Author: Alina Ali

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Alina Ali grew up in Dubai and has spent the last ten years watching the UAE's fashion and lifestyle scene transform into one of the most dynamic in the world. As a writer, she was documenting UAE sneaker culture, high fashion, and luxury lifestyle before most outlets realised it was worth covering.She joined What's Hot in UAE as Fashion, Lifestyle & Sneaker Culture Writer after years of running her own fashion blog and building a following among Dubai's style community. Her network includes boutique owners, brand representatives, stylists and resellers across the UAE — which means her release guides, stockist lists, and fashion coverage are sourced from people with actual access, not copied from brand press kits.Alina covers everything from Nike and Jordan regional exclusives to high fashion, couture, luxury brands, beauty, and the UAE's homegrown streetwear labels making noise internationally. Lifestyle at What's Hot in UAE is her domain — and that means anything fashion, from the runway to the street.She is based in Dubai Marina and collects Air Maxes.Follow Alina's work on Muck Rack, Substack, Vocal, and Medium.

If you’re even slightly into fashion, you’ve likely seen the buzz surrounding the Adidas and Willy Chavarria Fall/Winter 2025 collection, which made waves at Paris Men’s Fashion Week. But beyond the bold aesthetics and cultural storytelling, one of the biggest highlights of the show was Chavarria’s latest and most ambitious collaboration with Adidas. With a lineup of statement-making sneakers and apparel, this TARANTULA collection cements Chavarria’s place as a major force in high fashion, blending Chicano influences, queer representation, and streetwear aesthetics in a way that feels both personal and universal. For a complete overview of What’s Hot across the…

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Mark your calendars, sneakerheads and basketball fans alike—Crocs and the NBA are teaming up to drop a bold new collaboration just in time for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game. This unexpected yet exciting partnership blends Crocs’ comfort with basketball-inspired aesthetics. It offers a unique footwear option for fans to commemorate the highly anticipated event. Set to release on February 12th, these special-edition clogs will retail for $70. This adds to the buzz surrounding All-Star Weekend. A Look at the Design The official images showcase a standout design that pays homage to basketball culture, including the NBA logo prominently featured. The…

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Dior, the globally celebrated French fashion house, has been synonymous with luxury, elegance, and innovation since its inception in 1946. Founded by Christian Dior, the brand revolutionised women’s fashion in the post-war era with its iconic “New Look”. This redefined femininity and brought a fresh vision to haute couture. Over the decades, Dior has evolved into a powerhouse. It influences not only fashion but also art, culture, and beauty industries worldwide. Here, we look at the history of Christian Dior. Christian Dior: The Visionary Behind the Brand He was born in Granville, Normandy, in 1905 into a wealthy family. Initially…

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Get ready to fall in love with sneakers this season! Jordan Brand is kicking off February in style with the release of the Air Jordan 3 “Valentine’s Day”, a women’s exclusive dropping on February 1st, 2025. Initially expected to debut on February 5th, this highly anticipated release brings a fresh, luxurious touch to the iconic silhouette. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, this shoe is the perfect way to celebrate love and style. Design and Details This Valentine’s Day edition of the Air Jordan 3 is all about elegance. The upper features a Washed Coral hue crafted from supple…

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Kanye West is back with another bold move in the sneaker world, unveiling his latest creation, the Yeezy BL-01, dubbed the “Bullys.” The debut comes as West continues to expand his independent Yeezy empire following the end of his high-profile partnership with adidas. Though many believed Yeezy news would fade after adidas cleared its stock of Yeezy products in 2024, Kanye has proven otherwise, redefining his legacy with every step forward. For a complete overview of What’s Hot across the world of Sneakers, explore our full UAE Sneakers guide A Legacy Built on Yeezy The Yeezy brand has been a…

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adidas, renowned for revolutionising the footwear industry, is at it again with the introduction of its latest innovation—the adidas ZPONGE. Following the monumental success of BOOST and 4D technologies, the Three Stripes is breaking new ground with a midsole inspired by the biology of sea sponges. This cutting-edge design promises to redefine comfort and performance in athletic footwear. Nature-Inspired Innovation The adidas ZPONGE takes a leap forward by looking to nature for inspiration. The midsole’s engineered open-cell structure mimics the highly compressional properties of real sponges, offering a unique blend of support and comfort. Designed without a uniform pattern, the…

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Dubai’s luxury malls have become more than just shopping destinations; they are immersive art and fashion hubs. These hubs merge high fashion with stunning artistic displays. This fusion creates a unique shopping experience, offering visitors a vibrant and sensory feast. From innovative digital art spaces to high-fashion collaborations, Dubai is redefining the intersection of art and commerce. Art Meets Fashion. ARTE MUSEUM DUBAI: A Visual Spectacle One of the most prominent examples of this blend is the ARTE MUSEUM DUBAI. It is situated on the second floor of The Dubai Mall, opposite Galeries Lafayette. Spanning an impressive 30,000 square feet,…

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In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a new wave of female sneaker enthusiasts, or sneakerheads, is shaking up a traditionally male-dominated industry. These women are redefining sneaker culture. They are proving that style and passion for kicks know no gender boundaries. By challenging stereotypes and carving out their space in the sneaker community, they are inspiring a shift in attitudes across the region. For a complete overview of What’s Hot across the world of Sneakers, explore our full UAE Sneakers guide Trailblazing Female Sneakerheads in the UAE The UAE has become home to a growing number of female sneakerheads. These…

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Luxury consignment stores are carving out a unique space in the UAE’s thriving fashion market. Once considered a niche, the pre-loved luxury market is now booming. This is driven by the demand for sustainable fashion, affordable access to high-end brands, and the allure of finding rare, discontinued items. This trend reflects global shifts in consumer behaviour but is particularly prominent in the UAE’s cosmopolitan and fashion-forward environment. Here we explore the rise of these luxury consignment stores in the UAE. The Growth of Pre-Loved Luxury in the UAE Globally, the market for pre-owned luxury goods is on a remarkable upward…

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The sneaker market has never been more dynamic—or more treacherous. As the demand for exclusive, limited-edition sneakers reaches unprecedented levels, counterfeiters have stepped up their game, creating fakes that can be difficult to spot even for seasoned collectors. For sneakerheads, owning a pair of authentic kicks isn’t just about style—it’s about investing in a piece of culture, craftsmanship, and history. Whether you’re chasing the latest drops or searching for a grail to complete your collection, ensuring authenticity is crucial to avoid wasting money and tarnishing your collection. In this guide, we’ll share 15 tips for buying legit sneakers and help…

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