Lifestyle

A Brief History of Balenciaga

Balenciaga, one of the most influential fashion houses in the world, was founded by Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga in 1919 in San Sebastián, Spain. Known for his impeccable craftsmanship, innovative designs, and architectural silhouettes, Balenciaga revolutionized the fashion industry and left an indelible mark on haute couture. A Brief History of Balenciaga is always welcomed.

Early Years and Rise to Fame: Cristóbal Balenciaga was born in 1895 in Getaria, Spain. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in fashion, which led him to apprentice under a local tailor. By the time he opened his first boutique in 1919, Balenciaga had already established a reputation for excellence. His early designs were characterized by their precision, use of luxurious fabrics, and a deep understanding of the female form. His success in Spain led him to move to Paris in 1937, where he opened his now-famous fashion house on Avenue George V.

The Golden Age: The 1950s and 1960s are often considered the golden age of Balenciaga. During this period, Balenciaga introduced several iconic designs that redefined women’s fashion. His famous “sack dress” in 1957, with its loose, flowing silhouette, broke away from the cinched waists and hourglass figures that dominated the era. The “baby doll” dress, balloon hems, and cocoon coats were other revolutionary designs that showcased his ability to blend elegance with avant-garde elements.

Balenciaga’s influence extended beyond his designs; he was known as the “master of us all” by Christian Dior and was deeply respected by other contemporaries such as Coco Chanel and Hubert de Givenchy. His meticulous approach to design, often involving draping fabric directly on the mannequin rather than sketching, set him apart from his peers.

Challenges and Evolution: In 1968, Cristóbal Balenciaga retired from the fashion industry, closing his fashion house and leaving behind a legacy of innovation. His retirement marked the end of an era, and for many years, the Balenciaga brand lay dormant. However, in 1986, the brand was revived under new ownership, and various designers, including Michel Goma and Josephus Thimister, took the reins to modernize the label while preserving its rich heritage.

Modern Era: The brand saw a significant resurgence in the late 1990s and early 2000s under the creative direction of Nicolas Ghesquière. Ghesquière revitalized Balenciaga by blending the house’s historic designs with futuristic and edgy elements, making it one of the most sought-after brands among fashion-forward consumers. His work brought critical acclaim and commercial success, setting the stage for Balenciaga’s continued relevance in the 21st century.

In 2015, Demna Gvasalia took over as the creative director, bringing a new wave of innovation and controversy to the brand. Known for his deconstructionist approach and streetwear influences, Gvasalia has pushed Balenciaga into the spotlight with viral designs like the Triple S sneakers and oversized hoodies, while also maintaining the brand’s reputation for high fashion.

Legacy: Today, Balenciaga continues to be a leading force in the fashion industry, known for its boundary-pushing designs and ability to influence global fashion trends. From its origins in the early 20th century to its modern-day reinvention, Balenciaga’s history is a testament to the enduring power of creativity and innovation in fashion.

For more detailed information on Balenciaga’s history and its impact on the fashion industry, visit What’s Hot in UAE.

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Lifestyle

The Incredibly Rare Air Jordan 11 “Purple Rain” Made for Prince Is Up for Sale for $100,000

In the world of sneakers, there are rare pairs—and then there are one-of-one grails that redefine exclusivity. The Air Jordan 11 “Purple Rain”, a sneaker crafted exclusively for the legendary musician Prince, falls into the latter category. But in an unexpected twist, the shoes never made it into his hands before his passing in 2016. Now, they’ve surfaced for sale at a staggering $100,000.

Here’s what makes this Air Jordan 11 one of the most unique sneaker releases ever.

air jordan 11 prince purple 8 — Air Jordan 11 prince purple

1. A Sneaker Fit for Royalty: The Design & Tribute to Prince

Jordan Brand designed this one-of-a-kind sneaker as a tribute to Prince’s iconic style, music, and legacy. The details make it a truly special creation:

✅ Regal Purple Colorway – A deep purple hue dominates the shoe, honoring Prince’s signature look and his legendary album Purple Rain.

✅ Luxury Materials – The sneaker features plush velvet mudguards and a soft suede upper and tongue, adding to its premium feel.

✅ Metallic Silver Accents – The Jumpman logo at the ankle shines in metallic silver, adding a touch of elegance.

