Lifestyle

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The world of watch re-selling has seen a dramatic rise in recent years, fuelled by a surge in demand for luxury timepieces and the influence of prominent figures in the industry. This burgeoning market has transformed into a lucrative business, attracting enthusiasts and investors alike. A significant factor contributing to this growth is the increasing interest in brands like Rolex, which has led to skyrocketing prices for specific models.

The Boom of the Watch Re-Selling Market

The re-seller market for luxury watches has evolved from a niche segment into a major industry. This transformation is driven by several factors:

Increased Demand: There has been a growing interest in luxury watches as status symbols and investment pieces. This demand is not just limited to traditional markets but has expanded globally.

Limited Supply: Brands like Rolex often produce limited quantities of their most sought-after models. This scarcity drives up the demand and subsequently, the prices in the secondary market.
Influence of Social Media: Platforms like YouTube and Instagram have played a pivotal role in popularising watch collecting and re-selling. Influencers and watch enthusiasts share their knowledge, reviews, and market insights, attracting a broader audience.

Prominent Figures in the Watch Re-Selling World

One of the key personalities in the watch re-seller world is Nico Leonard, a renowned YouTuber and watch expert. His channel, Pride and Pinion, has amassed a significant following, thanks to his in-depth reviews, market analysis, and engaging content. Leonard’s influence extends beyond his YouTube channel as he provides valuable insights into the watch market, helping both new and seasoned collectors make informed decisions.

Other notable figures in the watch re-seller world include Paul Thorpe, a former watch dealer turned YouTube personality, and TGV from The Urban Gentry, who offers a mix of watch reviews and collecting advice. These influencers have contributed to the growing interest in watch collecting and have played a crucial role in shaping the market dynamics.

The Uptrend in Rolex Prices

One of the most striking trends in the watch re-seller market is the rapid increase in prices for specific Rolex models. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon:

Brand Prestige: Rolex is synonymous with luxury, precision, and exclusivity. The brand’s strong reputation makes its watches highly desirable.
Limited Production: Rolex carefully controls the production of its watches, ensuring that demand consistently outstrips supply. This strategy maintains the exclusivity and desirability of their timepieces.
Investment Value: Rolex watches are increasingly viewed as investment pieces. Models like the Rolex Submariner, Daytona, and GMT-Master II have seen significant price increases in the secondary market, often selling for double or triple their retail price.

Celebrity Endorsements and Media Exposure: High-profile endorsements and frequent appearances in movies and television shows boost the allure of Rolex watches, driving up their market value.

Specific Models Seeing a Surge

Some of the Rolex models that have experienced the most notable price increases include:

Rolex Daytona: Particularly the stainless steel models, which have always been in high demand, have seen their prices soar. The Daytona’s association with motorsports and its limited availability contribute to its high resale value.

Rolex Submariner: Known for its robust design and timeless appeal, the Submariner has become a favourite among collectors. Recent updates and the discontinuation of certain models have further fuelled price increases.

Rolex GMT-Master II: Models like the “Pepsi” (blue and red bezel) and “Batman” (black and blue bezel) have seen substantial price hikes, driven by their distinctive design and functionality.

The Influence of Music Stars

Adding to the allure of luxury watches, music stars have increasingly become brand ambassadors and avid collectors of high-end timepieces. Brands like Audemars Piguet have seen a surge in popularity due to endorsements from famous musicians. For instance, Jay-Z, known for his extensive watch collection, frequently sports Audemars Piguet watches. His influence, along with other artists like Drake and Justin Bieber, who are often seen wearing luxury watches, has significantly impacted the desirability and market value of these timepieces.

The Future of the Watch Re-Selling Market

The future of the watch re-seller market looks promising, with several trends expected to shape its trajectory:

Digital Platforms: Online marketplaces and digital auctions are becoming increasingly popular, providing a global platform for buyers and sellers.
Increased Transparency: With more information available online and through social media, buyers are becoming more informed, leading to a more transparent market.

Sustainability: There is a growing interest in vintage and pre-owned watches as a sustainable choice, adding another layer of demand to the secondary market.

Conclusion

The rise of the watch re-seller world is a testament to the enduring appeal of luxury timepieces. Influencers like Nico Leonard have played a significant role in popularising watch collecting and re-selling, while the surge in prices for specific Rolex models highlights the brand’s unmatched desirability. With music stars like Jay-Z endorsing brands like Audemars Piguet, the market continues to expand, attracting a diverse range of collectors and investors. As the market continues to evolve, it offers exciting opportunities for enthusiasts, collectors, and investors alike.

For more insights into the latest trends and developments in the luxury watch market, visit What’s Hot in UAE.

