Lifestyle

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.

Tom Ford Debuts Its First-Ever Ramadan Collection, Exclusively in the GCC

Related Topics:ecko lifestyle streetwear

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The Incredibly Rare Air Jordan 11 “Purple Rain” Made for Prince Is Up for Sale for $100,000

In the world of sneakers, there are rare pairs—and then there are one-of-one grails that redefine exclusivity. The Air Jordan 11 “Purple Rain”, a sneaker crafted exclusively for the legendary musician Prince, falls into the latter category. But in an unexpected twist, the shoes never made it into his hands before his passing in 2016. Now, they’ve surfaced for sale at a staggering $100,000.

Here’s what makes this Air Jordan 11 one of the most unique sneaker releases ever.

air jordan 11 prince purple 8 — Air Jordan 11 prince purple

1. A Sneaker Fit for Royalty: The Design & Tribute to Prince

Jordan Brand designed this one-of-a-kind sneaker as a tribute to Prince’s iconic style, music, and legacy. The details make it a truly special creation:

✅ Regal Purple Colorway – A deep purple hue dominates the shoe, honoring Prince’s signature look and his legendary album Purple Rain.

✅ Luxury Materials – The sneaker features plush velvet mudguards and a soft suede upper and tongue, adding to its premium feel.

✅ Metallic Silver Accents – The Jumpman logo at the ankle shines in metallic silver, adding a touch of elegance.

✅ Custom Insoles – Inside, the insoles feature:

“Jumpman” written in Prince’s iconic typeface

Imagery of falling rain, symbolizing his most famous song, Purple Rain

These details make this sneaker more than just footwear—it’s a piece of music and fashion history.

2. The Rarity: Why This Air Jordan 11 Is Truly One of One

Unlike other limited-edition collaborations, this isn’t a general release or a sample pair. It’s a sneaker that was:

🔹 Exclusively designed for Prince – Jordan Brand intended this pair specifically for him, but sadly, he passed before receiving them.

🔹 Only one pair exists in the world – Unlike other special releases that might have 10 or even 100 pairs, this Air Jordan 11 is a true one-of-one.

🔹 Priced at $100,000 – This makes it one of the most expensive Air Jordans ever listed for sale.

For sneaker collectors and Prince fans, owning this shoe is like owning a museum artifact.

3. The Market Impact: Will We See More Music x Sneaker Grails?

The release of the Purple Rain Air Jordan 11 brings up a bigger conversation—how music and sneakers continue to collide in exclusive ways.

🎤 Artists Have Defined Sneaker Culture – From Travis Scott’s collaborations with Jordan Brand to Drake’s OVO releases, hip-hop and music icons have shaped sneaker trends.

👟 One-of-One Sneakers Are the Future of Collecting – With NFTs, physical exclusivity, and auction-style releases, ultra-rare sneakers like this one will likely increase in demand.

💰 Will It Sell for $100,000? – The sneaker market has seen record-breaking sales before, including:

Kanye West’s Nike Air Yeezy 1 “Grammy” pair, which sold for $1.8 million

The 1985 Air Jordan 1 worn by Michael Jordan, which sold for $560,000

A six-figure sneaker isn’t unheard of, but whoever buys this pair isn’t just buying a sneaker—they’re buying a piece of Prince’s legacy.

BAPE and Crocs Drop Their First-Ever Collaboration

Final Thoughts: A Grail Unlike Any Other

The Air Jordan 11 “Purple Rain” is not just a sneaker—it’s a tribute to one of the greatest musicians of all time, blending basketball, fashion, and music history into one pair of shoes. With only one pair in existence, it’s a collector’s dream—but only for those with deep pockets.

Would you drop $100,000 for this piece of sneaker history?

Read more in our online magazine:
https://whatshotinuae.com

Lifestyle

BAPE and Crocs Drop Their First-Ever Collaboration

BAPE and Crocs new collab looks pretty dope

Streetwear meets comfort as A Bathing Ape (BAPE) and Crocs come together for an unexpected but highly anticipated collaboration. For the first time, the Japanese streetwear giant has teamed up with the undisputed king of foam footwear, delivering a three-pack of BAPE x Crocs Classic Clog designs that fuse bold camo aesthetics with Crocs’ signature comfort.

Set to launch globally on March 8, 2025, this collaboration is shaping up to be one of the most hyped sneaker-adjacent drops of the year.

A Classic Clog, Reimagined with BAPE DNA

The BAPE x Crocs collection is exactly what fans of both brands would expect—a vibrant collision of streetwear and laid-back utility.

👟 Signature ABC Camo Print: The collaboration showcases BAPE’s legendary camouflage pattern, splashed across three colorways:
✔ Classic Olive Camo – A timeless BAPE staple.
✔ Bright Blue Camo – A fresh, energetic option.
✔ Hot Pink Camo – A standout choice for those who want to make a statement.

