Lifestyle
Air Jordan 5 “Grape” Coming back in 2025
The Air Jordan 5 “Grape” is making its highly anticipated comeback in 2025. Once again, it will take center stage in the sneaker world. Originally released in 1990, this colorway quickly became one of the most iconic in the Air Jordan lineup. This is thanks to its bold design and unusual color palette. Fans of the original and new sneaker collectors alike are excited. They want to see the return of this unique shoe, which continues to be a cultural and fashion symbol decades after its debut.
The “Grape” colorway is known for its striking blend of colors. It has a clean, white leather upper accented by a purple midsole and teal hits on the tongue and lace locks. The shoe also features the Jordan 5’s signature details. For instance, there is a reflective 3M tongue, lace lock system, and shark tooth design on the midsole, inspired by World War II fighter jets. These unique elements set the Jordan 5 apart from other sneakers at the time. They contributed to its lasting popularity.
The 2025 re-release of the Air Jordan 5 “Grape” is expected to stay true to the original design. This pleases sneaker purists and Jordan fans who want to relive the magic of the ’90s. However, there may be some modern updates in materials and construction to enhance durability. Comfort will be improved while maintaining the retro aesthetic. The exact details on any changes remain under wraps, but anticipation is building. Sneaker enthusiasts prepare to grab a pair.
The Legacy of the Air Jordan 5
Designed by the legendary Tinker Hatfield, the Air Jordan 5 was first introduced in 1990. It was immediately praised for its bold design and technical innovations. Hatfield drew inspiration from the aggressive and sleek designs of fighter planes. This is why the shoe features the sharp, shark tooth graphic along the midsole. The Jordan 5 was also the first to introduce a clear rubber outsole. This provided better grip and traction on the basketball court. Other firsts include the lace locks and the reflective tongue, which became iconic features of the shoe.
The “Grape” colorway of the Jordan 5 broke the mold of typical color schemes. Most Jordan models leaned heavily on Chicago Bulls colors—red, black, and white. However, the Grape brought a fresh, more casual and stylish aesthetic with its mix of teal and purple. This made the Air Jordan 5 “Grape” not only a hit on the basketball court but also a lifestyle statement. It transcended the sport and moved into mainstream fashion and streetwear.
Why the Grape Colorway Stands Out
Since its debut, the Air Jordan 5 “Grape” has been retroed a few times. This includes a significant release in 2013 and a “Fresh Prince” edition in 2018. This version was a nod to the shoes being worn by Will Smith’s character on the iconic ’90s TV show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Each re-release has brought a wave of excitement. The upcoming 2025 edition is expected to be no different.
Sneaker fans are eager to see if Jordan Brand will include any special elements or packaging to mark this release. Despite the possible updates, what remains the same is the shoe’s enduring appeal. The bold colors and timeless design continue to capture the imagination of sneaker collectors and fashion-forward individuals.
Pricing and Availability
While official pricing has yet to be confirmed, it’s expected that the Air Jordan 5 “Grape” 2025 edition will fall in line with other recent retro Jordan releases. It is likely priced around AED 850. Given the shoe’s historical significance and its status as a cult favorite, demand will be incredibly high. Sneakerheads will want to be ready for quick sell-outs. This applies to both online and in stores.
The 2025 Air Jordan 5 “Grape” will likely be available through all major Jordan Brand retailers. This includes Nike’s SNKRS app, as well as select boutiques. To ensure you don’t miss out, stay tuned for more updates on the exact release date and pre-order options.
Final Thoughts
As one of the most beloved Air Jordans ever made, the return of the Air Jordan 5 “Grape” is set to be one of the biggest sneaker events of 2025. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the original or a newcomer to the world of sneaker culture, this release offers a chance to own a piece of history. Keep an eye on official announcements, and make sure you’re ready to cop this legendary shoe.
For more updates on upcoming sneaker releases, including the Air Jordan 5 “Grape”, be sure to visit What’s Hot in UAE.
People
Dwayne Johnson Explains the Story Behind His Iconic Black Turtleneck Photo
It’s one of the most iconic celebrity photos on the internet: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in a black turtleneck, gold chain, dad-level fanny pack, and a carefully posed expression that launched thousands of memes. The Rock turtleneck look has become a legendary meme template. But now, in a candid new reveal, Johnson has opened up about the moment that snapshot was taken—and the story behind the pose that became an online legend.
Taking to social media in a heartfelt video, Johnson discussed how the now-famous photo of him wearing “The Rock Turtleneck” came to be—and how it captures a defining moment in his early years.
🧍♂️ The Origin Story of the Photo
“Always grateful for the lessons, blood, sweat and grind. And fanny packs,” he captioned the post—a nod to his humble beginnings and some very 1990s fashion choices.
