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Luxury Fashion on a Budget

Luxury Fashion UAE 1

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is renowned for its luxury lifestyle and high-end fashion. From the glitzy malls of Dubai to the opulent boutiques of Abu Dhabi, the UAE is a paradise for fashion enthusiasts. However, indulging in luxury fashion doesn’t always have to break the bank. This guide explores various ways to find affordable luxury fashion in the UAE, highlighting outlet malls, seasonal sales, and online marketplaces where you can score deals on high-end brands. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, these tips and tricks will help you enjoy the best of both worlds: Luxury Fashion on a Budget.

Luxury Fashion on a Budget

Outlet Malls: The Best Kept Secret

**1. The Outlet Village, Dubai

Located in Jebel Ali, The Outlet Village is a European-themed shopping destination offering impressive discounts on luxury brands. Stores like Coach, Michael Kors, and Armani Exchange offer up to 70% off on a wide range of products. The elegant, air-conditioned environment makes it a perfect spot to hunt for bargains without the hustle and bustle of traditional shopping malls.

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**2. Dubai Outlet Mall

Dubai Outlet Mall on Al Ain Road is another treasure trove for bargain hunters. It features a vast array of high-end brands like Burberry, Marc Jacobs, and DKNY at significantly reduced prices. The mall also hosts annual sales events, such as the “Outrageous Sale,” where shoppers can enjoy additional discounts.

**3. The Galleria Outlet, Abu Dhabi

Situated within The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, this outlet offers discounts on luxury items from brands like Calvin Klein, Ted Baker, and Guess. The serene waterfront location adds to the pleasure of shopping for high-end pieces at affordable prices.

Seasonal Sales: Timing is Everything

**1. Dubai Shopping Festival

The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is an annual event held in January and February, offering massive discounts across the city. Luxury brands participate with significant markdowns, making it an ideal time to purchase high-end fashion at a fraction of the usual cost. Stores in The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and City Walk are known for their attractive deals during DSF.

**2. Abu Dhabi Shopping Season

Similar to DSF, Abu Dhabi Shopping Season offers incredible discounts on luxury items. Held typically in December and January, this event sees major malls like Yas Mall and Marina Mall slashing prices on designer wear, making luxury fashion accessible to a wider audience.

**3. Black Friday and Cyber Monday

These global shopping events are embraced with enthusiasm in the UAE. Many luxury retailers, both online and offline, offer substantial discounts. Keep an eye on popular stores like Bloomingdale’s, Harvey Nichols, and Galeries Lafayette for deals during these sales.

Online Marketplaces: Click and Save

**1. Ounass

Ounass is a premium online shopping destination in the UAE, offering a curated selection of luxury fashion. The website frequently runs promotions and offers, especially during festive seasons and sales events. Signing up for their newsletter can give you early access to sales and additional discounts.

**2. The Luxury Closet

The Luxury Closet is a leading online platform in the UAE for buying and selling pre-owned luxury items. You can find authenticated designer bags, shoes, and apparel at a fraction of their retail prices. The website also offers instalment payment plans, making it easier to manage your budget while indulging in luxury.

**3. Namshi

Namshi, while primarily known for high-street fashion, also features a luxury section with brands like Emporio Armani, Hugo Boss, and Calvin Klein. The website offers frequent discounts and seasonal sales, making it a great place to find high-end fashion at reduced prices.

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Insider Tips and Tricks

**1. Join Loyalty Programs

Many luxury retailers in the UAE offer loyalty programs that provide exclusive discounts, early access to sales, and special promotions. Stores like Bloomingdale’s and Harvey Nichols have robust loyalty schemes that reward frequent shoppers with significant perks.

**2. Follow Social Media Influencers

Local fashion influencers often share insider information about upcoming sales, discount codes, and flash sales. Following influencers on Instagram and Twitter can provide valuable tips on where and when to shop for the best deals on luxury fashion.

