1. style and fashion

SOLEDXB.COM
EVENT EDITION 2014
REEBOK CLASSICS
MADE BY NATIVE
REMI ROUGH
So how did a female
urban scene emerge
in our region?
Give Me Your Classics
and I’ll Show You
The Future.
Founded on an
appreciation and love
for the handcrafted and
classically designed.
A UK street artist who
has played a significant
role in the development
of abstract graffiti.
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07
10
12
FOOTWEAR
FASHION
LIFESTYLE
#SOLEDXB
Facebook Instagram
Cover: Photographed by Naim Chidiac
Featuring: Sole DXB Founders
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DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT
HIGH HEELS…
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SOLE TIMES
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SOLE TIMES
Designed by
SOLE ACCESSORIES
CAMPAIGN
HIGH HEELS TO HIGH-TOPS
Written by Juline Karadag
SAINT LAURENT
BOLD 5 SQUARE-FRAME ACETATE SUNGLASSES
Crafted in Italy from jet-black acetate and discreetly detailed
with silver screws. Sophisticated and strong.
SMYTHSON
CROCODILE-EMBOSSED LEATHER IPHONE 5 CASE
Luxurious detailin. This iPhone 5 case features an elasticated
pull tab for easy access to your essential technology, and is fully
leather-lined for protection from scratches.
UNIFORM WARES
302 SERIES CHRONOGRAPH
Inspired by modern design and engineering, Uniform
Wares designs impeccable timepieces that exude utilitarian
sophistication. Featured is the 302 Series chronograph with its
slick stainless steel case and luxurious Italian leather strap.
MMM MYKITA
ROUND-FRAME MIRRORED METAL SUNGLASSES
Maison Martin Margiela sunglasses crafted in a minimalist,
featherweight construction, with gold-tone metal arms and
mirrored round lenses. Handmade in Berlin, in collaboration with
Mykita.
When streetwear took high fashion by storm in New York,
London and Paris, it did so as well in our part of the world. Seeing
as Dubai and Abu Dhabi girls have primed themselves to be the
international face of Middle-Eastern fashion, it’s refreshing to see many
of them sporting the freshest kicks and streetwear brands available out
there. And not just that, many girls have also taken the initiative to
launch their own brands and boutiques dedicated to urban lifestyle.
We, at Sole, want to document and help raise awareness about these
women who are cultivating the scene in the Middle East.
So how did a female urban scene emerge in our region? It is no
surprise as most of Dubai’s fashion enthusiasts rely on blogs, fashion
and street-style websites from around the world for inspiration. And
for some time now, streetwear has been taken from the streets to the
Internet and dominated in the battle for web space through social
media like Instagram. With the emergence of the “Outfit of the Day”
posts, girls started paying more attention to their “everyday effortlesschic look” and thus began to form an interest in urban-wear. It wasn’t
about how fancy you could dress on a daily basis anymore, but more
about how good you can look wearing basic clothes. Similarly, girls in
the Middle East took the initiative to convey the same attitude and
mood through their daily posts and this created a new definition to
what’s cool in the region.
Watch the film at www.soledxb.com
The definition of what is style and fashion has
broadened, it has become more about personal style
and less about following the latest trends.
On a more high-fashion note, respected designers and magazine
editors are significant protagonists of this phenomenon and are also
considered early adopters of the movement as they were the ones
that started combining streetwear with high fashion in numerous
editorials and collections, which created a fresh take on fashion. Seen
that sneakers and urban culture were now present in the high-fashion
industry, fashion conscious women of the Middle East began to
progressively feel more comfortable with the idea of mixing the two
concepts. And that’s how the culture started blossoming in our region.
Also, one of the biggest factors is how female music influencers
started advocating the idea of “being different is being cool” and
that included an interest shift from high-fashion labels to street wear
culture (unless you went Gaga-style, which is also totally cool). An
obvious example of that would be Rihanna. She has been seen wearing
brands like Pigalle and Supreme on a daily basis (even to fashion events
at times) and that enriched girls’ interest in streetwear. She did it as a
statement to show-off her unconcerned attitude towards the written
rules of fashion and what girls should and shouldn’t be wearing and
that consequently started selling the idea of “the more different you
are, the cooler you are”. Even other artists like Rita Ora, who has
just released a collection in collaboration with Adidas Originals, have
pushed women to look at style in another way. Suddenly, it wasn’t
about looking sexy but more about the attitude a girl chooses to
portray through her style. And since these influencers have a major
following in the Middle East, girls of the region directly absorbed
these ideas as it made them feel more empowered and allowed them to
have more freedom in the ways they could express themselves through
fashion.
So we can say that a new generation of fashion music and culture
have set the wheels in motion to make their mark in fashion and the
arts; and street wear is a part of that.
For women in particular, it’s become more of a form of expression
and it is less defined by the constraints of high fashion. The definition
of what is style and fashion has broadened, it has become more about
personal style and less about following the latest trends. More about
being you and making a stance. Evidently, the urban-laidback style has
become the new definition of cool and helped the shift of streetwear’s
reputation from being related to tomboy style to now being the new
fashion statement.
With the scene blossoming in the main fashion capitals and the
endless well of high fashion labels in the Middle East, we have found
ourselves witnessing two scenarios…
1- Women of the region blossomed here in terms of personal style
with the help of high fashion brands incorporating streetwear aesthetics
to their designs; Riccardo Tisci being a key example to the latter by
uniting high fashion and streetwear to his designs for Givenchy and
also Chanel’s Winter 2014 collection, which only included sneakers as
the main footwear.
2- Women of the region are not satisfied with only high-end
brands anymore, they look to seek out those unique smaller brands
and with the region being so ideally located and a mixing pot of so
many places, many unique new pieces of fashion were added to our
wardrobes
As a result, we start to see a unique regional take on street fashion.
Today streetwear has risen up to the level of high fashion in the aspect
of influence and trends. For that reason, girls of Dubai have found a
new way of expressing themselves through their soles. In our opinion,
the girls cultivating the street culture in our region deserve to be given
credit regionally and internationally as they are the key actors helping
to put Dubai (and surrounding cities) on the map of street wear
culture.
Stay tuned for upcoming articles from this series about females in
streetwear of the Middle East at www.soledxb.com.
Film Title
Sole
Music
Miltiadis Kyvernitis
Agency
Moloobhoy & Brown
Music & Post Production
Julien Monie
Executive Creative Director
Hussain Moloobhoy
Scriptwriter
Jibberish
Director
Neel Kumar
Voice Over
Wekafore
DOP
Umran Shaikh
Producer
Joshua Cox
Big love to our friends, contributors, collaborators and instigators.
For the late nights and the manic calls, for the big ideas and the small
ones too, thank you for making this a labour of love.
We couldn’t have put this together without you. This issue’s for you!
See you November 14/15th.
Credit: Phil Oh
GIVENCHY
CAMO FLOWER-PRINT LEATHER BACKPACK
Black and grey flower camouflage-print leather backpack by
Givenchy.
What we stand on is what we stand for.
