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.

A side view of a white and black sneaker with red accents, featuring a prominent red swoosh logo, resting on a concrete surface against a dark, blurred background.

Before sneaker collabs and hype drops, one shoe made tennis look rebellious: the Nike Air Tech Challenge II, worn by a young Andre Agassi as he tore up the buttoned-up tennis establishment. Its return in the original “Hot Lava” colourway is a genuine heritage moment. Here is why it matters and where to get it in the UAE. Quick Facts DetailInformation ShoeNike Air Tech Challenge II “Lava” IconAndre Agassi’s court shoe from around 1990 ColourwayThe bold “Hot Lava” orange — one of the most recognisable in tennis history Where to buy (UAE)Nike SNKRS UAE app and Nike stores; resale for…

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Few fashion houses have swung between quiet couture genius and internet-breaking hype quite like Balenciaga. From a Spanish tailor once called “the master of us all” to viral AED-thousands hoodies and mud-caked trainers, it is a brand that keeps reinventing what luxury looks like. Here is the complete history of Balenciaga — and where to buy it in the UAE. The Founder: Cristóbal Balenciaga Balenciaga was founded by Spanish couturier Cristóbal Balenciaga, who opened his first boutique in San Sebastián in 1919 before establishing the house in Paris in 1937. He became one of the most technically gifted designers in…

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The highly coveted and iconic Rolex ‘Rainbow’ Daytona chronograph, a rare timepiece from the 1990s, is set to hit the auction block this November. It is making headlines due to this event. The watch, known for its lively, multicolored sapphire bezel, is expected to draw significant attention from collectors and enthusiasts alike. The Rolex ‘Rainbow’ Daytona at Auction for $3.5 Million is big news. The Rolex brand, synonymous with luxury, precision, and innovation, has a storied history that dates back to the early 20th century. Founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, the company was originally…

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Three horror-themed Crocs designs featuring elements inspired by iconic horror movie characters. On the left, a pair of Crocs with a black and white splatter pattern with red accents is shown in front of a masked figure. In the center, another pair with green and red stripes, styled with a claw motif, is displayed with a figure having a scarred face and hat. On the right, Crocs with red and white accents, adorned with pom-poms, are pictured in front of a clown with distinctive makeup.

The Crocs ‘Horror Pack’ Drops on Friday 13th, September 2024. This collection is a must-have for both horror enthusiasts and Crocs fans. It features designs inspired by iconic horror characters in film history. These include Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, and Pennywise the Clown, forming the spine of this Crocs Horror Pack.Related: check our Best Sneaker Stores in Dubai (8 Verified Shops) for where to buy authentic releases and avoid fakes. Freddy Krueger Crocs: The Nightmare Begins The Freddy Krueger edition of these all-terrain clogs pays homage to the terrifying villain from A Nightmare on Elm Street. The design prominently features…

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A pair of high-top sneakers in black and yellow with Nike logos and a distinctive logo on the tongue.

The legendary Wu-Tang Clan is making waves in the sneaker world once again as Nike prepares to re-release the highly coveted Nike Wu-Tang Dunks Highs this September 2024. This release marks a significant moment in sneaker culture. The Wu-Tang Dunk Highs are often regarded as one of the most mythical and sought-after collaborations in Nike‘s history.Related: check our Best Sneaker Stores in Dubai (8 Verified Shops) for where to buy authentic releases and avoid fakes. The History of the Wu-Tang Dunk Highs The Wu-Tang Dunk Highs originally debuted in 1999 as a super-limited release, with only a few dozen pairs…

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A person lifting their shirt to reveal their torso, standing in front of a Calvin Klein Jeans backdrop, with a tattoo on their arm and wearing Calvin Klein underwear.

When it comes to underwear, few brands hold the iconic status of Calvin Klein. Since their introduction in the early ’80s, Calvin Klein’s boxer briefs have set the standard for designer underwear, pioneering the blend of comfort, style, and a bit of that famous CK appeal. Known for their high-profile celebrity campaigns featuring the likes of Jeremy Allen White and Jeremy Pope, Calvin Klein’s underwear line isn’t just for the stars—it’s for anyone looking to feel a little more confident in their everyday wear. Calvin Klein Underwear is Now $6 and we want in. Why Calvin Klein Underwear Stands Out…

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The adidas Gazelle Indoor has long been revered as a classic staple in both fashion and sportswear, particularly during the warmer months when its slim, low-top design pairs effortlessly with summer attire. However, as temperatures begin to drop and the leaves start to change, adidas Gazelle Indoor Sports Halloween proves that it’s not just a summer fling but a year-round essential. Adidas is keeping this beloved silhouette alive and well into autumn by introducing a new, seasonally appropriate colorway—one that’s sure to resonate with fans of both the brand and the spooky season.Related: check our Best Sneaker Stores in Dubai…

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If you’re a fan of Tyler, the Creator, you probably remember the early 2010s when the rapper-turned-designer was almost always seen sporting Supreme. The combination of Tyler’s irreverent style and Supreme’s bold designs made for an iconic pairing that defined a generation of streetwear enthusiasts. This week, a new campaign featuring Tyler has surfaced in London, rekindling the relationship between the artist and the brand that helped shape his early career. The Tyler The Creator and Supreme Collab is interesting. A Mysterious Campaign in London In a surprising twist, wheat-pasted posters of Tyler, the Creator have appeared around London, capturing…

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Pair of white and gray athletic sneakers with a black logo on the tongue and a speckled gray midsole, set against a light gray background.

Sneakerheads and basketball fans alike have reason to celebrate as the legendary Air Jordan 4 ‘White Cement’ prepares for a triumphant return in 2025. This iconic sneaker, first released in 1989, has remained one of the most beloved models in the Air Jordan lineup. Its upcoming re-release is sure to generate excitement across the sneaker community.Related: check our Best Sneaker Stores in Dubai (8 Verified Shops) for where to buy authentic releases and avoid fakes. A Timeless Classic The Air Jordan 4 ‘White Cement’ stands out for its clean design and striking colorway. With a white leather upper, speckled cement…

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When longtime Puma brand ambassador Jay-Z first stepped out in a pair of Off-White Nike Air Force 1 Lows in 2023, it set the sneaker world abuzz with speculation. Jay-Z, who has been Puma’s creative director of basketball since 2018, and his stylist, June Ambrose, who became the creative director of women’s basketball in 2020, were known for their deep ties to the brand. Typically, brand ambassadors are expected to exclusively promote their own brand’s products, making Jay-Z’s choice to wear Nike sneakers particularly notable.Related: check our Best Sneaker Stores in Dubai (8 Verified Shops) for where to buy authentic…

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