**3. Sign Up for Newsletters

Signing up for newsletters from luxury retailers and online marketplaces can keep you informed about exclusive deals and promotions. Many stores offer first-time subscribers a discount, making it a worthwhile investment of your time.

**4. Visit Sample Sales

Sample sales are an excellent way to score designer pieces at a fraction of the cost. Keep an eye out for announcements from brands and boutiques, as these sales are often not widely advertised.

Luxury Fashion on a Budget

Testimonials from Fashion-Savvy Shoppers

Lara Al Saadi, a Dubai-based fashion blogger, says, “Outlet malls and online marketplaces like The Luxury Closet have transformed the way I shop for luxury fashion. I’ve managed to build a wardrobe filled with designer pieces without spending a fortune.”

Noura Al Mazrouei, an Abu Dhabi resident and frequent shopper, adds, “The seasonal sales in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are phenomenal. I always mark my calendar for the Dubai Shopping Festival and Abu Dhabi Shopping Season to snag the best deals.”

For more insights into luxury fashion and the latest lifestyle trends in the UAE, visit What’s Hot in UAE.

Lifestyle

The Justin Bieber Skylrk Brand: What We Know So Far

Justin Bieber Skylrk What's hot in UAE

If you’ve spent any time scrolling through Instagram recently, chances are you’ve seen Justin Bieber flaunting a mysterious new fashion label, the Justin Bieber Skylrk brand. Welcome to Skylrk—Bieber’s ultra-exclusive, not-yet-launched streetwear brand that’s already captured public attention without releasing a single product.

From cryptic Instagram teases to Coachella sightings and locked websites, Skylrk is Bieber’s bold new foray into fashion post-Drew House. But what exactly is Skylrk, and when will it officially drop? Here’s a full breakdown of everything we know so far.

A Silent Build: The Origins of Skylrk

Trademark documents filed in May 2023 revealed the first signs of Bieber’s next fashion venture. The filings included categories for apparel, footwear, and accessories, all under the name “Skylrk”.

By December 2023, Justin was spotted wearing Skylrk sneakers—distinctive pieces marked by bold soles and neon colours. Slowly, pieces like jersey-style skullcaps, oversized sweats, and candy-toned loungewear followed.

A deep dive into the USPTO database reveals the scope of these filings, which hint at a broad product ecosystem—beyond streetwear, Bieber’s team has also covered eyewear, lifestyle accessories, and even potential future skincare categories.

Justin Bieber wearing a pink Skylrk hat
Justin Bieber wearing a pink Skylrk hat

The Public Divorce From Drew House

In early 2024, Bieber made a dramatic exit from Drew House. On Instagram, he declared:

“I, Justin Bieber, am no longer involved in this brand. Drew House doesn’t represent me or my family or life. If you’re rocking with me, the human Justin Bieber, don’t waste your money on Drew House.”

In an animated video clip released in April, Bieber’s cartoon avatar walked through a ruined Drew House residence, ignited a fire with a box of Skylrk matches, and walked away. This visual metaphor marked a significant departure and served as Skylrk’s first unofficial promo.

The emotional break from long-time collaborator Ryan Good, who was once Bieber’s best man, underscores the personal reinvention behind Skylrk. This isn’t just another fashion brand—this is Bieber’s reset.

Justin Bieber has been covertly wearing his own Skylrk pieces, such as these sneakers (check out the soles)
Justin Bieber has been covertly wearing his own Skylrk pieces, such as these sneakers (check out the soles)

Meet the Skylrk Team

The brand is powered by a tight-knit team:

  • Finn Rush-Taylor: A 28-year-old Scottish designer with past projects at Adidas, Puma, and Crocs. His specialty? 3D-modelling futuristic footwear.
  • Neima Khaila: Known for co-founding Pink Dolphin, Khaila brings LA streetwear credibility and a decade of brand-building experience.
  • Hailey Bieber: Justin’s wife is playing muse and collaborator. She’s teased several Skylrk jackets on Instagram and even holds the patent for one of the brand’s phone case designs.

