There is a glass display case inside Presentedby at The Dubai Mall that tells you everything you need to know about sneaker culture in the UAE. Behind it sits a pair of Nike Air Yeezy 2s, a collaboration that no longer exists in any official capacity, sitting in near-mint condition at a price that rivals a business-class flight to New York. Nobody in the store treats this as unusual. In Dubai, it is simply how things are. The UAE’s sneaker scene is no longer a subculture finding its feet. It is a mature, economically significant, globally connected market valued at…
Author: Alina Ali
Alina Ali
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.
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In a stunning turn of events, Virginie Viard, the esteemed creative director of Chanel, announced her sudden resignation on June 5, 2024. This unexpected departure has sent shockwaves through the fashion industry, prompting a flurry of speculation about who will step into her shoes. The rumour mill has been abuzz with names, but one name has risen to the top as a potential successor. Jeremy Scott: Creative Director of Chanel? Virginie Viard’s Legacy at Chanel Virginie Viard took the reins at Chanel in 2019 following the death of the legendary Karl Lagerfeld. Viard, who had been Lagerfeld’s right-hand for over…
Gold, glamour, the Medusa and more than a little drama — Versace is the house that made maximalism a religion. From Gianni’s Milan revolution to Donatella’s red-carpet reign and a brand-new chapter under Prada, here is the complete story of Versace, and how to experience it in the UAE (including one address that lets you sleep inside the brand). Gianni Versace: The Founding Vision Versace was founded by Gianni Versace in Milan in 1978. He built the house on unapologetic glamour — bold prints, baroque gold, body-conscious cuts and rock-and-roll sensuality — a direct counterpoint to the quiet minimalism of…
For two decades, sneakers ruled — the chunkier and more hyped, the better. But a quieter shift is underway, and Gen Z is leading it. Loafers, low-profile retros and understated “quiet luxury” footwear are edging out the dad-shoe silhouette, and you can see it playing out on the streets of Dubai and Abu Dhabi too. Here is what is changing, why, and how it looks in the UAE. What’s Actually Changing This is less “the death of sneakers” and more a change of taste. The chunky, maximalist trainer is giving ground to slimmer, more considered footwear: loafers, ballet flats, mesh…
The Air Jordan brand is more than footwear—it is a cultural phenomenon. Since its birth in 1984 through a groundbreaking collaboration between Nike and basketball legend Michael Jordan, the line has shaped the future of sports, fashion, and global street culture. What began as a bold experiment has become a defining symbol of performance, style, and collectability. The Birth of a Legend: Air Jordan 1 When Nike signed Michael Jordan to a five-year deal worth $2.5 million in 1984, it was a monumental gamble. The result, the Air Jordan 1, designed by Peter Moore, debuted in 1985. Its rebellious black…
The Gucci fashion legacy is more than a corporate history — it’s a saga of creativity, scandal, and rebirth. For over 100 years, Gucci has influenced the way the world defines luxury. From its small beginnings in Florence to its presence on Dubai’s golden shopping avenues, the story of Gucci is one of innovation, reinvention, and cultural magnetism. For anyone who loves fashion, Gucci isn’t just a brand. It’s an experience. For a complete overview of fashion, culture, icons and streetwear shaping the region, explore our full Lifestyle hub Guccio Gucci’s Vision: Where It All Began It all started in…
The Versace Upcycle collection marks a clear shift inside luxury fashion. It mixes exclusivity with environmental thinking. It proves that playful children’s design can carry serious sustainability. The capsule focuses on eco‑conscious materials, careful construction, and durable comfort. It shows that Versace can protect its bold identity while shrinking its footprint. The idea is simple. Take unused production materials and give them a second life. Add recycled inputs where possible. Build limited pieces with character, not waste. Upcycle turns factory leftovers into smart, stylish items for everyday adventures. Why Versace Upcycle matters now Luxury is changing. Families want fashion that…
The UAE, known for its luxurious lifestyle and opulent tastes, is also home to some of the world’s most exquisite fragrances. From rich, traditional oud scents to fresh, modern aromas, the fragrance market in the UAE is as diverse as it is sophisticated. Here’s a closer look at The Hottest 25 Fragrances in the UAE, offering a blend of tradition and contemporary elegance. 1. Oud Wood by Tom Ford Oud Wood by Tom Ford is a staple in the UAE, cherished for its exotic blend of rare oud wood, spices, and vanilla. This luxurious fragrance is known for its deep,…
Adidas is preparing to bid farewell to its YEEZY line with a final, highly anticipated sale of YEEZY sneakers. According to various sources, the iconic brand is readying its last batch of YEEZYs. This will bring an end to a significant chapter in its history. This decision marks a pivotal moment for both adidas and the sneaker community. The once-celebrated collaboration with Kanye West comes to a definitive close. YEEZY: The Final Drop is about to.. Drop. Background on the YEEZY Phenomenon The YEEZY line, launched in collaboration with Kanye West, has been a cornerstone of modern sneaker culture since…
The Supreme brand decline represents one of fashion’s most dramatic falls from grace. Once the undisputed king of streetwear culture, Supreme now faces an uncertain future after corporate acquisition stripped away its underground credibility. This transformation from cult status to mainstream mediocrity illustrates how quickly fashion empires can crumble when they lose touch with their core audience. The Genesis of a Streetwear Empire James Jebbia opened Supreme’s first location on Lafayette Street in 1994. The small skate shop targeted New York’s underground skating community with an uncompromising attitude. Jebbia understood that authenticity couldn’t be manufactured or bought through marketing campaigns.…