When Sole DXB first began, Dubai’s urban culture was in its infancy,
Four years later, the city has come a long way. And so have we.
Dubai’s definitive platform for urban culture created this brand film
& call-out to all enthusiasts in the Middle East for the Sole DXB
footwear, fashion & lifestyle fair on November 14/15
Sole Family
SOLE PICKS
THE GOOD WILL OUT X ASICS GEL LYTE V
“KOYO”
COMMON PROJECTS
ACHILLES LOW TOP
BUDDY SHOES X
MAIDEN NOIR
LIBERTY OF LONDON X
FILLING PIECES FW 2014
The Good Will Out has teamed up with ASICS
to produce a LE of the Gel-Lyte V silhouette. Paying
homage to the colours of the Japanese autumn leaf,
an equivalent to cherry blossoms in spring.
These leather sneakers have gained cult status
thanks to their minimalist design and superior
construction. Perfect for crisp city-smart looks.
Based on the classic low cut trainers of the ’60s.
Intended to darken and age beautifully with time,
the first version features smooth black leather with
a white cup sole and contrasting white laces.
Filling Pieces teams up with world-renowned
Liberty for a LE low-top. The release sports
original Liberty fabrics on its quarter panels and
a classic vulcanized rubber sole.
NEW BALANCE
MADE IN USA M996GK
NIKE BLAZER MID PREMIUM VINTAGE
“SAFARI” COLLECTION
VANS AUTHENTIC CA
“ROYAL PAISLEY”
LACOSTE LS.12
TENNIS SNEAKER
NB‘s 996 runner reappears for the fall with this
handsome new colourway. The NB staple grey
mesh and suede plays centre stage, offset against a
deep rust-toned heel panel and laces.
Features a vulcanized sole that draws elements
from the safari to create a distinct aesthetic. This
pair blends a full-grain leather upper with leopard
print, pony-hair Swoosh, heel tab and tongue.
Part of the new Vans California Fall 2014
collection, the brand presents a beautiful premium
print version of the iconic Vans Authentic.
Featuring a dress blue paisley all-over pattern.
Lacoste dust off a classic tennis shoe from the
archive, breathing new life into the LS.12 first
released in 1987 and specifically created for hard
court surfaces.
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Participating Brands
PUMA x SOLE DXB
HOUSE OF HACKNEY
INTERIOR DESIGN LUXURY HOME
FASHION
LONDON
This season at Sole DXB, PUMA presents
SELECT; a premium lifestyle collection that
fuses performance with culture and fashion by
revisiting PUMA’s rich history and innovation as a
leading sports brand, and combines this with the
philosophy of creating premium product for the
willing consumer.
PUMA has partnered with some of the
most influential streetwear labels, fashion houses
and creatives around the globe for 2014 to offer
Autumn Winter 2014 streetwear collections
that include Brooklyn We Go Hard, Sophia
Chang, House of Hackney, Miharayashuhiro
by PUMA and some exclusive styles from the
PUMA Archives as the Trinomic XS850OG
(Original) pack – as well as CREAM; a product
line showcasing designer collaborations such as
Ronnie Fieg x PUMA amongst others. In addition,
for the first time, sneaker-fans will get a sneak peek
and the opportunity to pre-order exclusive product
from our Spring Summer 2015 collection.
Check out the PUMA space and secure a pair
of exclusive sneakers, dropping with only limited
pairs per collection. These sought-after sneakers
will be will be available for one weekend only at
dedicated time slots, which will be announced
online, so keep track on @FishtailRides and
@soledxb.
Below are some of the highlights of what you
can expect to see, but we’ve definitely got some
surprises in the mix too.
NB: Fancy nabbing a spot at the private
Fishtail Rides book launch, including a secret ride?
Keep tuned to @FishtailRides on Facebook for more.
#PUMAlife #Select #FishtailRides
LEVEL SHOE DISTRICT – SNEAKING IN
BWGH
BROOKLYN WE GO HARD PARLE
FRANÇAIS
PARIS
MIHARA YASUHIRO
FASHION DESIGNER
TOKYO
SOPHIA CHANG
ILLUSTRATOR DESIGNER
CREATOR
NEW YORK CITY
RONNIE FIEG
CREATING HISTORY FOR SNEAKER
CULTURE
KITH
NEW YORK CITY
GOLDEN GOOSE – MADE IN VENICE
‘You can see the view of the lagoon,’ says Alessandro Gallo,
looking out of the window of his atelier at Venice, his beloved
hometown. Gallo, along with his wife Francesca, chose the city’s old
Porto Marghera shipyards as a base to carve out their homegrown
luxury lifestyle brand, Golden Goose Deluxe Brand. ‘The city itself
has incredibly rare beauty that we feel [is] very important for our
creativity,’ he says.
The atelier, which the couple call the ‘house’, occupies an old,
industrial foundry which the duo repurposed by mixing modern
functionality with French marble floors and vintage carpets. ‘We
designed a space where our staff would be able to feel the lifestyle
that we would like to deliver as a brand.’
The atelier’s visual mix of industrialism and luxury finish
embodies the couple’s approach towards their collections. ‘Luxury
doesn’t mean show-off,’ says Gallo, on his approach to luxe fashion.
‘It is something “subtle” – far from showiness and waste.’
Golden Goose Deluxe Brand’s signature aesthetic is perhaps best
distilled in its line of luxury sneakers, first launched in 2007. ‘We
thought that we had to create the sneakers to represent our brand’s
philosophy and vision, not just sneakers found anywhere,’ he says.
Made by hand, for, as Gallo says, ‘Venice has [the] highest
manufacturing technique known in the world’, Golden Goose
Deluxe Brand’s line of sneakers, with its easily identifiable star
detail, offer a modern twist on classic skate styles – crafted in Italian
workshops, before being carefully distressed for a worn-in, vintage
look.
Since it’s launch in 2000, Golden Goose Deluxe Brand’s
evolution into a full-scale lifestyle brand – offering everything from
apparel to stationery and sneakers – has taken the Gallos’ various
products to over 500 stores worldwide, with flagships planned in
Milan, Tokyo, Paris, New York and, of course, Venice.
In Dubai, Golden Goose Deluxe Brand sneakers can be found
exclusively at Level Shoe District, who will be showcasing the brand’s
new lines at its pavillion during Sole DXB 2014.
Shoes, it is often said, are the first thing that people notice
about one another. And so, when the first model took to the
runway for Burberry Prorsum’s SS15 show in London, the first
thing style editors saw on the catwalk were sneakers.
Though cool, Christopher Bailey’s leather low-tops did not
break the ground beneath the front row’s feet – most would have
looked down at their notebooks to see their own pair of Common
Projects staring back at them.
Bailey’s minimalist approach follows in the footsteps of
Lagerfeld at Chanel, Phoebe Philo of Céline and Raf Simons, who,
like Rick Owens, has introduced sneakers into his eponymous label
and collaborated on a colour-blocked Stan Smith series for Adidas.