Justin is said to have full creative control, blending music, fashion, and personal storytelling into the brand’s identity.

Skylrk’s Aesthetic: Playful, Bold, and Sculptural

The Skylrk style revolves around exaggerated, futuristic comfort:

  • Oversized sweatsuits in pastel and earth tones
  • Puffy belted robes and sculptural slides
  • Futuristic sunglasses in “Wax” and “Dusty Pink”
  • Bulbous phone cases with function-driven design
  • Basketball uniforms and even loungewear for children

Unlike Drew House’s smiley-lounge vibe, Skylrk leans into a conceptual design approach. The footwear echoes biomorphic trends seen in high fashion, suggesting a bridge between luxury streetwear and wearable art.

A New Instagram Era, Without the Posts

Despite launching an official Skylrk Instagram profile (now boasting over 500K followers), the feed remains empty. Not one post. Meanwhile, Justin’s own Instagram serves as the unofficial lookbook—often captioned cryptically or with inside jokes, giving fans breadcrumbs to obsess over.

Hailey has also modelled several looks, making Skylrk feel like a natural progression of the couple’s creative synergy. This strategy taps into scarcity psychology—create intrigue, not instant gratification.

The Justin Bieber Skylrk brand Trademark Delays and Teases

Trademark filings were extended again in November 2024, with statement-of-use deadlines pushed. Behind the scenes, Khaila and Bieber’s team continue to refine the product line.

“We been calibrating for like 3 years,” Khaila wrote. “They not ready bro.”

Justin also teased golf gear and more loungewear in June. Each teaser comes with heightened speculation—but no official launch date. The password-protected website remains locked.

Hailey Bieber wearing a Skylrk jacket
Hailey Bieber wearing a Skylrk jacket

Meaning Behind the Name “Skylrk”

The word has multiple meanings:

  • A “skylark” is a bird singing in flight— a metaphor for Bieber’s own artistic freedom.
  • Nautically, “to skylark” means to play or frolic, often in high places. A nod to fun and elevation?
  • There’s also a pop culture twist—Chip Skylark, the cartoon pop star from The Fairly OddParents, voiced by NSYNC’s Chris Kirkpatrick. Bieber, born in 1994, almost certainly grew up watching it.

Even more intriguing, in 2018 Bieber posted a photo captioned: “Meet SKYLARK TYLARK (my alter ego).” Seven years later, that alter ego might just be coming to life.

Screenshot 2025 06 13 at 10.36.57
The Justin Bieber Skylrk brand has been here, right under our noses

Competitive Landscape: How Skylrk Stands Apart

Unlike many celebrity fashion brands that rely solely on hype, Skylrk’s minimalist marketing approach has ironically amplified its visibility. By focusing on elevated materials, speculative tech-driven design, and narrative clarity, Skylrk is positioning itself alongside cult luxury labels, not fast fashion.

Compared to Ye’s YEEZY, Rihanna’s FENTY, or Pharrell’s Humanrace, Skylrk differentiates through its humour, visual mystery, and slow-burn approach. It feels more like a statement than a store.

For the UAE’s fashion-forward crowd, Skylrk could slot perfectly alongside a rising appetite for limited-edition luxury, wearable storytelling, and a celebrity-led vision that doesn’t feel mass-produced.

Skylrk.. Loading.
The Justin Bieber Skylrk brand.. Loading.

Final Drop: What We Expect Next

At this point, Skylrk has followed a rare path: no products, no posts, yet complete brand awareness. It’s a case study in celebrity-driven anticipation.

What to look out for:

  • Removal of the password gate from the website
  • First official Instagram posts
  • Press kits or exclusive capsule drops
  • Skylrk pieces at key events or festivals
  • Potential UAE influencer sightings and launch activations

It’s not a matter of if Skylrk will launch, but when. And when it does, expect a frenzy.

