Lifestyle
Really, Really Cool People We Think You Should Know: Tinker Hatfield 👟
Tinker Hatfield isn’t just a sneaker designer — he’s one of the most influential creative minds in modern culture. As the architect behind Nike’s most iconic silhouettes, from the Air Max 1 to the Air Jordan 15, Hatfield’s work has reshaped not only sportswear, but also fashion, branding, and global sneaker culture. This is why Tinker Hatfield deserves a place in our “Really, Really Cool People We Think You Should Know” series.
👟 The Blueprint of a Legend
Joining Nike in 1981 as a corporate architect, Tinker Hatfield transitioned into footwear design by 1985 — and the sneaker world would never be the same. His first major breakthrough? The Nike Air Max 1, launched in 1987 with the first-ever visible Air unit — a bold innovation that combined design, performance, and storytelling. What was once hidden technology suddenly became a visual statement, turning cushioning into culture. Tinker Hatfield revolutionized sneaker design with this innovative step.
Then came the Air Jordan 3, a shoe that not only introduced the Jumpman logo and elephant print, but also saved Nike’s relationship with Michael Jordan. Hatfield’s decision to remove the Swoosh and give MJ his own visual identity was revolutionary. It marked a turning point — not just for Nike, but for athlete branding as a whole.
🧠 Design Thinking Before It Was Trendy
Hatfield’s process wasn’t just artistic — it was strategic. He embedded storytelling into every stitch. The Air Huarache was inspired by water-skiing boots. The Air Max 90 featured bold blocks of colour to accentuate speed. And the Nike MAG, first seen in Back to the Future Part II, later became a real-world, self-lacing marvel — proof that Tinker wasn’t just designing shoes, he was designing the future.
At a time when sneaker design followed predictable formulas, Hatfield built emotional connection through narrative in befriending consumers. He understood that consumers weren’t just buying comfort or performance — they were buying into a story, a persona, a movement.
📈 Impact on Sneaker Culture and Beyond
The rise of sneakerhead culture, from collector communities to resale platforms, owes much to Tinker Hatfield’s legacy. His shoes are now museum pieces, auction staples, and streetwear icons, worn by everyone from athletes to artists to tech entrepreneurs. With every limited drop, every retro release, and every mention of “Air Max Day,” his name resonates deeper than ever.
Importantly, Hatfield’s work pre-dated what we now call “collab culture.” His shoes weren’t just products — they were collaborations between sport, music, design, and imagination. And that legacy continues to shape the ethos of brands far beyond Nike, highlighting Tinker Hatfield’s enduring influence.
🏢 Still at Nike, Still a Legend
Today, Tinker Hatfield still holds a creative leadership role at Nike‘s global headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. He remains active, mentoring young designers, shaping innovation strategies, and continuing to influence Nike’s future. His presence is a reminder that real innovation comes from risk, vision, and authenticity.
He’s also one of the rare creatives who’s managed to stay both influential and relevant across four decades — bridging the analogue ’80s, the rise of digital in the 2000s, and the post-hype streetwear renaissance we’re in today.
Why Tinker Hatfield Still Matters
In a world saturated with hype and collabs, Tinker Hatfield represents something real. He’s the blueprint — not just for sneaker design, but for what it means to merge creativity with culture and to consistently befriend trends. If you’ve ever worn a pair of Air Max, dreamed of lacing up a pair of Jordans, or tapped “notify me” on a SNKRS drop, you’ve lived a part of his legacy.
He didn’t just design sneakers.
He built a movement.
Lifestyle
UnheardOf x adidas Rivalry Lo “Grandma’s Couch 2”
In an era where sneaker collaborations often feel like carbon-copy marketing rollouts, the UnheardOf x adidas Rivalry Lo “Grandma’s Couch 2” breaks the mould — not just with bold design choices, but with a deeply personal narrative that resonates far beyond the sneaker community. Set to release on 10 May 2025, this limited-edition drop celebrates Mother’s Day with a tribute to love, legacy, and the power of remembrance.