🎨 Exclusive BAPE-Themed Jibbitz:
No Crocs collaboration is complete without custom Jibbitz charms, and this collection delivers:
✔ BAPE Ape Head
✔ Baby Milo
✔ Shark Face Design
✔ “Ape Shall Never Kill Ape” Slogan

🔗 Co-Branding Details:
The BAPE “R” logo appears on the strap fasteners, alongside dual branding on the footbeds, ensuring these clogs remain a collector’s item for streetwear fans.

Release Date and Where to Buy

📅 March 8, 2025 – Exclusive BAPE.com & BAPE Store Release
🌍 March 12, 2025 – Crocs.com & Global Retailers

The collection will be available in-store and online, with select BAPE locations and global retailers carrying the drop.

🛒 Price: Retail pricing has not yet been confirmed, but expect it to land in the premium tier due to its limited-edition status.

The Growing Influence of Crocs in Streetwear

Crocs has gone from a comfort-focused brand to a streetwear powerhouse, thanks to collaborations with names like Salehe Bembury, SZA, Post Malone, and Balenciaga. This BAPE crossover further solidifies the brand’s ability to tap into sneaker culture while maintaining its functional, laid-back identity.

With BAPE’s devoted following in Japan and worldwide, plus Crocs’ recent dominance in hype-driven footwear, this release is poised to be one of the biggest drops of the season.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Have for Hypebeasts & Comfort Seekers

The BAPE x Crocs Classic Clog is a fusion of nostalgia, streetwear history, and everyday comfort. Whether you’re a die-hard BAPE fan, a Crocs convert, or just someone who appreciates bold design, this collaboration is not one to miss.

🔥 Mark your calendars for March 8 & March 12, and be ready to cop!

The Incredibly Rare Air Jordan 11 “Purple Rain” Made for Prince Is Up for Sale for $100,000

Lifestyle

Tom Ford Debuts Its First-Ever Ramadan Collection, Exclusively in the GCC

Luxury fashion house Tom Ford has entered a new era by unveiling its first-ever Ramadan Collection, available exclusively in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. This milestone marks the brand’s deepening connection with its Middle Eastern clientele, offering a refined and elegant capsule collection tailored for the holy month.

While fashion lovers eagerly anticipate Haider Ackermann’s debut collection as Tom Ford’s new creative director at Paris Fashion Week, this Ramadan-exclusive drop proves that the brand continues to evolve, blending sophistication, cultural appreciation, and modern luxury.

A Collection Inspired by Dawn and Dusk

Taking inspiration from the serene transitions of early morning and sunset, Tom Ford’s Ramadan Collection is all about tranquility, warmth, and effortless style. The colour palette embodies sky blue and light sand, reflecting the calmness of pre-dawn suhoor gatherings and the golden glow of sunset iftar moments.

The collection is designed with both men and women in mind, offering elegant, versatile, and lightweight ensembles perfect for Ramadan’s spiritual and social settings.

Tom Ford's Ramadan Collection touches new areas of social fashion — Tom Ford’s Ramadan Collection touches new areas of social fashion

For Women: Timeless Elegance Meets Modern Luxury

The women’s collection is a perfect fusion of grace and minimalism, featuring:

👗 Sky Blue Kaftan & Matching Set – A flowing kaftan and a coordinated shirt and trousers set, ideal for suhoor and iftar gatherings.
🌾 Light Sand Maxi Shirt Dress – A modest yet statement-making piece, offering both refinement and comfort.
👚 Sand-Toned Coordinated Set – A relaxed yet sophisticated shirt and trousers combination.

To complement these outfits, Tom Ford’s Ramadan Collection includes a selection of luxurious accessories:
✨ Handbags in shimmering gold glitter leather, featuring the signature T-clasp closure.
👡 Gold lizard-textured shoes, available in both high heels and flats.

These versatile, statement pieces elevate any Ramadan wardrobe, embodying modest luxury with an effortless edge.

Tom Ford's Ramadan Collection is something fresh for the GCC — Tom Ford’s Ramadan Collection is something fresh for the GCC

For Men: Relaxed, Polished, and Ramadan-Ready

The men’s collection strikes a balance between casual sophistication and modern tailoring, featuring:

👕 Sky Blue Shirt & Shorts Set – A lightweight, breathable combination, perfect for warm Ramadan nights.
🧥 Bomber Jacket & Joggers in Chocolate & Camel – A relaxed yet polished set designed for both comfort and style.

To complete the look, men’s accessories include:
💳 Emerald green croc-stamped leather wallets & cardholders, adding a touch of bold elegance.
🥿 Dark wood sandals & deep aqua croc-stamped leather mules, bringing an understated yet fashion-forward finish to any Ramadan outfit.

With these refined essentials, Tom Ford ensures that every suhoor and iftar gathering is met with unparalleled style.

Where to Buy the Tom Ford Ramadan Collection

📍 Available Exclusively at: Tom Ford, The Dubai Mall
📅 Launch Date: February 7, 2025

As Tom Ford’s first official Ramadan collection, this limited-edition release cements the brand’s commitment to embracing cultural traditions with modern sophistication.

With timeless silhouettes, rich textures, and an emphasis on refined luxury, the Ramadan Collection is designed for those who appreciate elegance in every moment.