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Lifestyle

Official Images Of The Air Jordan 3 ‘Pure Money’

Air Jordan 3 “Pure Money” 1

The official images of the Air Jordan 3 ‘Pure Money’ have just surfaced, setting off excitement in sneaker circles around the world. Slated for release on 5 July 2025, this clean white silhouette completes a full-circle moment for Jordan Brand, coming right after the reissue of its darker sibling—the ‘Black Cat’. JD Sports has revealed a crystal-clear view of the sneaker, confirming that this updated version remains as true to the 2007 original as ever.

An Air Jordan Legacy in White: Back to 2007

The Air Jordan 3 ‘Pure Money’ was first introduced in 2007 as part of a duo pack alongside the ‘Black Cat’ edition. At the time, Jordan Brand was beginning to push beyond OG colorways, experimenting with styles that leaned into minimalism. ‘Pure Money’ was a standout—an all-white, tumbled leather masterpiece with subtle silver accents and a premium feel. In 2025, the retro version is staying loyal to that vision with its elegant features.

Crafted in crisp white leather with metallic silver upper eyelets and Jumpman logos in cool grey, this sneaker radiates understated elegance. The elephant print overlays on the toe and heel are slightly toned with a warm, off-white tint—distinguishable only to the trained eye and a nuanced evolution from the original release.

Air Jordan 3 “Pure Money” 2

Hidden Details, Maximum Impact

One of the best easter eggs for true fans is the return of the ‘Pure $’ embroidery hidden behind the heel tabs, honoring the Air Jordan 3 ‘Pure Money’ legacy. This signature detail pays homage to the original and solidifies the retro’s credibility among collectors. Jordan Brand has also included an extra set of patterned elephant print laces to switch up the look without sacrificing cohesion.

These details may be minor, but they matter. In a market flooded with loud, collab-heavy releases, the Jordan 3 ‘Pure Money’ is a calm, confident callback to the golden era of retros.

A Perfect Summer Drop

Dropping in July is no coincidence. With its breathable leather upper and tonal white profile, the Air Jordan 3 ‘Pure Money’ is a summer essential and a perfect addition to any wardrobe. It works with everything—denim, joggers, shorts—and adapts easily from streetwear to smart casual.

This drop also coincides with the reissue of the ‘Black Cat’, completing the story arc from 2007. In contrast to its stealthy twin, ‘Pure Money’ is bright, clean, and unapologetically premium.

Air Jordan 3 “Pure Money” 3

Family Sizes and UAE Availability

Full family sizing is confirmed: men’s, grade school, preschool, and toddlers. Adult pairs will retail for $210 (approx. AED 770). UAE sneakerheads can expect availability via Nike SNKRS, JD Sports UAE, Foot Locker Middle East, and select boutiques in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Raffles are expected to open early July for the much-awaited Air Jordan 3 ‘Pure Money’ drop.

This inclusive sizing ensures Jordan Brand’s appeal cuts across generations, echoing the global reach the Jumpman has cultivated since the 80s.

Subtle Power in a Loud World

The ‘Pure Money’ retro doesn’t scream for attention—and that’s precisely its charm. In an era dominated by visual overload, this release embraces clean design and careful craftsmanship, maintaining the legacy of Air Jordan 3 ‘Pure Money’. The warm-tinted elephant overlays, the heritage branding, and the use of luxurious leather all serve to elevate this sneaker beyond its simple colorway.

It’s a modern minimalist’s dream and a purist’s trophy. It appeals to those who want history underfoot without being flashy about it.

Air Jordan 3 “Pure Money” 4

Comparing With the Air Jordan ‘Black Cat’

Released earlier this year, the ‘Black Cat’ offered an opposite aesthetic: all-black, stealthy, and moody. ‘Pure Money’ brings balance. Where ‘Black Cat’ is evening wear, ‘Pure Money’ is midday shine. Both complete the thematic pack, but ‘Pure Money’ delivers wider versatility, making it arguably more wearable on a day-to-day basis.