Locally, too, sneakers are stepping up and firmly out of youthculture and streetwear styles. ‘Men seem to be blurring the line
more, looking for sneakers to wear with suits that they would have
only once worn dress shoes with,’ says Claudia Shishova, manager
of Level Shoe District’s brand marketing department.
Fortunately, the concept store’s ‘Trend’ area already has
got haute sneakers down: from limited edition Pierre Hardy; to
Buscemi’s handcrafted leather high-tops; to more discreet, niche
offerings (Common Project, Gourmet) and luxe versions at Joshua
Sanders, Maison Martin Margella and Alejandro Ingelmo.
Don’t miss the Level Shoe District pavillion at Sole DXB
2014, set to showcase SS15’s standout sneakers, featuring limited
editions, capsule collections and exclusive collaborations.
GOURMET FOOTWEAR
RONNIE FIEG
BROOKLYN WE GO HARD
TRINOMIC XS850 PLUS
The Ronnie Fieg x PUMA Disc Blaze “Coat Of Arms” collab first
showed up in the Paris pop-up store and now, the PUMA space at
Sole DXB. Ronnie continues to work with PUMA, collaborating
on the brand’s most iconic silhouettes, such as the Disc Blaze “Coat
Of Arms”. The shoe itself is covered in the best suede, leather, and
details such as the 3m speckled midsole in black and mint. Get on
the hunt: only 12 pairs.
Parisian streetwear label Brooklyn We Go Hard and PUMA
have regrouped for AW14, with the pair’s second collaboration
focusing on reviving some of the sports brand’s classic 1990s
silhouettes with the XS850 and XS698 trainers, sporting vintagefeel colour-blocking, inspired by painter Mark Rothko. Dropping
12 pairs – lucky for some.
Our favourite retro bringback – the Trinomic XS850 Plus dips
its feet firmly back into the PUMA archives, now being reissued in PUMA’s iconic green box. What started its life as an
undemanding trail runner as a plush ride, quickly became a
fashion statement on the streetwear scene. Get ready for the stares
– and prep your pennies for this one. Only 12 pairs.
Y3 – YOHJI YAMAMOTO FOR REAL MADRID
Yohji Yamamoto and adidas to design Real
Madrid third kit for 2014 / 15 football season
Couture master and design revolutionary
Yohji Yamamoto brings his signature aesthetic
to a new adidas collaboration that embodies the
spirit of the reigning champions of Europe, Real
Madrid. In an exclusive product series, Yamamoto
distills the essence of battle and victory to create
a unique garment for Real Madrid´s players. The
resulting football jerseys will also be available for
purchase at select adidas, Y-3, Yohji Yamamoto,
and Real Madrid stores.
In thinking about Real Madrid’s legacy,
Yamamoto envisioned a heroic story of the
contemporary football players as modern-
day heroes, achieving mythical status through
continued victory. With this artistic vision in
mind, Yamamoto created a visual motif in his
signature style. He produced an original canvas
painting depicting a fabled creature both dragon
and bird. The beast symbolizes the dragon’s
strength, determination, and power and the
bird’s speed, agility, and cunning—all qualities
demonstrated by Real Madrid’s star players.
The artwork appears on jerseys that have been
redesigned with an elegant Henley-style collar
construction and adorned with Adidas’ classic
three stripes and iconic Performance logo. They are
produced solely in black – Yamamoto’s favourite
‘colour’ featuring the innovative adizeroTM
Greg Lucci strikes an imposing figure on the streets of New York
City: solid build, shaved head, streetwear, ever-present sunglasses. A
quick Google of his name shows photos of him posing with Young
Jeezy or eating antipasti like a don.
Cross check it with the blog of Gourmet Footwear, which
he co-founded in 2005, and it’s plain to see that he embodies the
brand. Though Lucci has spoken of his luxury sneaker brand as
‘uncatagorisable’, it can perhaps be best summed up via its Twitter
bio: ‘High-end for the regular guy.’
The ‘regular guy’ aspect draws, largely, on the Italian American
heritage of Lucci himself and all that entails (batting cages, giglio
feasts, gold chains and sweat pants, apparently), while the ‘high-end’
takes it cue from old world Italy’s renown for traditional, tailored
silhouettes.
At Gourmet Footwear, this blend of influences translates into
the collections’ craftsmanship. Sneakers are built on compression
CASIO G-SHOCK 2014 “HYPER COLORS” COLLECTION
technology that ensures maximum performance
for the players. They are made of an ultra light
fabric which enhances breathability while allowing
unparalleled freedom of movement and comfort
without compromising elasticity and durability.
In an exciting turn, the collaboration spans
stadium to street, available to consumers in limited,
numbered quantities. Packed in a premium
handmade commemorative box and with strictly
1400 issues available worldwide, this special edition
fuses Yamamoto’s pioneering design aesthetic with
Real Madrid’s heroic story. The exclusive jerseys
produced in limited, numbered editions bear Yohji
Yamamotos personal signature and the number 3
representing Adidas iconic three stripes.
Casio G-Shock has unveiled a new collection of timepieces
that incorporate a nice balance between aesthetics and functionality.
Large cases are utilized to increase the toughness of these pieces,
making them durable enough to handle a variety of rugged
environments and situations. As for the watch faces, the watches pair
analog displays with LCD screens on the upper and lower parts of
the piece. Finished in matte colours of black and white, the Casio
G-Shock 2014 “Hyper Colours” collection can now be purchased at
the brand’s online store.
…a nice balance between aesthetics
and functionality.
moulded eva foam to give a lightness to their step, before being
styled with luxe materials imported from Italy, such as gold cork,
embossed crocodile leather and suede.
Versatile enough to transcend from a camping trip to a trip to
the nightclub, the Gourmet Footwear FW14 collection continues its
cult Quadici Lite series, and also introduces two new silhouettes: the
Gaetano and the Corridore – the former a hiking boot, the latter a
hiking boot-inspired sneaker.
In Dubai, Lucci’s brand can be found at Level Shoe District,
who will also be hosting a pavillion at Sole DXB 2014, where you
can see the latest Gourmet Footwear must-have sneakers.
ISNEAKER.EU
iSneaker is the brainchild of two friends who since they can
remember have had a love for sneakers. Created in the backrooms
of Budapest the aim was to bring the latest footwear offerings
to others that shared the same passion. The idea worked and the
website has been serving all spectrums of sneaker aficionados in
Europe since it’s launch in early 2013. Now our mission is to bring
the same concept to the Emirates offering a one stop online sneaker
shop from December 2014 – serving the newest releases and
limited editions on iSneaker.ae
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Participating Brands
DIESEL
Denim, leather and military, the
foundations of Diesel that fuel its creative DNA,
define Diesel’s Fall Winter 2014 men’s and
women’s collections. Inspired by contemporary
and natural worlds, artistic director Nicola
Formichetti edges the brand’s core aesthetics
into new ground for a lineup of formidable
yet wearable clothes created with Diesel’s
unmistakable signatures.
“This season I wanted to explore the other
side of Diesel, which is fun loving, and a little bit
ironic — it’s very free spirited. I was imagining
who we are: urban nomads who travel around
the world, and go to different music festivals like
Coachella and Glastonbury,” Formichetti said.