Following the emotional success of the original “Grandma’s Couch” collection in 2023, UnheardOf founder Phil Lipschutz returns with a new green colourway of the Rivalry Lo, revealed via @sneakyleakpod, likely as a Friends & Family exclusive. But what truly sets this release apart is the poignant story that underpins it — a tribute to his late grandmother, Naomi Phillips, whose influence inspired a sneaker saga now in its second emotional chapter.
👟 From Couch Cushions to Collectors’ Shelves: How It All Began
The story starts in 2023 with what, on the surface, looked like a quirky drop — a sneaker inspired by grandma’s floral furniture. But it was more than kitsch. It was a tribute to the nostalgic textures and colours of childhood visits, warm conversations, and the embroidered tapestry sofas that shaped the interiors of so many family homes.
The first UnheardOf x adidas Rivalry Lo “Grandma’s Couch” drew attention not just for its vivid design, but for how personal it felt. Wrapped in floral upholstery patterns, encased in a custom shoebox resembling a mid-century sofa, and decorated with handwritten letters and vintage tags — it was clear that this was a sneaker from the heart.
💚 Enter 2025: The Green Colourway and the Emotional Sequel
Now, with Naomi Phillips having passed on, Lipschutz doubles down on personal storytelling. The 2025 edition, nicknamed “Grandma’s Couch 2”, unveils a new green-based colourway, adding a fresh visual identity to an already emotionally charged concept.
While the original used a pastel-heavy floral motif, this iteration leans into a subtle green palette accented with fuchsia pink and cream tones. The toe box and mid-foot panel are adorned with embroidered flowers, delicately woven beneath adidas’ iconic three stripes.
But it’s the details that make this sneaker more than merchandise:
- “Dear Naomi” is etched across the forefoot, immediately setting the tone.
- “Love Always and Forever” is embroidered on the heel tab, a touching signature to a legacy that lives on through laces and leather.
🎁 Packaging as Personal Archive: A Shoebox Like No Other
In a sneaker market obsessed with resale value, few drops have given as much care to packaging design as UnheardOf.
This time around, the shoebox is styled to mimic beauty products gifted to Naomi by her grandson — a heartfelt homage to the private love shared between generations. The exterior, however, takes it a step further with a watercolour painting done by Naomi’s husband. The result is not just a container but a keepsake — a shoebox that belongs in both art galleries and memory boxes.
🌸 The Narrative Design: How Storytelling Drives Hype Without Gimmicks
Phil Lipschutz understands the power of emotional storytelling in an age where authenticity is king. While other brands spend millions crafting viral campaigns, UnheardOf builds cult status by grounding its collaborations in real-life narratives.
This approach sets it apart:
- No celebrity cosigns
- No mass-market rollout
- No inflated pricing strategies
Instead, what drives interest is emotional resonance — something that most brands struggle to engineer.
📍 Release Info: When and Where to Get the Pink Colourway
While the green variant remains a Friends & Family exclusive, the pink colourway will release to the public on 10 May 2025, timed to coincide with Mother’s Day. Here’s what to know:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Colourway | Soft pink and cream with floral detailing |
Release Date | 10 May 2025 |
Price | $185 USD |
Retailer | Exclusively via UnheardOf (in-store & online) |
Expect very limited quantities, and given the emotional backstory, demand is expected to outpace supply. If history is any indication, resale prices will skyrocket within days.
🧵 About UnheardOf: A Brand Rooted in Story and Community
For those unfamiliar, UnheardOf is not your average streetwear label. Based in Cincinnati, the brand has quietly built a reputation for community-first designs, blending humour, heritage and limited-edition style with remarkable clarity of vision.
Their previous adidas collaborations — including the aforementioned Grandma’s Couch — sold out instantly, not due to influencer hype but through word-of-mouth, loyalty, and emotional gravity.
Phil Lipschutz, the brand’s founder, has often stated that his goal is to create products that tell stories — stories that start on the feet but live on in hearts and memories.
🎨 Behind the Design: Material Matters
The Rivalry Lo “Grandma’s Couch 2” is not just visually stunning — it’s built with care:
- Textile overlays mimic upholstery fabric without compromising durability.
- Fuchsia stitching contrasts beautifully against the pastel base, evoking springtime nostalgia.