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Whatever Happened to Ecko? The Rise and Fall of a Streetwear Giant

Once a dominant force in streetwear fashion, Ecko Unltd. was one of the biggest urban brands in the world, worn by hip-hop legends, skaters, and trendsetters alike. Founded by Marc Ecko in 1993, the brand’s signature rhino logo became an unmistakable emblem of early 2000s street culture. However, today, Ecko is nowhere near the powerhouse it once was. Whatever Happened to Ecko?

The Rise of Ecko Unltd.

Marc Ecko, a graffiti artist from New Jersey, started his clothing line in the early 90s, combining urban art influences with bold, oversized designs. Ecko Unltd. quickly gained traction as a brand that resonated with street culture, especially within hip-hop, skateboarding, and extreme sports communities.

By the early 2000s, Ecko Unltd. had become a billion-dollar brand. With endorsements from artists like 50 Cent, Ludacris, and Nas, as well as partnerships with video games, comic books, and even Hollywood, Ecko cemented itself as one of the leading streetwear brands of its time. It was not just a fashion label; it was a lifestyle statement.

The Golden Age of Ecko

Ecko’s success lay in its ability to tap into youth culture. Unlike other brands that remained strictly within their niches, Ecko expanded across multiple industries:

🎮 Video Games: Ecko developed and released Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure, a graffiti-based action game that resonated with street culture enthusiasts.

🛹 Skate and Hip-Hop Influence: The brand became a favourite among skaters and rap stars, appearing in music videos and on the backs of some of the biggest names in the industry.

🎥 Hollywood Collaborations: Ecko sponsored movie premieres and partnered with major films to expand its reach into pop culture.

At its peak, Ecko was sold in thousands of retail stores worldwide, including high-end boutiques and department stores. However, this success also became one of its biggest downfalls.

Version 1.0.0 — Ecko by Marc Ecko Aftershave

The Decline: Overexpansion and Market Saturation

By the late 2000s, Ecko began to lose its cool factor. What was once an exclusive and trendy streetwear brand became too widely available, leading to its decline in perceived value.

🔻 Oversaturation: The brand expanded too quickly, making its products available in mass retailers like Ross, TJ Maxx, and Walmart. While this move made the brand more accessible, it hurt its credibility in the high-end streetwear scene.

🔻 Too Many Sub-Brands: Ecko launched multiple sub-labels, such as Ecko Red (women’s line) and Marc Ecko Cut & Sew (higher-end fashion), diluting its core brand identity.

🔻 Shifting Fashion Trends: The rise of newer, sleeker brands like Supreme, Off-White, and Yeezy changed the landscape of streetwear. Baggy jeans, oversized tees, and heavy graphics—staples of Ecko’s design—became outdated as minimalism took over.

Marc Eckō Built A Creative Empire, Almost Lost It All, + Came Out On Top

Financial Struggles and Ownership Changes

Ecko’s rapid expansion led to serious financial troubles. In 2009, Marc Ecko had to take out loans worth $170 million to keep the company afloat. Despite efforts to rebrand, the damage was already done. By 2013, Ecko Unltd. was no longer owned by its founder. Instead, Iconix Brand Group acquired full ownership, marking the end of an era for the streetwear empire.

While the brand still exists today, it operates on a much smaller scale, focusing on international markets and nostalgic consumers rather than being at the forefront of street fashion.

Marc EckoBuilt a Memorable Brand

Where is Ecko Today?

Although it is no longer a dominant streetwear force, Ecko Unltd. is still around. The brand continues to sell apparel online and in select stores, but it has failed to recapture its past glory.

✅ International Markets: Ecko has shifted focus to global markets, particularly in Latin America, Asia, and Europe, where urban fashion trends differ from North America.

✅ Nostalgia Factor: Some fans still appreciate the classic Ecko styles, leading to limited-edition releases and throwback collections.

✅ Collaborations and Licensing: The brand still partners with entertainment franchises, though these collaborations are less frequent than during its prime.

Lessons from Ecko’s Fall

The rise and fall of Ecko Unltd. provide valuable lessons for fashion brands:

💡 Exclusivity Matters: Once a brand becomes too widely available, it risks losing its aspirational status.

💡 Adapting to Trends is Crucial: Failing to evolve with fashion shifts can result in irrelevance.

💡 Overexpansion Can Backfire: Expanding too quickly without a long-term strategy can lead to financial troubles and brand dilution.

Final Thoughts

Ecko Unltd. was more than just a brand—it was a movement. However, its inability to adapt, maintain exclusivity, and control its expansion led to its decline. While it may never return to its former glory, its impact on streetwear culture remains undeniable.

For those who grew up in the early 2000s, Ecko Unltd. will always hold a special place in the history of urban fashion.