Music festival inspiration breathes easygoing
attitude into Diesel’s military looks.
Authoring new leather constructions each
season, Diesel leather is founded in tried and true
and novel inspiration.
Denim, Diesel’s genetic code, is produced
with an artisanal, couture hand. Designs are
matched with treatment innovation.
Accessories are shaped from rigorous
military shoes: lace up boots, polished black
platform pumps, mirrored gold thick rubber
soled oxfords for men and women. Structured
bags are crafted from army green flannel, or
leather satchels bound with black leather straps.
Be the first to discover Spring Summer 2015
collection at Sole DXB Dubai on 14th – 15th
November!
VANS
With more than 45 years of history and
now offering a complete range of footwear,
apparel and accessories, Vans, has risen to
become a worldwide dominant force in the
action sports industry and no.1 choice for
the skateboarding community and fashion
conscious consumer.
This Fall, VANS launches new designs
from team riders Geoff Rowley, Tony Trujillo
and Mitch Abshere. The shoes combine each
rider’s unique styles with classic “Off the
Wall” touches including the signature Vans
side stripe and original waffle outsole.
The new collection is available in Sun
& Sand Sports stores across the Middle East
and standalone Vans stores in Abu Dhabi
Mall, Level Shoe District-The Dubai Mall and
Bahrain City Centre.
DC
Founded in 1994, DC quickly
grew to become a leader in performance
skateboarding shoes and a renowned action
sports brand. Today DC stands as a global
brand whose product line has expanded
to include men’s, women’s and kids’
skateboarding and lifestyle shoes, apparel,
snowboards, snowboard boots, outerwear,
and accessories. As one of the cornerstones of
its marketing strategy, DC has built a worldclass team of professional skateboarding,
snowboarding, and motocross athletes that
exemplify and enhance DC’s brand, develop its
signature products, and support its promotional
efforts. DC is a subsidiary of Quiksilver, Inc.
TOMS
TOMS was founded in 2006 by Blake
Mycoskie, who was inspired during a trip to
Argentina to start a different kind of business.
There he observed extreme poverty, adverse
health conditions and children walking
without shoes. Wanting to help, an idea came
to him: the traditional Argentine alpargata
shoe could be a simple yet revolutionary
solution. He quickly set out to reinvent the
DEUS EX MACHINA
Deus ex Machina roared into Australia’s
cultural consciousness in 2006, with some
neatly customised motorcycles and a quaint
notion that doing something is more fun than
just owning something. Deus ex Machina is
a step bigger than a brand: it’s a culture. Our
openness and enthusiasm strike a chord with
people, wherever they are… Deus (“day-us”)
didn’t set out only to sell custom parts and
hand-built motorcycles, but to celebrate a
culture of creativity.
The Deus philosophy recalls an
era before the various pursuits of fun –
motorcycling, surfing, skateboarding, whatever
– were marketed into fundamentalist factions.
All are welcomed under the Deus roof, where
there’s simply respect for the honesty and
enjoyment of the machine.
Inclusiveness, authenticity, enthusiasm.
It’s a simple and sincere pitch that has winged
Deus ex Machina across the world. Deus ex
Machina says simply there’s no ‘right way’ to do
individualism, its all the same juice.
Follow @deusarabia for Deus Ex Machina
in the GCC.
alpargata for the U.S. market – to show how
together we can create a better tomorrow by
taking compassionate action today.
To realize this mission, Blake made a
commitment to give a pair of new shoes to
a child in need, for every pair sold. One for
One.® “I was so overwhelmed by the spirit of
the South American people, especially those
who had so little, and I was instantly struck
REEBOK CLASSICS
The Rig Out & Reebok Classics Present
“Give Me Your Classics and I’ll Show You The
Future”
The Rig Out highlights Reebok with the
introduction of this brand new editorial and
film. Dubbed “Give Me Your Classics and I’ll
Show You The Future,” the piece looks at the
way in which the pioneering brand has shaped
modern sportswear, as well as British youth
culture, since its evolution out of J.W. Foster
and Sons back in 1958. Directed by Antony
Crook with cinematography by Lol Crawley
and a voiceover from Paul Popplewell, the
editorial and video are set in Bolton and
Manchester, the birthplace of Reebok – and
coincide with the retrospective Reebok
Classics brand book. “The film is a celebration
of creative youth: the current pioneers who
are making music, creating great record
labels, making flyers and magazines. They are
crafting their own future as well as shaping
ours. Their story challenges us all to focus on
the present and the future.”
The piece looks at the way
in which the pioneering
brand has shaped modern
sportswear, as well as British
youth culture, since its
evolution out of J.W. Foster
and Sons back in 1958
with the desire – the responsibility to do more.”
Five years later, TOMS used the same
model to launch its second product: TOMS
Eyewear. With every pair purchased, TOMS
will help restore sight for a person in need.
One for One.® As more everyday choices have
the power to impact the lives of those around
the world, the TOMS movement continues to
grow and evolve.
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SOLE TIMES
Corcel at Sole DXB
BIKEID
CYCLING STYLE
BIKEID’s mission is to create the purest bicycle experience
possible, providing a simple ride with no mess, complications or
extravagant details. BIKEID create a premium, robust, utilitarian city
bikes designed with longevity in mind. For them there is a nostalgic
romance in the form of a bicycle, a simple, elegant and noble mode of
transport. We’ve all ridden and owned old bikes from the 50’s/60’s and
they still work well and we want our children to be riding our bikes
around town from cafe to cafe in 30 years time.
The BIKEID frames come in 4 different models - Track (shown
left), Diamond, Step-Through and Majestic starting from AED3,950.
Available exclusively at corcelcollective.com
ACNE STUDIOS
COLLEGE LOOPBACK COTTON-JERSEY SWEATSHIRT
You can’t beat the effortless cool of a crew neck sweatshirt. The
tactile loopback cotton-jersey feels soft against the skin, while
raglan sleeves and an authentic V-gadget detail add athletic
attitude.
ACNE SHORTS
These Acne Studios shorts are your solution to staying sharp
in the summer. The tailored cut, smooth cotton-twill cloth and
jet-black shade makes them incredibly versatile. Team them with
Acne Sweatshirt, a Corcel T and Visvim suede sneakers.
MASTER-PIEC LEATHER-TRIMMED
CAMOUFLAGE WOOL-BLEND BACKPACK
Founded in Japan in 1994 by Mr Taichi Fujimatsu, Master-Piece
creates bags and accessories that aim to “fuse design and
function at a high level”. We think this backpack excels on both
counts; it’s full of pockets, compartments and technical detailing
that make it a utilitarian must-have, while the camo print and wool
and leather panels keep it on trend.
VISVIM
FBT SUEDE SNEAKERS
This pair comes in tan suede and is finished with handsome toe
stitching and a tasselled top flap which can be removed for a
more casual take.
DOSNOVENTA
Dosnoventa was founded in the city of Barcelona, as the result
of the interest of two old friends and well-known city riders, lovers of
quality products and with a large professional experience in the world
of the fixed wheel.