In the video, Johnson reminisced:
“Black turtleneck, fake Tag watch, fanny pack, tissue underneath the elbow ‘cause I didn’t wanna get my turtleneck dirty. Crazy sh*t—and that picture went on to become iconic.”
The photo, taken before a wrestling match early in his career, was never meant to go viral. Yet decades later, with “The Rock Turtleneck” photo leading the charge, it has achieved cult status across social media. It’s been turned into memes, Halloween costumes, and even action figures. The legendary turtleneck photo is treasured by fans everywhere.
The image captured more than just a look—it reflected the mindset of a hungry young performer on the cusp of transformation.
Long before he became a global superstar, Dwayne Johnson’s life was anything but glamorous. Born into a wrestling family, Johnson moved frequently and endured financial struggles growing up. He often speaks about having just $7 in his pocket after being cut from the Canadian Football League—a moment that inspired the name of his production company, Seven Bucks Productions. That drive to rebuild from rock bottom formed the foundation of his rise.
From training in makeshift gyms to wrestling in small arenas for little money, Johnson’s climb to fame was forged through resilience. The iconic black turtleneck photo stands as a frozen frame in time—an image of a man fueled by ambition, preparing to take on the world.
💼 From Wrestling Ring to Global Enterprise
Dwayne Johnson’s transformation from wrestler to entertainment mogul is one of the most impressive in modern celebrity culture. Following his meteoric rise in the WWE, he transitioned seamlessly into Hollywood, becoming one of the highest-grossing actors of all time while the turtleneck style continued to follow him, especially “The Rock Turtleneck” phenomenon.
But his ambitions didn’t stop with the silver screen.
Today, Johnson helms several successful ventures:
- Seven Bucks Productions – His film and television production company, which has produced hits like Jumanji, Young Rock, and Red Notice.
- Teremana Tequila – A top-selling, ultra-premium tequila brand that reflects his commitment to quality and authenticity.
- Under Armour x Project Rock – A bestselling fitness apparel and gear line inspiring millions to pursue strength and purpose.
- Athleticon – A wellness and fitness expo blending fitness, film, and personal development.
Each of these ventures showcases Johnson’s brand: driven, motivational, and purpose-led. He has positioned himself not just as an entertainer but as a global brand architect.
🎬 A Hollywood Powerhouse
Johnson’s Hollywood résumé is stacked with blockbusters, and his versatility across genres—action, comedy, family, and even animation—has made him a household name with the iconic turtleneck look ever in mind, reminiscent of “The Rock Turtleneck.”
Notable films include:
- The Scorpion King (2002) – His breakout role in cinema
- Fast & Furious series – As Hobbs, a fan-favourite character
- Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Jumanji: The Next Level – Massive box office hits
- Moana – Lending his voice to Maui in Disney’s critically acclaimed animated musical
- Black Adam – His long-awaited superhero debut in the DC Universe
With upcoming projects constantly in development, Johnson shows no signs of slowing down.
🔥 From Meme to Motivation
Johnson’s ability to take a light-hearted jab at himself while reflecting on how far he’s come is a big part of why he remains so relatable and admired. What started as a fashion faux pas of wearing “The Rock Turtleneck” has become a symbol of authenticity, confidence, and growth.
Whether it’s a meme-worthy photo, a blockbuster role or a business empire, The Rock continues to build a legacy rooted in grit and humour. The turtleneck wasn’t just a style choice—it was a moment of character. And like everything he touches, it’s iconic.
Lifestyle
Why Does Time in Dubai Feel Like It Goes So Fast?
Ask anyone who’s lived in or visited Dubai for a while, and you’ll hear a familiar line: “Time just flies here.” But why? Is there something in the sand-swept air, or is it more to do with our hyperactive schedules, mindsets, and environments? This isn’t just an abstract philosophical question—it’s rooted in neuroscience, psychology, lifestyle, and even culture. People often wonder why time in Dubai feels so fleeting. In this editorial deep dive, we explore why time seems to evaporate in Dubai faster than a bottle of water on Sheikh Zayed Road in July.
📍 The Dubai Effect: More Than Just a Feeling
Dubai is a city of motion. Towers rise overnight, events change weekly, restaurants flip menus monthly. In a place where innovation is a daily ritual and the skyline never sleeps, your environment is set to maximum stimulation. According to neuroscientist David Eagleman, our brain uses fewer memory markers when experiences are routine or over-familiar. In contrast, when the brain is bombarded with new, stimulating input, it processes time differently—especially in dynamic places like Dubai.
Translation? In the moment, Dubai can feel busy, chaotic, and hyper-present. But in hindsight, time seems to have vanished. Why? Because your brain didn’t save enough unique memory timestamps to stretch the experience.
