries.”