✅ Custom Insoles – Inside, the insoles feature:

“Jumpman” written in Prince’s iconic typeface

Imagery of falling rain, symbolizing his most famous song, Purple Rain

These details make this sneaker more than just footwear—it’s a piece of music and fashion history.

2. The Rarity: Why This Air Jordan 11 Is Truly One of One

Unlike other limited-edition collaborations, this isn’t a general release or a sample pair. It’s a sneaker that was:

🔹 Exclusively designed for Prince – Jordan Brand intended this pair specifically for him, but sadly, he passed before receiving them.

🔹 Only one pair exists in the world – Unlike other special releases that might have 10 or even 100 pairs, this Air Jordan 11 is a true one-of-one.

🔹 Priced at $100,000 – This makes it one of the most expensive Air Jordans ever listed for sale.

For sneaker collectors and Prince fans, owning this shoe is like owning a museum artifact.

3. The Market Impact: Will We See More Music x Sneaker Grails?

The release of the Purple Rain Air Jordan 11 brings up a bigger conversation—how music and sneakers continue to collide in exclusive ways.

🎤 Artists Have Defined Sneaker Culture – From Travis Scott’s collaborations with Jordan Brand to Drake’s OVO releases, hip-hop and music icons have shaped sneaker trends.

👟 One-of-One Sneakers Are the Future of Collecting – With NFTs, physical exclusivity, and auction-style releases, ultra-rare sneakers like this one will likely increase in demand.

💰 Will It Sell for $100,000? – The sneaker market has seen record-breaking sales before, including:

Kanye West’s Nike Air Yeezy 1 “Grammy” pair, which sold for $1.8 million

The 1985 Air Jordan 1 worn by Michael Jordan, which sold for $560,000

A six-figure sneaker isn’t unheard of, but whoever buys this pair isn’t just buying a sneaker—they’re buying a piece of Prince’s legacy.

BAPE and Crocs Drop Their First-Ever Collaboration

Final Thoughts: A Grail Unlike Any Other

The Air Jordan 11 “Purple Rain” is not just a sneaker—it’s a tribute to one of the greatest musicians of all time, blending basketball, fashion, and music history into one pair of shoes. With only one pair in existence, it’s a collector’s dream—but only for those with deep pockets.

Would you drop $100,000 for this piece of sneaker history?

Read more in our online magazine:
https://whatshotinuae.com

Lifestyle

BAPE and Crocs Drop Their First-Ever Collaboration

BAPE and Crocs new collab looks pretty dope

Streetwear meets comfort as A Bathing Ape (BAPE) and Crocs come together for an unexpected but highly anticipated collaboration. For the first time, the Japanese streetwear giant has teamed up with the undisputed king of foam footwear, delivering a three-pack of BAPE x Crocs Classic Clog designs that fuse bold camo aesthetics with Crocs’ signature comfort.

Set to launch globally on March 8, 2025, this collaboration is shaping up to be one of the most hyped sneaker-adjacent drops of the year.

A Classic Clog, Reimagined with BAPE DNA

The BAPE x Crocs collection is exactly what fans of both brands would expect—a vibrant collision of streetwear and laid-back utility.

👟 Signature ABC Camo Print: The collaboration showcases BAPE’s legendary camouflage pattern, splashed across three colorways:
✔ Classic Olive Camo – A timeless BAPE staple.
✔ Bright Blue Camo – A fresh, energetic option.
✔ Hot Pink Camo – A standout choice for those who want to make a statement.

🎨 Exclusive BAPE-Themed Jibbitz:
No Crocs collaboration is complete without custom Jibbitz charms, and this collection delivers:
✔ BAPE Ape Head
✔ Baby Milo
✔ Shark Face Design
✔ “Ape Shall Never Kill Ape” Slogan

🔗 Co-Branding Details:
The BAPE “R” logo appears on the strap fasteners, alongside dual branding on the footbeds, ensuring these clogs remain a collector’s item for streetwear fans.

Release Date and Where to Buy

📅 March 8, 2025 – Exclusive BAPE.com & BAPE Store Release
🌍 March 12, 2025 – Crocs.com & Global Retailers

The collection will be available in-store and online, with select BAPE locations and global retailers carrying the drop.

🛒 Price: Retail pricing has not yet been confirmed, but expect it to land in the premium tier due to its limited-edition status.