The synergy that bonds them is what spurs them to
the production of bikes, for themselves and for their friends, with the
mission of offering their crew a great product using the best materials,
with a very studied aesthetics, geometry and image, built by the best
craftsmen but with a very competitive price.
The first frames are delivered and the brand quickly becomes a
cult object and a local reference. Since then the Dosnoventa family
won’t stop growing: a team of great riders is created to represent the
brand, three models of frame came on to the market,... But above all,
a superb team working behind scenes for this project, sharing a lifestyle
and a love for the urban culture, thanks to which Dosnoventa is now
set up an renowned for its quality, style and authenticity.
PURE FIX CYCLES
BROOKS ENGLAND
NEW YORK BIKE STYLE
Pure Fix Cycles is our celebration of
bicycling for all that it offers: transportation,
health, and righteous good times. With our
economy cooled and our planet warming,
there is no better way to get around than
riding, cost and carbon free, on a fixed gear
bike. In a city where transportation is always
a challenge, we can help make your transit
something you look forward to.
Featured is THE KEIRIN designed to
give you the edge on the track and the streets.
Built with double-butted 6061 aluminium
tubing, and featuring an integrated headset
and smooth welds, it’s light, stiff, responsive,
and ready for anything from a crit to a
commute.
Available exclusively at corcelcollective.com
Over almost a century and a half, Brooks
England has grown from a small workshop
to a byword in quality craftsmanship. Back
in 1865, John Boultbee Brooks left his
hometown of Hinckley in Leicestershire
with just £20 in his pocket. He headed for
Birmingham, where in 1866 he established a
business in horse harnesses and general leather
goods in Great Charles Street under the name JB
Brooks & Co. In 1878, the unfortunate death of
Mr Brooks’ horse led to a stroke of inspiration.
Unable to afford another horse, he
borrowed a bicycle in order to commute to
work. He found the seat so uncomfortable
that he vowed to do something about it.
On 28 October 1882, Mr Brooks filed
his first saddle patent. Waddling cyclists
everywhere rejoiced and the new product was
a roaring success
“Sometimes I think about the moment when
I fell in love with riding a bike in New York
City,” writes Mr Sam Polcer, the photographer
behind the ultimate style guide for any gent
preferring two wheels to four. Full of vivid
photographs and captions noting the subjects’
name, bike of choice, route and destination,
Polcer’s compilation of the city’s eccentric
cycling population pays colourful tribute to
their preferred mode of travel. This paperback
edition makes an excellent addition to your
home library.
corcelcollective.com
#corcellife
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SOLE TIMES
soledxb.com
VOR
FILLING PIECES
First of all: we make shoes. But shoes are not
what we produce. It’s quality. And to us, quality
means absolute perfection.
We have to admit to our obsession. We are
obsessive perfectionists and burning devotees. We
spend days, weeks, researching the best materials
used in the best soles. Which is the most suitable
profile? What do the soles smell of? How do
they react to dust? How many different shades
of white are available? In short: who are the best
manufacturers of the best soles? Then we do some
detective work to find out if these manufacturers
are interested in quality. Whether to them,
quality means absolute perfection, as it does to us.
Complete and utter devotion. Whether they are
MADE BY NATIVE
Dutch label ETQ Amsterdam is a label
that has been generating some buzz lately for
its covetable, versatile sneakers made from
high-quality materials. Previewed here, a
stylish renditions of its Mid Top 2 silhouette.
Constructed with Nappa leather uppers, the
contemporary kicks feature vulcanized rubber
soles, perforated calfskin linings and padded collars
and tongues, resulting in an overall design that’s
as comfortable and durable as it is stylish. ETQ
Amsterdam’s Mid Top 2 sneakers in white will be
available at #earlyretirement Sole DXB 2014.
just as obsessed as we are. And if not, we start the
whole process again. Then we do the same thing
for the leather, the laces, the glue, the thread, the
colours, the packaging, the seams, everything.
That’s what we call love. A love of perfection.
You might call it old school. But to us,
handcrafted items are an expression of the modern
consumer’s demands regarding a product’s origins.
This enthusiasm guided our decision to handcraft
our shoes in Germany. In Pirmasens, to be exact.
After all, that’s where the shoemakers work who
share our peculiar obsession and passion. We’re
especially proud of the label “Handcrafted in
Germany”, naturally.
Filling Pieces is an Amsterdam-based footwear
label, established in 2009 by designer Guillaume
Philibert. While studying architecture, Guillaume
realized that there weren’t any premium highquality sneakers out there for a reasonable price.
Recognizing both a challenge and an opportunity,
he started to design - following his vision of
creating a unique shoe. A shoe that would bridge
the gap between streetwear and high-end fashion.
At the end of that same year, the first Filling
Pieces collection was born, consisting of one
unique silhouette: the ‘Low Top’. Guillaume
pitched this model to friends, family and stores,
and it instantly became clear that everybody
loved it.
WALE / B-SIDE
Founded on an appreciation and love
for the handcrafted and classically designed,
MadeByNative have a desire to produce lasting
products that improve with age.
In a fast moving mechanised world,
MadeByNative take their time to consider fine
details and relish in the art of craft. A regionally
born brand, based out of Dubai and Beirut,
they produce classic handcrafted leather goods,
using the best tried and tested methods in leather
craftsmanship. The techniques used derive from
traditional horse saddle making, book binding,
and shoe making, ensuring long wear and
timeless use.
Their products range from wallets, totes,
devise cases, and accessories.
ETQ AMSTERDAM
Walé Adeyemi has emerged as one of the UKs
most recognised and successful fashion designers.
The former Global Creative Director for New
Era has spoken at Oxford University on fashion,
become a proud Princes Trust Ambassador,
designed for and styled international A-List stars,
consulted for global brands and was one of the
youngest recipients of an MBE in 2008 for his
services to fashion. His men and womenswear
label, B-side by Walé, is cut from an impressive
knowledge of style trends that comes from years
of styling and designing for some of the most
noted fashion icons and entertainers in the world
including; Missy Elliott, Alicia Keys, Beyoncé,
Rihanna, Ellie Goulding, Jessie J, Jourdan Dunn
and Bruno Mars, to name a few.
Born and raised in New York City,
Ricky Powell is a legendary photographer
who specializes in the environmental portrait.
Though Powell initially rose to fame because
of his relationship with the Beastie Boys, his
photographs have been featured in The New York
Times, The New York Post, The Daily News,
The Village Voice, TIME, Newsweek, VIBE,
The Source, Rolling Stone, and more. Through
his career, Ricky Powell captured photographs
of actors, musicians, performers, and artists
that inspired him including Run DMC, Public
Enemy, Rakim, Slick Rick, Eazy E, Method
Man, LL Cool J, Ford Coppola, Sofia Coppola,
Cindy Crawford, Basquiat, and Andy Warhol.
Nowadays our collection consists of a
variety of unique and contemporary models.
All of them handmade with great care in
Portugal, using only the finest Italian materials.
