Sole DXB 2019 announces big name streetwear collaborations, exclusive festival-only fashion drops and an exhibition of the world’s rarest sneakers.Highlights include Wu Tang Clan x Sole DXB merchandise, adidas Originals by Sole DXB, and PUMA x Chinatown Market and as well as Farfetch, Burberry and Jordan Brand and unique activations and workshops. In addition to Sole DXB’s stellar music, art, film, talks and basketball programme, the festival has teamed up with the world’s leading fashion houses and sports brands to offer guests a next level sartorial experience.
Streetwear has always been at the core of the brand’s DNA and this year Sole DXB has excelled its well-earned hype as the region’s chief commander of style. The festival introduces a host of exciting drops, from the Wu-Tang Clan X Sole DXB exclusive merchandise to a customised adidas Originals capsule collection by Sole DXB, and curation of the rarest sneakers released for private sale presented by Archive.DNA. There’s a style savvy option for festival-goers of every taste and budget with pop ups from Burberry, Farfetch, Jordan Brand, PUMA, Birkenstock, Crep Protect x Ben Baller, Kappa, Kenzo, Reebok, Cole Haan and Studio ALCH.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), said: “Dubai has fast emerged into a global shopping destination, attracting trend-setters and acting as a regional gateway to globally renowned designers, boutiques, and vibrant fashion hotspots. It is also home to one of the world’s leading urban streetwear scenes with a burgeoning landscape of local artists, musical talent and homegrown labels that is influencing the dynamic culture of the region. For the past 8 years, Sole DXB has been a major contributor to this growing appetite for urban lifestyle and has helped bring the best of international street culture and fashion to Dubai.”
Archive DNA
A collection of the rarest sneakers on earth makes its way to Sole DXB 2019 in the form of an incredible exhibition that presents over 70 pairs of shoes alongside their stories. Archive DNA founder Magdi Fernandes and a team of top collectors have curated the selection that includes signed 1985 Michael Jordan TYPS Air Jordan 1 Player Exclusive, game worn ‘Air Zoom Generation’ for Lebron James, and a one-off ‘Air Max 90 SL Laser’ commissioned by the late Alexander McQueen for his own private collection. The sneakers that make up this epic selection go beyond minimal production quantities, each pair has a rich history and narrative that further cements them into the sneaker culture history books. Select pairs are available for purchase – to enquire about specifics and prices, email archive.dna@soledxb.com
adidas Originals by Sole DXB
Sole DXB, is bringing a customized adidas Originals capsule collection that celebrates the Jamaican theme of this year’s festival. Classic adidas Originals tracksuits and t-shirts will pay homage to the rich and diverse culture of the island, taking inspiration from the colours, destinations and people that the Sole DXB team met during their trip to the Caribbean melting pot earlier this year. Highlights include a blue tracksuit top adorned with the words ‘Negril, Jamaica’ in iconic Jamaican yellow on the back, above a custom adidas Originals trefoil logo in the classic green, yellow and red of the island. The unique collection will be available at the epic adidas Originals stand for streetwear collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Burberry
The British luxury brand teamed up with Sole DXB to explore the influence of Caribbean sound and culture on London’s Notting Hill Carnival for a stunning shoot in the Sole DXB magazine, Burberry now brings that party vibe to the festival in equal measure. Spread over two floors, the pop up will showcase the ‘Arthur’ sneaker in a variety of colourways, as well as the unisex Lola Bag and a selection of Monogram motif streetwear products, designed by Chief Creative Officer Riccardo Tisci. Expect interactive experiences and a second floor open air rooftop lounge and bar terrace, with panoramic views of the festival.
Farfetch
The global technology platform for luxury fashion returns to Sole DXB, partnering once again with sneaker maestros Stadium Goods. Expect a curation of sought-after products including Travis Scott’s Astroworld tour merchandise sold with his limited edition Reese’s Puffs cereal box while supplies last, alongside his limited-edition Cactus Jack Air Jordan’s, Supreme collectables and a select allotment of six popular sneaker styles being offered below their original retail prices, including three colorways of the Off-White “Tera Kiger” (black, white, and green), and three colorways of the Yeezy 700 (Geode, Salt, and Analog). Guests visiting the Farfetch space at Sole DXB can partake in a tie-dye activation with branded Stadium Goods apparel featuring bespoke treatments by Brooklyn-based Smalls Studio’s, as well as on-site tie-dye sessions led by founder Abbie De Castro.
Jordan Brand
Celebrate the 35th anniversary of a true icon: the Air Jordan 1 at the Jordan Brand festival space. This season’s Fearless Ones collection pays homage to the legend and impact of the Air Jordan 1 through a number of collaborations that will be available for purchase at Sole DXB. Top of the agenda is the ‘AIR JORDAN 1 MID SE SP FEARLESS MELODY EHSANI’ by Los Angeles designer and Sole DXB alumni Melody Ehsani. The Hip Hop loving sneaker head expresses her signature style and message of self-expression and female empowerment through a hand-lettered quote on the midsole that reads: “IF YOU KNEW WHAT YOU HAD WAS RARE, YOU WOULD NEVER WASTE IT.” Additional inspirational messages from Ehsani are hidden throughout the sneaker collection.
PUMA
The Sports Brand has been on fire this year with sneaker drops that have left many competitors in its shadow and for Sole DXB, PUMA is adding even more cool to its offering through a collaboration with design collective Chinatown Market. The two brands have teamed up to produce a limited-edition gold basketball exclusively for Sole DXB and the PUMA space will also host Chinatown Market founder Mike Cherman and a team of designers for a series of workshops and talks over the weekend.