From a quality standpoint, the white version might even surpass its sibling. The texture of the leather, the stitching finesse, and the iconic branding all feel thoughtfully executed.

A Cultural Reset

What the Jordan 3 ‘Pure Money’ really represents is a cultural pause. A moment to remember what made sneaker culture matter. Before the bots, before resale madness—there were shoes like the Air Jordan 3 ‘Pure Money’ that simply looked good, felt premium, and told a story. This drop harks back to those days.

And yet, it isn’t stuck in the past. The 2025 update honors the legacy while refining just enough to make it fresh. It’s for the seasoned sneakerhead and the newcomer alike. For the collector and the casual fan.

Air Jordan 3 “Pure Money” 5

UAE Sneaker Culture: Why It Fits

In the UAE, where clean silhouettes and high-end fashion cross paths every day, the Air Jordan 3 ‘Pure Money’ fits perfectly. The climate supports light tones, and the streetwear scene continues to evolve. This release will undoubtedly resonate with both the fashion-forward and the culturally rooted.

Whether you’re in Dubai’s Design District or downtown Abu Dhabi, this shoe makes sense. It’s functional, premium, and limited enough to spark conversation.

Air Jordan 3 “Pure Money” 6

The Air Jordan Legacy Lives On

The Air Jordan 3 ‘Pure Money’ isn’t just another retro. It’s a declaration. That Jordan Brand still remembers its roots. That minimalism still matters. That sometimes, the loudest thing you can wear is nothing loud at all.

Set for release on 5 July, this sneaker isn’t just about style. It’s about story, balance, and cultural heritage—the essence of Air Jordan 3 ‘Pure Money’. It may come wrapped in white leather, but it carries the weight of history.

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Lifestyle

Meet Balenciaga’s New Crative Director, Pierpaolo Piccioli

Meet Balenciaga's New Crative Director, Pierpaolo Piccioli

Balenciaga, one of the most talked-about names in fashion, has made a headline-grabbing move in July 2025 by appointing Pierpaolo Piccioli as Balenciaga’s new creative director. This appointment of Balenciaga’s new creative director takes place with immediate effect from 10 July, Piccioli takes over following Demna’s exit and shift to creative leadership at Gucci, marking a watershed moment in Kering’s brand recalibration. Balenciaga’s new creative director appointment sets the stage for one of the boldest creative transitions in fashion’s recent history.

Meet Balenciaga's New Crative Director,  Pierpaolo Piccioli
Meet Balenciaga’s New Crative Director, Pierpaolo Piccioli


👔 Who is Pierpaolo Piccioli?

Piccioli, a native of Nettuno, Italy, is best known for reshaping Valentino during his 25-year tenure. Originally co-creative director with Maria Grazia Chiuri (now at Dior), he led the maison solo from 2016 until his departure in 2024. His legacy is defined by:

  • Architectural haute couture silhouettes
  • Bold colour blocking and monochrome experiments
  • Red-carpet dominance with celebrities like Florence Pugh, Zendaya, and Anne Hathaway
  • Critical acclaim for presentations in Paris, Rome, Venice, and Beijing

At Valentino, Piccioli boosted brand visibility during post-pandemic luxury booms and reconnected younger audiences to couture, particularly via social media virality and red-carpet symbolism.

Balenciaga
Balenciaga


📊 Fashion Industry Context: 2025’s Creative Shakeup

Piccioli’s appointment isn’t happening in isolation. The year 2025 has been a turning point:

BrandNew Creative DirectorPrevious DirectorShift Summary
GucciDemna (ex-Balenciaga)Sabato De SarnoStreetwear revival
DiorPeter Do (rumoured)Maria Grazia ChiuriModern tailoring focus
ChanelVirginie Viard exitsTBCClassicism under review
ValentinoAlessandro MichelePiccioliBoho meets glamour

Kering’s reshuffle at Balenciaga, Gucci, and Bottega Veneta reflects its goal to reposition brands amid slowed growth, rising Gen Z influence, and high demand for both authenticity and exclusivity.