🚀 Hyperstimulation & Urban Acceleration
Dubai is one of the most stimulating urban environments in the world. From sunrise yoga at Burj Park to business brunches at DIFC, then off to a networking mixer at The Arts Club—all in one day—it’s a non-stop sensory rollercoaster.
This level of activity has a psychological effect: the more your brain is engaged, the faster time appears to pass. Your cognitive bandwidth is spent absorbing, reacting, and adapting, leaving little room for stillness or reflection. The result? Time in Dubai feels condensed.
📱 Digital Overload in a Digitally Dominant City
Dubai is arguably one of the most digitally connected cities on earth. Smart city initiatives, cashless payments, AI-driven transport—everything moves fast, and so do we.
Notifications, deliveries, appointments, promotions—our attention is constantly pulled in multiple directions. Studies show that the more frequently we switch tasks or apps, the less we remember time passing. In short, in a city like Dubai, this digital overload makes time fly.
The more connected we are, the more disconnected we feel from time.
⏳ The Lifestyle Paradox: Maximum Experiences, Minimal Time
Dubai’s culture places high value on experiences: luxury, speed, status, and novelty. That means more socialising, more events, more “living life to the fullest”—and ironically, that’s what makes it all blur together.
Every brunch, gallery opening, car launch or VIP after-party contributes to a life of abundance, but abundance comes at a psychological cost: temporal compression. Indeed, the abundance of activities shortens perceived time in Dubai.
🌍 Expat Turnover and the ‘Always-On’ Mentality
With 90% of Dubai’s population being expat-based, there’s an unspoken urgency in how people live. Contracts are short. Opportunities are fast. Relationships shift quickly. Everyone’s trying to make the most of their time here.
This creates an environment of short-term intensity—where we overbook, overachieve, and overextend. And while that fuels career and social growth, it also makes time feel like it’s on fast-forward, especially during your time in Dubai.
🎢 Routine vs Novelty: A Psychological Balancing Act
Paradoxically, time feels slower when you’re bored and faster when you’re stimulated. But in hindsight, it flips. According to psychology professor Claudia Hammond, when we’re in highly repetitive environments, we remember time dragging. But when our memories are rich and varied (like a day out in Old Dubai or an overnight desert safari), we look back and think, “Where did the day go?”
Dubai offers little downtime. Even a ‘quiet night in’ can become a story worth posting. That constant novelty keeps us moving, but it also means time slips by with less conscious awareness, especially while spending time in Dubai.
🧘 Mindfulness vs Motion: Can We Slow It Down?
While we can’t slow the clock, we can change our perception of time. Experts suggest practising mindfulness, digital detoxing, and even engaging in manual tasks like journaling or walking—activities that bring us back to the present.
In Dubai, this can look like:
- Early morning beach meditation at Kite Beach
- A tech-free lunch at Arabian Tea House
- Slow art walks in Alserkal Avenue
These deliberate pauses help you store memories more deeply, making time feel fuller and more expansive during your Dubai experiences.
📅 Final Thought: It’s Not Just You
Time in Dubai does feel like it moves faster, but it’s not because you’re imagining it. It’s the result of an ultra-modern city designed for movement, momentum, and memory-blurring stimulation.
Want to feel like you’ve got more time? Take a breath, unplug for an hour, and let the city slow down around you—even if just for a moment.
Lifestyle
Rolex, Omega, Cartier, Breitling, and Other Luxury Watchmakers Respond to Tariffs with Price Increases
Luxury watch enthusiasts and collectors might soon find themselves digging deeper into their pockets as prominent brands such as Rolex, Omega, Cartier, and Breitling announce forthcoming price increases in response to recently imposed tariffs. With watchmakers responding to tariffs, the imposition of tariffs on Swiss imports into the United States has triggered a wave of adjustments within the luxury watch industry, affecting both pricing strategies and market dynamics significantly.
Background of the Tariffs
The scenario began unfolding when former President Donald Trump initially announced severe tariffs of up to 31% on Swiss products. Switzerland, renowned globally as the epicentre of luxury watchmaking, quickly found itself in a state of alarm. Dealers and retailers reacted urgently; some vintage dealers swiftly arranged emergency shipments to preemptively stockpile inventory, anticipating the impact these tariffs would have on the market. The industry breathed a collective sigh of relief when the administration introduced a 90-day postponement of the most extreme tariffs, but the remaining 10% levy has continued to exert considerable pressure on watchmakers and dealers alike.
Impact on Brands and Pricing
Rolex, arguably the most iconic name in luxury timepieces, was among the first to confirm price adjustments. Starting May 1, Rolex raised its prices by approximately 3%, a notable shift for collectors and prospective buyers alike. Following Rolex’s move, Omega soon disclosed plans to increase prices by an average of 5% across its collections. These adjustments set the stage for widespread market expectations of similar responses from other major watch manufacturers.