Lifestyle

Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred” – The Ultimate Retro Comeback for 2025

The Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred” is shaping up to be one of the most significant sneaker releases of 2025, and for good reason. This painstakingly reconstructed edition brings sneakerheads the closest possible retro version of the original 1985 design – a dream come true for Jordan fans.

A True OG Comeback

Jordan Brand didn’t just re-release another Air Jordan 1 – they rebuilt it from scratch. The design team meticulously recreated every stitch, panel, and material to match the legendary 1985 version as closely as possible. From the high-cut silhouette to the authentic “Bred” colourway, this release is one of the most accurate retros ever made.

For sneaker purists who crave historical accuracy and premium quality, this drop is a must-have.

Limited Quantities – Only 10,000 Pairs?

The biggest issue? The Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred” is expected to be extremely limited. Rumours suggest that only 10,000 pairs will be available worldwide, although this number has not been officially confirmed.

Adding to the exclusivity, the shoes will reportedly only be sold at 23 select retail locations in the United States, making this an ultra-rare sneaker drop. With demand already sky-high, expect resale prices to go through the roof.

Jordan Brand’s Unconventional Marketing Strategy

To build hype in a unique way, Jordan Brand has taken an unconventional approach to promotion. Instead of pushing the sneaker on its own social channels, the brand deactivated its Instagram account, leaving the buzz to grow organically through retail partners.

Select stores have started teasing the release online, creating a grassroots wave of excitement that only fuels the sneaker’s mystique. This strategy aligns with the exclusivity of the release, making it one of the most anticipated Jordan drops in recent years.

How to Get Your Hands on a Pair

With availability being so scarce, securing a pair of the Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred” will be a challenge. Here’s what sneakerheads can do:

Follow Jordan Brand’s retail partners on Instagram – since official announcements are coming through them.

Check raffles and local sneaker boutiques – some retailers might offer lotteries or special releases.
Prepare for a high resale market – if you miss out, expect resale prices to skyrocket due to the limited supply.

Final Thoughts

The Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred” is a masterpiece of nostalgia, combining historical accuracy with ultra-limited availability. Whether you’re a collector, a Jordan purist, or just someone who loves exclusive drops, this is one of the most important sneakers of 2025.

Are you ready for the challenge of securing a pair? Stay locked in for more updates!

Lifestyle

Kanye West’s YZY SL-01 Yeezy Slides Drop in New Colours – Here’s What You Need to Know

Kanye West’s financial empire, currently valued at $2.77 billion, is set to expand even further as he launches two new colourways of his viral Yeezy Slides. Dubbed Kanye West’s YZY SL 01 Yeezy Slides, these slides originally debuted in January at an eye-watering price of just $20 before taxes and shipping. The release created massive hype, and within 24 hours, Ye revealed that his YZY e-commerce platform raked in $3 million in sales, with the majority of purchases coming from these ultra-affordable slip-ons.

Kanye West’s YZY SL 01 Yeezy Slides 2 — Kanye West’s YZY SL 01 Yeezy Slides

New Colourways Just Dropped

Following the successful launch of the original black pair, Ye has now released the YZY SL-01 in white and grey. These new shades stick to the same minimalist, futuristic design that made the original drop so popular. Retailing at just $20 before taxes and shipping, the slides continue Ye’s mission of delivering high fashion at accessible prices.

If you’re looking to snag a pair, head over to YEEZY.com before they sell out. Given the response to the first release, these won’t stay in stock for long.

Kanye’s Billion-Dollar Business Strategy

The Yeezy brand has had a rollercoaster journey, but Kanye is proving once again that he understands the sneaker game better than most. His direct-to-consumer approach is paying off, allowing him to control both pricing and distribution while maintaining brand exclusivity. This new era of Yeezy signals a shift from traditional sneaker partnerships to independent branding and retail domination.

By pricing the slides at just $20, Kanye has effectively removed barriers to entry, making Yeezy footwear accessible to a wider audience. While luxury sneaker brands often inflate prices for exclusivity, Ye’s strategy is disrupting the market, proving that affordability and hype can coexist.

What’s Next? The Yeezy Bullys Are Coming

Kanye isn’t slowing down. Alongside the YZY SL-01 slides, he also teased his next big sneaker drop – the YZY BL-01, also known as the Yeezy Bullys. While details on pricing and release dates remain unknown, the first look suggests a bold new design. If the Yeezy Slides were any indication, the Bullys could dominate sneaker culture in 2024.

Final Thoughts

With Yeezy’s comeback in full force, the latest YZY SL-01 drop is proof that Kanye West is reshaping the sneaker industry on his own terms. As new colourways roll out and hype for future releases builds, Ye’s empire is only going to get bigger.

Want to stay updated on the latest sneaker and fashion trends? Keep it locked on What’s Hot in UAE.