Staying true to our Amsterdam roots, we
also love to travel the world and get inspired by
the great styles and people all over the world.
As we bring our passion and inspiration to more
and more places, Filling Pieces is becoming a
real global brand.
Always ensuring the highest quality and
original designs, we maintain affordable prices.
Filling Pieces wants everybody to be able to
experience the feeling of true quality-footwear.
SATURDAYS SURF NYC
Late in the Summer of ’09 Manhattan’s
hippest borough became the site for Saturdays
Surf. The store, which caters to SoHo’s surfers
and coffee drinkers alike, is a small surf boutique
focused on clean, stylish apparel, classic hardgoods,
and a sampling of finer accessories and footwear.
In little over a year the store has become an icon of
sorts, and its private label is becoming a brand in
its own right.
Saturdays opened August of 2009 by 3
friends, Josh Rosen, Colin Tunstall, and Morgan
Collett. Built out of a need for a surf shop that
spoke to a New York surfer. “Our shop as well as
our brand is inspired by the parts of surfing we
love. Our collection reflects our love of the city,
the art, the architecture, the food, and the people.
KEEPER
BLACK SEA
Keeper is a contemporary jewellery line
based in NYC. The product ranges from luxury
designs with an edge, to custom-crafted body
wear.
The brand consists of a womens’ line, as well
as unisex. The collections are crafted from plated
base metals and set with Swarovski grade crystals.
The focus is on a quality product that shares
its unique story with each owner. Handcrafted
locally in New York City, Keeper is characterized
by its peculiar, but classic geometries. Keeper
embodies timelessness, androgyny, and an
balance of industrial meets refined.
GALLERY – RICKY POWELL
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SOLE TIMES
SIMON&ME
A Modern Minimalist Experiment in
Geometry, Texture and Colour
Blacksea seeks to create timeless staples for
the polished, effortless, and modern woman who
appreciates understated elegance while playfully
balancing a downtown edge. Designed in New
York and produced between New York and Italy,
the brand’s handbag creations are an experiment
in geometry and colour. Utilizing the finest
Italian leathers and materials, Blacksea fuses form
and function in its signature structured designs.
Blacksea was born from a need to find accessories
that are statement-making and unique; a bit
different than other ubiquitous “It” bags seen
on every street corner of Manhattan and fashion
epicentres around the world.
Created in 2013, Berlin-based brand
Simon&Me seeks to create lasting experiences
through high quality, contemporary design.
Acclaimed for their ultra-minimal aesthetic,
the forward-thinking brand creates increasingly
refined items that transcend seasonal trends
and insist on premium quality and domestic
production. Indeed, Simon&Me’s commitment
to local craftsmanship is key to their underlying
philosophy; literally and figuratively their pledge
to ‘Made in Germany’ is embodied in everything
they do. Each of the brand’s items is hand-crafted
with meticulous attention to detail, yet stripping
away superfluous embellishments to emphasise the
very core of a product.
GALLERY – JULIAN CASTALDI
Julian has experimented with drawing,
painting, printmaking and photography for over
25 years a passion for working on unique ideas and
mixing photography and graphic art with painting
and screen-printing in his unique style.
For his Private Rooms project he has
photographed David Bailey, Oasis, Pearl Jam, John
Malkovich, Rolling Stones, Alison Van Pelt, Jools
Holland, Natalie Imbruglia and many more.
Photography and graphic art plays a vital
role in Julian’s latest paintings textual striped
back “icons” using acrylics, enamels, pastels and
lacquers on canvas.
II VII VII / NO 288
MICHI
UNDEFEATED
JASON MARKK
Reinventing the Classics in Men’s Footwear Design
Number 288 is a New York-based men’s footwear
design studio that is dedicated to the craft of
men’s footwear design, with meticulous attention
to detail. Produced in Portugal using the finest
European leathers and materials.
MICHI is an edgy, fashion-forward, utilitarian
active lifestyle brand. MICHI represents enduring
sophistication, alluring femininity, exceptional
quality and impeccable fit. MICHI originated
from the desire to fill the gap between glamorous
lingerie and comfortable, utilitarian athletic wear.
Back in 2002, Eddie Cruz and James Bond started
Undefeated as a sneakers-only shop, but soon
branched out into apparel. Since then, the only
thing harder to come by than a pair of limitededition sneakers at the store is someone who
doesn’t own at least one piece from the label.
An absolute must buy for the dedicated
sneakerhead, Jason Markk is a game changing
shoe cleaner and one of the most sought after shoe
accessories of recent years, making it possible to
keep your shoes looking in mint condition and
free of scuff marks.
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SOLE TIMES
Sole Art
REMI ROUGH
supported by Pepsi
Remi Rough has been making images for
more than a quarter of a century. His art began
on walls and trains in South London in 1984;
today it has been exhibited in cities such as Miami,
Newcastle, Berlin and New York. A respected
train writer, Remi has also played a significant
part in the development of ‘abstract graffiti’, a
term that seems far too clinical to describe the
accomplishments of his work, which has always
been about the interplay of colour and shape.
His colour palette –and it seems to include
an infinite range of shades and combinations
– is worked out through deceptively simple
arrangements of lines and angles that bring colours
into unexpected encounters with each other.
Much of this has been done on canvasses large and
small, bringing the movement and style of train
writing, condensed to its essential ingredients of
line and colour, into the space of the gallery. And
as part of the collective Agents of Change, Remi
has also been re-imagining public spaces, whether
in an abandoned ‘ghost village’ in Scotland,
now transformed into a massive outdoor gallery,
offering passersby the sight of a new and dramatic
mural five storeys high. When we look at Remi’s
images today, we think about the spaces around
us, whether in a gallery or a city street, and we lose
ourselves in the sheer pleasure that he offers us
through the geometry of colour.
He moved from the streets to the galleries
with his debut art show in 1989 and has since
gone on to exhibit in London, Paris, Perth, Tokyo,
Santander, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco,
Vancouver, Hong Kong, Berlin, Ibiza and more
cities dotted around the globe.
ROBOT & SPARK
The 19th of May 2009… That’s when it all
started. My obsession.
I mean, how could I forget? I was married,
and happy, but this was an addiction. Looking
back, I wish I could have taken control of my
urges, but these girls, wow; there really was
something amazing about these tattooed twin
sisters that captivated my imagination and left me
breathless with anticipation.
Now normally I was not into dangerous
women, but for some strange reason, something
dark and seductive took a hold of my senses. These
wild, voluptuous vixens had me under their wicked
TAVA
spell, tantalizing me with their tattooed torsos,
pouting lips and don’t-give-a-fuck attitude. They
were devilishly rebellious and I knew from that
moment that my life would never be the same
again. These futuristic looking femme fatales
had cast a spell on me and I would be devoted to
them for the foreseeable future.
And so, at Sole, I would like to introduce
you to my five-year fetish, Suicide and Lipstick,
AKA The Irezumi Girls, the TOYS I have been
working on since 2009… well, what did you
think I was talking about?