Sources within the industry strongly indicate that additional brands under Richemont and Swatch Group umbrellas, notably Cartier, are also preparing to adjust their retail prices. Breitling, an independent yet equally prestigious watchmaker, will also implement similar changes. Luxury conglomerate LVMH, home to esteemed brands like TAG Heuer and Bvlgari, is similarly expected to raise prices in line with industry trends, with projected increments ranging between 3% and 5%.
The tariffs have not only affected pricing but also narrowed the profit margins available to authorised dealers, who traditionally rely heavily on sales of these high-value items. Reduced margins might further disrupt the sales ecosystem, compelling dealers to rethink strategies for sustaining their businesses amidst increased operating costs.
Consumer Impact and Market Dynamics
While a 10% tariff increase might initially appear modest compared to the proposed 31%, the tangible impact on the luxury watch market remains significant. The price hikes brought about by the tariffs have already begun influencing consumer purchasing decisions, particularly among middle-tier collectors and buyers whose budgets are more sensitive to price fluctuations.
Joshua Ganjei, a notable figure at Boston’s European Watch Company, points out that these price hikes are reshaping how enthusiasts engage with the market. He highlights a growing shift toward the secondary market, where pre-owned luxury watches offer more appealing financial propositions compared to new retail purchases. As MSRP climbs, the allure of sourcing watches through alternative channels, such as pre-owned dealerships, intensifies.
The Secondary Market’s Opportunity as Watchmakers Respond to Tariffs
As prices for new watches rise, the secondary market stands poised to benefit substantially. Collectors seeking to avoid paying increased retail prices are likely to redirect their attention toward pre-owned watches, enhancing the already booming secondary market. This trend presents considerable opportunities for resellers and pre-owned luxury watch specialists who could see a spike in demand and increased sales volume.
Ganjei suggests that tariffs represent not merely a temporary policy shift but rather a fundamental transformation in how American collectors access luxury watches. The secondary market, therefore, is positioned to gain considerable traction, offering more economically accessible alternatives to luxury watch enthusiasts.
Reactions Among High-End Independent Brands
Interestingly, not all segments of the luxury watch industry express immediate concern over the tariffs. Brands such as H. Moser & Cie, which cater predominantly to high-end collectors less influenced by market volatility, remain relatively unperturbed. Edouard Meylan, CEO of H. Moser & Cie, conveyed confidence despite the unexpected tariff announcements. Meylan emphasised the importance of maintaining strong, long-term relationships with retail partners, stating that most orders placed ahead of these tariffs remain secure.
H. Moser & Cie proactively responded to the initial tariff announcement by swiftly shipping products to US retailers before the potential increase could take effect, demonstrating strategic agility. Such proactive measures reflect how adaptable independent brands can be in navigating unpredictable regulatory landscapes, particularly when supported by loyal, affluent clientele whose buying patterns are resilient to short-term fluctuations.
Broader Implications
The ripple effect of these tariffs reaches far beyond consumers’ wallets. The luxury watch industry, notably reliant on intricate global supply chains and sensitive to international policy shifts, faces potential challenges in maintaining steady operations and profitability. While major brands and high-end independents might weather the storm, smaller retailers and dealers may face disproportionate struggles due to shrinking margins and potentially declining sales.
Moreover, if the tariffs dampen overall demand, watch manufacturers could face slower inventory turnover and disrupted production schedules.
This scenario would not only impact manufacturers directly but also reverberate through the broader luxury goods market, affecting ancillary businesses and associated industries reliant on robust luxury goods sales.
Consumer Strategies Moving Forward
For consumers determined to purchase specific luxury watches despite higher prices, timing and market awareness become critical. Understanding market dynamics, tracking price adjustments, and considering strategic buying windows could mitigate some impacts of these price increases. Additionally, buyers may increasingly leverage relationships with trusted secondary market dealers, ensuring they obtain desired models at comparatively favourable prices.
Conclusion
The introduction of tariffs has undeniably shaken the luxury watch market, prompting brands like Rolex, Omega, Cartier, Breitling, and others to revise their pricing strategies upward. While immediate consumer responses vary widely depending on economic factors and personal purchasing power, the long-term implications could reshape luxury watch buying patterns profoundly.
Whether these tariffs remain a short-lived challenge or evolve into a prolonged reality, their initial impact is unmistakably significant. Collectors and buyers must now navigate a market where increased prices are the new norm, prompting a reevaluation of buying strategies and market interactions. This shift may permanently alter the landscape of luxury watch collecting, highlighting adaptability as the defining trait for brands, retailers, and consumers alike in navigating an uncertain future.
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