- A soft-touch insole features floral patterns and a printed note styled like a letter.
No material feels mass-produced; each texture and stitch speaks to intention, legacy, and emotion.
📈 Market Buzz: Early Hype, Sneaker Culture Reactions, and Collectibility
Initial leaks via @sneakyleakpod have already caused a stir across Reddit, Twitter, and sneaker forums. While the Friends & Family green edition won’t release publicly, its reveal has amplified anticipation for the general drop.
Some quotes from community members:
“This isn’t just a shoe — it’s therapy in a box.” – u/fadedsummer
“This is how you do a tribute right. Subtle, honest, beautiful.” – @crepecurator
“I’m crying. Grandma would’ve LOVED these.” – TikTok user @emmysoles
🔎 Sneaker Stats: What You Need to Know
Metric | Detail |
---|---|
Model | adidas Rivalry Lo |
Collaboration Partner | UnheardOf |
Inspiration | Naomi Phillips (Phil’s grandmother) |
Colours Available | Green (F&F), Pink (Public) |
Materials | Floral textiles, premium suede |
Price | $185 |
Release Platform | UnheardOf online & in-store |
Box Artwork | Watercolour by Naomi’s husband |
🧠 Why This Sneaker Matters in 2025
In a year already packed with collabs from giants like Travis Scott, Salehe Bembury, and Nike’s NFT experiments, this release proves that intimacy and story can outperform hype.
Where others are creating spectacle, UnheardOf is creating soulful connections — and in doing so, preserving memories in every stitch.
This is not just a Mother’s Day sneaker. It’s a multigenerational art project, one that uses footwear to tell a story of love, memory, and design.
🧵 Final Thoughts
The UnheardOf x adidas Rivalry Lo “Grandma’s Couch 2” isn’t chasing trends — it’s cementing itself as a cultural artefact. A love letter hidden in a shoebox. A tribute that will live on in the stories we tell, and the soles we wear.
For those lucky enough to cop a pair this May, know that you’re wearing more than a sneaker. You’re carrying legacy.
People
Celebrities Spotted in Dubai 2025: The Ultimate Watchlist So Far
Dubai isn’t just a hotspot for luxury shopping and sky-high architecture — it’s a magnet for global celebrities. Celebrities spotted in Dubai range from Hollywood A-listers and chart-topping musicians to sports legends and fashion icons. Dubai 2025 has already seen an impressive list of stars living it up in the city.
This article is your definitive look at the celebrities spotted in Dubai in 2025 so far — where they went, what they wore, and why Dubai remains the celebrity playground of the Middle East.
👀 January to May 2025: Who’s Been Seen Where?
Cristiano Ronaldo
- ⚽ Spotted training at a private facility in Al Barari
- 📸 Seen touring Expo City Dubai, specifically the Sustainability Pavilion
- 🔥 Shared a post that reached over 30 million views
Kylie Jenner
- 💄 Spotted at Level Shoes, Dubai Mall in January 2025
- 🏨 Stayed at Atlantis The Royal
- 👛 Created viral TikTok content that sparked the “Kylie in Dubai” trend
Kevin Hart
- 🍽️ Dined at Nobu Dubai
- 🤝 Reportedly in talks to bring his Laugh Out Loud comedy brand to the UAE
- 🕶️ Shared a selfie with Dubai Marina skyline in the background
Naomi Campbell
- 🚤 Guest at the Dubai International Boat Show
- 👗 Attended a private fashion yacht event hosted by a French couture label
Lewis Hamilton
- 🏁 Joined Naomi Campbell at Dubai Harbour during Boat Show 2025
- 📷 Posted a behind-the-scenes look at an exclusive car showcase
Jack Harlow
- 🎧 Threw a surprise set at White Dubai during a private Nike party
- 🏙️ Later posted city views from Address Sky View
Idris Elba & Sabrina Dhowre Elba
- 🎨 Attended Art Dubai 2025
- 🗣️ Participated in a panel on African art and culture
- 🥂 Seen at a private event at Alserkal Avenue
DaBaby
- 🎤 Performed live at Soho Garden
- 🛍️ Spotted shopping in City Walk and later filming near Dubai Canal
Mary J. Blige (Pre-Show Week)
- 🎶 Touched down a week before her concert in June