TAVA aka Antoine Tavaglione is a Canadian
Pop artist, muralist and illustrator based in
Montreal. Not one to shy from the spotlight,
he has made waves with his controversial mix
of pop art, political banter and high
fashion, Tava takes an omnivorous approach to
culture both high and low, interacting with its
symbolism and cult figures through his tonguein-cheek style and signature ‘dripping milk’ visual
effect. TAVA has showcased his artwork including
original paintings, drawings, installations and
silkscreen prints worldwide in both museums and
galleries in NYC, Miami, Toronto, Sao Paulo to
name a few.
BUR0 24/7 presents WISSAM SHAWKAT
After recently partnering up with French
fashion house Hermes, Dubai-based Wissam
Shawkat is one of the top calligraphic writers
and designers in the world. The Iraqi artist first
became infatuated by calligraphy when he was
10 years old, when his teacher started drawing
Arabic letters in chalk on the school blackboard –
providing him with a love for lettering ever since.
Today, the self-taught artist’s work is recognised
and collected by connoisseurs all over the world,
keeping a visual design ethos of classical lettering
infused with modernity as his signature style.
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SOLE TIMES
SOLE TIMES
Trunk Show
AMONGST FEW
ARMY OF 1
Army Of 1 is a contemporary sportswear
brand, designed to bridge between fashion
and function. The brand launched it’s first
collection “Back To Basics” to compliment the
modern style of the urban woman on the go.
For their second series AO1 is unavailing
a more streetstyle themed collection “Urban
Drift”, it will be available for grabs this fall.
Check out their website: www.armyof1.com
Dubai’s debut streetwear label, Amongst Few, releases their very
first collection for Fall/Winter ‘14 entitled “Delivery One”. Amongst
Few’s “Delivery One” collection is inspired by Dubai culture, lifestyle
and ideologies. These elements are subtlety integrated with high
quality prints, embroidery and modern detailing on premium quality
garments.
“Delivery One” consists of 11 styles including Peruvian cotton
midweight T-shirts, Sweaters, Hoodies and Sweat Pants alongside
a nylon and genuine leather Backpack, Duffel Bag and 3 styles of
100% cotton Snapbacks. Each item is classically styled with the
incorporation of modern advancements, patterned lining and high
quality materials to create premium streetwear for everyday use and
multiple occasions.
Inspiration from both Dubai culture and the brand’s ethos is
seen in all of the pieces with a variety of techniques that include
traditional Ghotra patterns, Arabic text, traditional colour palettes
and controversial words such as Wealth and Exempt. The use of
Exempt highlights a fact and subliminal ideology from the emirate.
While each person is exempt from personal tax, the word also speaks
to the brand’s outlook of being free from an obligation or liability
imposed by others.
WEKAFORE
JUNIORS BE JUNIOR
A Dubai-based designer label passionately
fueled by youth, originality, elegance and art with
the aim to influence the typical streetwear scene.
The new ‘Cocaine Kiyaki’ collection was
predominantly inspired by both Japanese and
Chinese ancient traditional dressing, artifacts and
calligraphy. The aim is to take street style and
merge it with formal/high-end style, therefore
bringing the best of both worlds together to
create a new form of urban dressing. By mixing
poly-cotton fleece, wool-satin, khaki, denim and
most importantly white leather, we’ve succeeded
in putting together a capsule collection
comprising of 7 outfits and 13 pieces.
LEVIER
Isaac Jon Ode is fashion designer and blogger.
Born in Paris, France with African roots, spent
a majority of his life in U.S. and now resides in
Dubai, UAE, created a Dubai-based fashion house
that prides itself on creating innovative clothing
and hand-crafted jewelry that is youthful, elegant,
and most of all, a statement of individuality called,
Levier.
The name Levier was inspired by the love of
Paris and the elegant sound of French words, as
well his military up bringing. The word Levier was
a text book fit for a brand that represented all that
inspired him. Levier means “lever” in the French
language and symbolizing balance which is a key
concept shown through its pieces.
JBJ introduces collection 3 this fall, with
a brand new style of hats in volley shape, along
with a selection of casual apparel for both ladies
and gents. JBJ fuses street culture with accessories
and clothing that bring different outfits and
personalities to life. The earthy - rich colors, which
are engrained in the items are the perfect choice
for this fall and most definitely give consumers
the ‘Junior.’ edge everyone is after. The quirky
prints are perfectly in keeping with this years
print CRAZE but JBJ does it for all occasions.
Whether wearing heels or flats, shorts or chinos,
JBJ’s collection 3 will add the spark your ensemble
needs. Visit www.juniorsbejunior.com, follow the
social media platforms on @juniorsbejunior and
stay tuned for updates.
BUNKER
Bunker clothing was founded in 2012 as
a streetwear apparel brand and online store.
Inspired heavily by one of its founders fifteen
year DJ career, Bunker is a representative of street
lifestyle and is influenced by a variety of defining
characteristics, including hip-hop, rock, skate
and surf.
HOUSE OF NOMAD
Introducing the Resort collection of Dubai
based label; ‘House of Nomad’, featuring Women’s
and Men’s clothing that make a statement. House
of Nomad is a new innovative fashion brand based
in Dubai co-founded by two creative individuals;
Ahmed El-Sayed & Saleh Al-Banna.
This seasons collection features pieces for
both men and women in a palette cleansing
white colour. El-Sayed and Al-Banna have also
introduced for the first time a hand designed
Scarab Beetle print derived from Ahmed’s Egyptian
Routes. The women’s selection introduces a range
of pieces with a sports luxe element, including
crop tops, maxi skirts and dresses whilst the men’s
pieces offer minimalistic separates such as printed
bomber jackets and their signature embroidered
‘Nomad’ sweater. The whole collection is unified
by its use of heavy jersey that creates instant
impact. Another prominent feature is the use of
Arabic calligraphy, which the designer’s have used
to proudly assert their cultural DNA.
The label is based on the premise of a Nomad:
a wanderer with no geographic boundaries, living
in perpetual motion from one temporary dwelling
to another. The regional style-set have already
adopted the Nomad lifestyle, and the designer’s
unique concept is sure to make an impact this
season.
15
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SOLE TIMES
No Blood No Foul
Music
SOLE BALL ABOVE ALL
GROUPS
GROUP 2
MEN@WORK
TEAM PERSIA
WRECKING CREW
across the globe. Whether played on dirt courts
in the backyard or the asphalt of inner city
playgrounds this brand of basketball boasts an
unmatched passion and creative enthusiasm that
crosses over all geographic, cultural, and economic
lines. We are not creating a new community but
simply celebrating it so that it can be recognized as
a true phenomenon in the region.
So this sole we’ll be taking it to that old
familiar marked patch of asphalt,
GAMES
The sole ball above all classic is an open
winner-take-all tournament for 10,000 Aed and
most importantly the bragging rights of being
named the best street ball team in the city.