In addition to Chinatown Market, PUMA’s legendary 80s running shoe, the FAST RIDER, is back to make a vibrant, playful splash on the streets. The iconic retro style – which once brought the fun of running to the streets – has been revamped to launch the FUTURE RIDER and STYLE RIDER as the next generation of playful, casual-cool streetstyle. The different iterations of the Rider will be available for purchase at Sole – alongside other of the brand’s latest drops, such as the RS-X3, a new level of PUMA’s signature RS design, and the CALI Sport, the newest addition to the CALI franchise.
Birkenstock
The champion of open-toe footwear joins the Sole DXB arena for the first time and brings with it a host of edgy collaborations. Products available at the Birkenstock pop-up include their Rick Owens, Valentino and Random Identities partnerships as well as a ‘first chance to buy’ of the brand’s unisex New Generation collection.
Crep Protect x Ben Baller
The Ultimate Sneaker Protection brand meets The Jeweller to the Stars for a Sole DXB launch exclusive. Crep Protect join forces with Los Angeles jeweller Ben Baller – who has made custom jewellery for everyone from Kanye West and Drake to The Kardashians and Justin Bieber, he has collaborated with artists KAWS and Takashi Murakami and launched a capsule clothing collection with UK’s finest sneaker boutique ‘Presented By. The two brands have combined forces to present the best premium sneaker cleaner around and it’s being exclusively launched by the man himself at Sole DXB.
TUMI
TUMI has been creating world-class business and travel essentials, designed to upgrade, uncomplicate and beautify all aspects of life on the move. The go-to brand for cutting edge travel essentials that exude style makes the journey to Sole DXB this year. The Tumi pop-up will showcase new exclusive products and collaboration, while hosting an exclusively music themed program giving you the chance of mixing your own songs live on the booth or slash the beats of adrenaline-pumping music in a unique VR game.
Kappa
The Italian sportswear brand brings a mix of football and streetwear drops to the Sole DXB audience. A remake of historical football jerseys will take centre stage with customisation also available at the pop up. For streetwear fans, head for the loud logos and bright colourways of the LA Story and Race Story collections.
KENZO
The French brand brings its intergalactic holiday season collection to the festival. Expect outerwear in iridescent hues of blues, lurex jumpers, dresses and skirts, as well as an exclusive tote bag just for Sole DXB. Kenzo will also introduce the weightless, unisex INKA sneaker, which is exclusive to the region and will enjoy its first drop at the festival.
Reebok
The lifestyle and fitness stalwart will host a rich variety of product and explore a cultural narrative at this year’s festival pop-up. The standout attraction will be the appearance of Pyer Moss Designer and Reebok Artistic Director, Kerby Jean-Raymond. The Time 100 alumni will return to Sole DXB and again be part of a panel talk, exclusively at the Reebok stand, Friday December 6 at 4:30 pm, to discuss: championing inclusivity, embracing sub-cultures and celebrating uniqueness. The Sankofa-inspired Reebok by Pyer Moss Collection 3 will be available for purchase as well as limited edition t-shirts, dedicated to local fans and festival goers from the region. Expect spoken word and photography activations to further unfold the cultural story and celebrate the Reebok X adidas collaborative sneaker in a limited drop of the Instapump Fury Boost, “Black and White”.
Cole Haan
The American lifestyle brand is set for its inaugural Sole DXB appearance by showcasing collaborations with Jeff Staple of Staple Design and Chinatown Market x Smiley, alongside its signature ZERØGRAND collection – which blurs the space between traditional footwear and modern sneakers. Expect onsite giveaways, meet and greets with renowned street culture icon Jeff Staple twice a day, and register to become one of the first to know how they can get their hands on a pair of the new limited-edition Cole Haan x Staple Pigeon Øriginal Grand Ultra, which drops in late Spring 2020.
Studio ALCH
Emerging London-based designer, Alexandra Hackett will showcase her innovative designs at Sole DXB, with custom reconstructed pieces available for purchase, alongside her mainline range. The label focuses on exploring the process of deconstruction and reconstruction to extend the lifespan of pre-existing products, with a keen focus on the functionality. Studio ALCH has worked collaboratively with various artists, including Kendrick Lamar, Frank Ocean, Jorja Smith and Dave, and with brands including Nike and streetwear label Patta.
Wu-Tang Clan Merchandise
Yes, Wu-Tang Clan x Sole DXB official merchandise is happening, and it will be available at the festival. Although exacts looks are yet to be revealed, a number of different designs and products will be available in limited quantities.
Sole DXB Merchandise
Official Sole DXB merchandise will be available with three limited edition tee designs. Using the raw, hit and run screen printing technique, guests will be able to choose between different designs to print including the Sole DXB 2019 line up, an Official Sole Sound System design and a Trojan Records print in homage to the opening screening of Rudeboy: The Story of Trojan Ecords on Thursday December 5th.
Event: Sole DXB
Dates: 5th, 6th, 7th December 2019
Times: 5th doors open at 6pm until 10pm, 6th & 7th doors open at 12pm until 10pm
Ticket prices: Weekend pass AED 375 and day pass AED 245
Tickets will be available through Virgin Megastore Tickets https://tickets.virginmegastore.me/ae, Dubai Calendar App, and www.soledxb.com/tickets.