- 💎 Sighted at The Dubai EDITION and dining at CÉ LA VI
📸 Most Viral Celebrity Moments of 2025 (So Far)
Celebrity | Location | Viral Moment |
---|---|---|
Kylie Jenner | Atlantis The Royal | “Midnight in Dubai” TikTok — 6M+ views |
Cristiano Ronaldo | Expo City Dubai | IG Story tour — 30M views in 24 hours |
DaBaby | Soho Garden | On-stage clip — 4.1M TikTok views |
Jack Harlow | White Dubai | IG post: “White Dubai went nuts” — 1.8M likes |
Naomi Campbell | Dubai Harbour | BTS video on luxury yacht — 900K views |
🧭 Why Celebrities Choose Dubai (Over and Over Again)
Dubai isn’t just another glamorous destination — it’s uniquely suited to high-profile visits because:
- ✈️ Easy global access from US, UK, Europe & Asia
- 🏨 Unmatched luxury experiences (Burj Al Arab, Atlantis The Royal, One&Only)
- 💰 Tax-free shopping and VIP concierge hospitality
- 🛥️ Private, secure venues for events, yacht parties, and brand launches
- 📲 Social media goldmine for stars looking to go viral
🕵️♀️ How to Spot a Celeb in Dubai
If you’re in town and hoping to catch a glimpse of fame, your best bets are:
- Dubai Mall VIP entrances (especially Level Shoes and Fashion Avenue)
- Atlantis The Royal & Bulgari Resort — known celeb favourites
- Zuma, CÉ LA VI, Gaia & Nobu — hotspots for unannounced celebrity diners
- Art Dubai, Fashion Forward, and Boat Show — regular celeb haunts
- Dubai Airport First Class Lounges — where the A-listers pass quietly
🔮 Celebs Rumoured to Visit Dubai Later in 2025
These names aren’t confirmed yet — but chatter from fashion insiders and venue teams suggests:
- Rihanna — for a Fenty x Sephora activation
- Post Malone — linked to NYE headline rumour
- Zendaya — expected during Fashion Forward Dubai
- Bad Bunny — potentially launching a Latinx mini-festival
✅ Final Word: Dubai Remains the Global Stage
From sneak peeks at new launches to surprise sets and iconic photo ops, 2025 has cemented Dubai as a cultural crossroads for the rich, famous and ultra-visible.
And we’re only just getting started.
This list will be updated throughout the year as new celebrities land, dine, perform and party their way through Dubai.
Lifestyle
The Land-Dweller: Proof Rolex Is Pulling Out All the Stops for 2025
When Rolex speaks, the watch world listens. That’s always been the case. However, in 2025, amid the whirlwind of Watches & Wonders, the legendary Swiss watchmaker has made it abundantly clear: they’re not here to coast on reputation. They’re here to lead with the debut of The Land-Dweller.
Among an already impressive line-up of new releases, including a turquoise-blue lacquered Daytona dial, the first ceramic dial on a white-gold GMT-Master II, pastel-hued Oyster Perpetuals, and a dressy 1908 model now fitted with a yellow gold bracelet, the Land-Dweller stands tall. It is Rolex’s boldest and most important new announcement.
What Makes the Land-Dweller Special?
The Land-Dweller is more than just another entry into Rolex’s illustrious catalogue. It’s a technical marvel and a stylistic leap. It represents a rare moment when the brand shifts its timeless formula to adapt to the evolving tastes of collectors and new-generation enthusiasts.
With a staggering 18 exclusive patents and 32 patents related to its overall development, the Land-Dweller pushes Rolex’s technical prowess to the forefront. In a world where micro-adjustments and aesthetic tweaks often dominate new watch releases, this level of innovation feels almost revolutionary.
One of the most noteworthy departures from tradition is the introduction of an integrated bracelet. Once unthinkable for Rolex, this design choice taps directly into modern collectors’ demands for sleeker, more unified watch designs. As Paul Altieri, founder of Bob’s Watches, notes:
“Rolex doesn’t introduce new models lightly, and the Land-Dweller marks a rare departure from tradition. An integrated bracelet isn’t just a design shift — it’s a statement.”