🧵 Why Balenciaga Chose Piccioli: Couture Meets Commerce

Kering’s official statement praised Piccioli as “a master of haute couture” with “a unique creative vision.” Yet the decision signals deeper intentions:

  • Aesthetic Reset: Moving away from Demna’s memeable, dystopian branding toward beauty, elegance, and heritage
  • Elevating Brand Equity: Couture excellence and fashion art matter more in a maturing market
  • Expanding Client Base: Attracting older and more traditional high-net-worth clients alongside progressive luxury consumers

Demna’s version of Balenciaga brought viral moments and rapid merch sales, but luxury’s top end has shifted. Clients are prioritising emotional connection, timeless silhouettes, and authenticity.


🎭 What Will Piccioli’s Balenciaga Look Like?

Piccioli is expected to show his first collection in October 2025. Whether it’s a full runway debut or a softer reveal remains to be seen. His potential strengths for Balenciaga include:

  • Reactivating Cristóbal Balenciaga’s archival DNA (volume, geometry, restraint)
  • Redefining ready-to-wear as wearable art
  • High fashion with humanistic undertones
  • Rebuilding accessories with longevity (a Piccioli weak spot at Valentino)

The real challenge: merging his romanticism with Balenciaga’s streetwear heritage, without alienating either camp.

Balenciaga speed runner
Balenciaga speed runner


👜 Balenciaga vs. Valentino: Performance Comparison (Pre-2025)

MetricValentino (under Piccioli)Balenciaga (under Demna)
Peak Annual Revenue~€1.4 billion (2022)~€2.1 billion (2022)
Social Media Followers (IG)18 million14 million
Couture FocusHighRelaunched (2021)
Accessories ShareLow to ModerateHigh (Sneakers + Bags)

Valentino under Piccioli leaned heavily into couture, celebrity dressing, and emotion-led campaigns. By contrast, Balenciaga has been commercial, fast-paced, and often polarising.


🧠 Couture Meets Culture: The Social Impact of Piccioli’s Work

Piccioli’s couture was among the most celebrated of the last decade. It was inclusive, casting diverse models and challenging narrow beauty norms. He frequently referenced:

  • Feminist narratives
  • Renaissance and religious art
  • Gender-neutral silhouettes
  • Poetic storytelling over spectacle

This philosophical backbone may inject intellectual credibility into Balenciaga’s next era—crucial for engaging critics, curators, and high-value collectors.

Balenciaga linked up with Lamborghini
Meet Balenciaga’s New Crative Director, Pierpaolo Piccioli


🔮 What This Means for Kering and the Fashion World

Kering’s stock is likely to see long-term impact from this directional move. Balenciaga, one of its crown jewels, must now:

  • Grow haute couture revenue
  • Rebuild mid-tier product trust (after controversy backlash)
  • Compete with LVMH’s Dior and Chanel on cultural capital

This appointment signals that Kering is investing in timeless luxury rather than trending virality—a pivot that mirrors macro-luxury trends post-2023.


“Piccioli is one of the most talented and celebrated designers of today… His mastery of haute couture and passion for savoir-faire made him the ideal choice for the house.” – Francesca Bellettini, Deputy CEO of Kering


Final Word: A New Future for Balenciaga

This is more than a leadership shuffle—it’s a transformation. With Pierpaolo Piccioli, Balenciaga is embracing fashion as art again, focusing on storytelling, structure, and sustainability.

Pierpaolo Piccioli
Meet Balenciaga’s New Crative Director, Pierpaolo Piccioli

Kering’s long-term strategy now hinges on whether the couture purist can make beauty, not noise, the new business model for 21st-century luxury.

Stay ahead of fashion’s next evolution right here.

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