The Growing Influence of Crocs in Streetwear

Crocs has gone from a comfort-focused brand to a streetwear powerhouse, thanks to collaborations with names like Salehe Bembury, SZA, Post Malone, and Balenciaga. This BAPE crossover further solidifies the brand’s ability to tap into sneaker culture while maintaining its functional, laid-back identity.

With BAPE’s devoted following in Japan and worldwide, plus Crocs’ recent dominance in hype-driven footwear, this release is poised to be one of the biggest drops of the season.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Have for Hypebeasts & Comfort Seekers

The BAPE x Crocs Classic Clog is a fusion of nostalgia, streetwear history, and everyday comfort. Whether you’re a die-hard BAPE fan, a Crocs convert, or just someone who appreciates bold design, this collaboration is not one to miss.

🔥 Mark your calendars for March 8 & March 12, and be ready to cop!

The Incredibly Rare Air Jordan 11 “Purple Rain” Made for Prince Is Up for Sale for $100,000

Lifestyle

Tom Ford Debuts Its First-Ever Ramadan Collection, Exclusively in the GCC

Luxury fashion house Tom Ford has entered a new era by unveiling its first-ever Ramadan Collection, available exclusively in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. This milestone marks the brand’s deepening connection with its Middle Eastern clientele, offering a refined and elegant capsule collection tailored for the holy month.

While fashion lovers eagerly anticipate Haider Ackermann’s debut collection as Tom Ford’s new creative director at Paris Fashion Week, this Ramadan-exclusive drop proves that the brand continues to evolve, blending sophistication, cultural appreciation, and modern luxury.

A Collection Inspired by Dawn and Dusk

Taking inspiration from the serene transitions of early morning and sunset, Tom Ford’s Ramadan Collection is all about tranquility, warmth, and effortless style. The colour palette embodies sky blue and light sand, reflecting the calmness of pre-dawn suhoor gatherings and the golden glow of sunset iftar moments.

The collection is designed with both men and women in mind, offering elegant, versatile, and lightweight ensembles perfect for Ramadan’s spiritual and social settings.

Tom Ford's Ramadan Collection touches new areas of social fashion — Tom Ford’s Ramadan Collection touches new areas of social fashion

For Women: Timeless Elegance Meets Modern Luxury

The women’s collection is a perfect fusion of grace and minimalism, featuring:

👗 Sky Blue Kaftan & Matching Set – A flowing kaftan and a coordinated shirt and trousers set, ideal for suhoor and iftar gatherings.
🌾 Light Sand Maxi Shirt Dress – A modest yet statement-making piece, offering both refinement and comfort.
👚 Sand-Toned Coordinated Set – A relaxed yet sophisticated shirt and trousers combination.

To complement these outfits, Tom Ford’s Ramadan Collection includes a selection of luxurious accessories:
✨ Handbags in shimmering gold glitter leather, featuring the signature T-clasp closure.
👡 Gold lizard-textured shoes, available in both high heels and flats.

These versatile, statement pieces elevate any Ramadan wardrobe, embodying modest luxury with an effortless edge.

Tom Ford's Ramadan Collection is something fresh for the GCC — Tom Ford’s Ramadan Collection is something fresh for the GCC

For Men: Relaxed, Polished, and Ramadan-Ready

The men’s collection strikes a balance between casual sophistication and modern tailoring, featuring:

👕 Sky Blue Shirt & Shorts Set – A lightweight, breathable combination, perfect for warm Ramadan nights.
🧥 Bomber Jacket & Joggers in Chocolate & Camel – A relaxed yet polished set designed for both comfort and style.

To complete the look, men’s accessories include:
💳 Emerald green croc-stamped leather wallets & cardholders, adding a touch of bold elegance.
🥿 Dark wood sandals & deep aqua croc-stamped leather mules, bringing an understated yet fashion-forward finish to any Ramadan outfit.

With these refined essentials, Tom Ford ensures that every suhoor and iftar gathering is met with unparalleled style.

Where to Buy the Tom Ford Ramadan Collection

📍 Available Exclusively at: Tom Ford, The Dubai Mall
📅 Launch Date: February 7, 2025

As Tom Ford’s first official Ramadan collection, this limited-edition release cements the brand’s commitment to embracing cultural traditions with modern sophistication.

With timeless silhouettes, rich textures, and an emphasis on refined luxury, the Ramadan Collection is designed for those who appreciate elegance in every moment.