Design: A New Vision for Rolex
The Land-Dweller embraces a sportier yet sophisticated aesthetic. The honeycomb dial is particularly striking. It is a texture certain to be emulated across the industry. This dial isn’t just eye-catching. It is a declaration that Rolex is ready to have fun with material science while maintaining elegance.
The calibre 7135 movement powering the Land-Dweller is a mechanical feat. Its “Dynapulse” escapement operates at 5Hz. This enables the watch to measure time down to a tenth of a second — an incredible precision leap for mechanical watchmaking.
This high-frequency performance, paired with superior energy efficiency, represents the kind of watchmaking brilliance that earned Rolex its legendary reputation.
Options: Luxury and Variety
The Land-Dweller isn’t just technologically forward-thinking. It is also delightfully luxurious. Buyers can choose between a 40mm model available in Rolesor (a mix of white gold and Oystersteel) or full platinum. Both feature Rolex’s iconic fluted bezel.
For those with a penchant for a touch more glamour, a 36mm Everose gold version comes adorned with a diamond-set bezel. It delivers maximum sparkle without sacrificing the understated design ethos that Rolex champions.
What the Land-Dweller Means for the Watch Industry
The Land-Dweller’s arrival signals something larger than just another impressive Rolex launch. It speaks to the ongoing evolution of luxury watches in an increasingly digital world. In an era dominated by smartwatches and fleeting trends, Rolex is betting that mechanical mastery and heritage still matter but it’s not afraid to reinterpret its traditions for a new era.
Historically, Rolex has been cautious with major departures from its established designs. Yet, the Land-Dweller represents a new boldness, not reckless experimentation, but confident evolution.
Its integrated bracelet suggests that Rolex is willing to listen to the hardcore enthusiast crowd. They are acknowledging the growing taste for seamless case-and-bracelet designs popularised by other brands.
Technology That Sets a New Standard
It’s worth delving deeper into what those 18 exclusive patents mean. They span everything from the new microstructure of the honeycomb dial, advancements in bracelet-integrated lug construction, to enhancements in the efficiency and shock-resistance of the Dynapulse escapement.
Put simply, Rolex hasn’t merely introduced a ‘new look’. They’ve invested heavily in research and development. This ensures that the Land-Dweller isn’t just a pretty face — it’s a mechanical benchmark.
Rolex’s Timing Is Perfect
At a time when collectors are seeking pieces that feel distinct and meaningful, not just minor upgrades, Rolex’s Land-Dweller hits the mark. It reminds the world that innovation, even from the most traditional players, is not only possible but essential.
Other brands, both boutique and mass-market, will undoubtedly take notes from this launch. Expect to see an influx of integrated designs, high-frequency mechanical movements, and textured dials in the coming years. As always, when Rolex moves, the world follows.
Looking Ahead
The Land-Dweller is already being heralded as one of the most important watch releases of the decade. As more hands-on reviews roll out and as collectors add this piece to their rotations, the true impact of Rolex’s latest innovation will become even clearer.
It isn’t just another beautiful timepiece. It’s a statement that Rolex is not simply resting on its laurels. It’s racing ahead.
And if the Land-Dweller is a preview of what the future holds for the Crown in the years to come? We’re all in for an extraordinary ride.
- News1 week ago
Jay-Z back in Dubai?
- Concerts3 days ago
F1 Abu Dhabi Concerts Line Up 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to This Year’s Yasalam After-Race Shows
- News3 weeks ago
Eight-Lane 786aed Million Bridge in Dubai Approved
- Entertainment3 weeks ago
How Joe Rogan Became The World’s Biggest Podcaster
- Entrepreneur3 weeks ago
Spotting the Next Big Investment Opportunity in Dubai’s Startup Scene
- Video2 weeks ago
WATCH: Now You See Me: Now You Don’t Trailer
- Restaurants2 weeks ago
Hidden Dining Gems in Dubai 2025: The Ultimate Guide
- CRYPTOCURRENCY2 weeks ago
BEAM – Crypto’s Favourite Gaming Blockchain (2025 Deep Dive)