There is no entry fee to play in the
tournament. You must be 18 or older and an
unlimited number of teams can apply. The top
teams are selected to play. Team Size: 10 players
and 2 others (coach/support)
The teams with the largest following, those
SEMI-FINAL A
MENTAL GENIUS
supported by Gatorade
Credit: Undefeated 2014 Spring Look Book
The Sole ‘Ball Above All’ is about two things:
basketball and community. So Sole DXB partnered
with local basketball league Ball Above All to
create a tournament dedicated to showcasing
quality basketball, providing entertainment to
its audiences and draw the community together
to celebrate basketball culture. We are of course
expecting the best kicks and street fashion on the
sidelines.
Street ball is a social phenomenon growing
GROUP 1
AMW
AUD
DUBAI NOMADS
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SOLE TIMES
making their mark in other leagues, playgrounds
and universities are invited to go head to head.
The Sole Ball above all scouts will create 2 teams
by hand selecting individual players that show
promise, this creates an interesting fight between
teams more seasoned and fresh new power house
combinations. Whether its on the side-lines or on
the court, come November 14th and 15th at Sole
DXB 2014 were all in the game.
FINALS
SEMI-FINAL B
MIKE DANIEL
Being asked to give a
point of view on music is like
being asked to comment on
politics. No matter what I say,
it is best to agree to disagree.
That said, I am not going to
comment on any specific type
of music, but rather on the
“State Of The Union” as it
where…
Read Mike’s entire article
at www.soledxb.com
Hip Hop. Its a way of life.. its my way of
life.. I founded Mental Genius here in Ibiza
as a way and means of bringing old school
influences back.. way back.. ever since I heard
‘My Philosophy’ by KRS 1 back in 1988 I
knew this was something I had to be down
with.. Its more than the beats.. the boom and
the bap.. it’s more than the clothes we wear.. It’s
more than the DJ cutting and scratching.. Hip
Hop is an intelligent movement.
TINY
Big on the Eyes, soft
with his voice- Tiny officially
released his debut EP called
Eyes. His first effort since ridin’
solo as an independent artist
shows the soul singer’s vocal
prowess with a solemn promise
to put the Middle East on the
map through his music.
His hit single off the EP“Make it work” has become
the favourite in the UAE and
is currently enjoying massive
airplay in the Emirates and
beyond.
Peace, Love & Beats.
If you need a reference go watch Beat
Street, Scratch or Wild Style, and you will see
that hip hop is more than what’s currently
poppin’ in the charts.. Ever since Kool DJ Herc
put on his first block party.. We all knew this
was a scene that wasn’t about to pass.. And
we at Mental Genius celebrate this movement
and blast it on a daily basis.. You’ll even hear
samples and references in our house tracks..
I was bitten by the bug back when I was a
teenager.. And will keep passing the message
on until I hang up my Air Max.
BROOKLYN
EMTEE POCKETS
JUNIOR
MOH FLOW
DUST – MOSTYN
MR SHEF CODES
GAME 1
AMW vs AUD
GAME 2
MEN@WORK vs TEAM PERSIA
WINNER GROUP 1
GAME 3
AUD vs DUBAI NOMADS
GAME 5
AMW vs DUBAI NOMADS
WINNER SEMI A
VS
vs
GAME 4
TEAM PERSIA vs WRECKING CREW
WINNER GROUP 2
WINNER SEMI B
RUNNER UP GROUP 2
vs
RUNNER UP GROUP 1
GAME 6
MEN@WORK vs WRECKING CREW
KOBE 9 ELITE LOW “BEETHOVEN”
ADIDAS ORIGINALS TOP TEN HI “BONES”
CONCEPTS X PUMP 25TH ANNIVERSARY
PIGALLE X NIKE AIR RAID
An homage of sorts to the power of the German
composer and pianist’s Symphony No. 9 in D
minor, Op. 125–simply known to many as the
“Ninth Symphony” or “The Choral”.
One of the brand’s many retro basketball sneakers
to bridge the gap between the court and the street
– is set to return once again, this time giving the
viewer an X-ray perspective of the wearer’s foot,
thanks to the black and white “Bones” pattern.
Reebok’s celebration of the legendary Pump
by footwear Concepts. The crew have given
the sneaker an upper sporting a b-ball jerseystyle mesh fabric, a strong red, white and blue
colourway, and a #35.
Featuring a rugged upper, durable outsole and
distinct strap-lacing system, 1992’s Air Raid
represents Nike’s first-ever foray into outdoor
basketball footwear. Refined here by Stephane
Ashpool as a reflection of Parisian sensibilities.
With experience in both
Hip-Hop & RnB, Molham is
a well-rounded multitalented
artist born in Syria & raised
in the Gulf region. Currently
based in Dubai Moh maintains
an impressive track record for
staying relevant with constant
and uninterrupted volumes of
work with content and high
quality production. He uses his
ability to sing and write from
an RnB perspective to craft
a unique style of singing &
rapping.
Although we haven’t ever
had enormous ‘success’ by
way of making big money or
anything, we have however
hung out and worked with a
bunch of our heroes, witnessed
incredible sets and danced like
mad with friends old and new.
Read Mostyn’s entire
article at www.soledxb.com
A staple in Dubai’s urban
scene, Shefan Lantra better
known to club-goers as Mr Shef
Codes, has surfaced as one of
the region’s finest DJs and is
progressively cementing that title
beat by beat.
Based in Dubai, this young
artist’s repertoire has been
remarkable in the short span of
time he’s been DJing. Currently
signed on with Bliss Inc
Entertainment, he can be found
sharing the booth with Dubai’s
DJ Bliss every Saturday.
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SOLE TIMES
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Sole Fresh
SWATCH
SNEAKERS – THE COMPLETE COLLECTORS’ GUIDE
Swatch says goodbye to summer flings and
makes way for cool-weather trends!
Sun-dripped adventures that speckle the
summer months face away as Swatch celebrates
the Fall-Winter Collection14 – an assortment of
models that remind us to let colour rule our world
all year round. Glitzy styles flirt with starlight and
daredevil patterns stand out from the norm in this
brand new collection. A World In Colours kicks it
off with funky colour blocks and vibrant hues that
play with shapes. The Classic theme is next to strut
its stuff with dapper designs and a dash of retro.
Winter takes over when sparkles come out
to play with Let it Shine, born to be the centre of
attention with head-turning metallic glam. High-
forty years: manufactured mainly in Germany,
its products are sold in over 80 countries. The
Birkenstock Group is headquartered in Neustadt
(Wied). The global company is represented
at seven sites in Germany in North Rhine
Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Hessen,
and Saxony, and employees over 2,000 people
worldwide.
Birkenstock represents not only top-end
products manufactured with close attention to
detail and a high proportion of manual work;
there are many other positive factors involved
in the company which emerge not least in the
quality of the brand. Eco-friendly production
and the use of select, high-grade and therefore
long-lasting materials all helps to protect nature`s
SAUCONY – FIND YOUR STRONG
Foot analysis and recommendations about the
Saucony model that will best suit you.
Introduction to Saucony app: why switch
to Saucony.
Announcement of new Saucony stores to open
in Dubai.
A wide selection of running & lifestyle
footwear and apparels available to purchase.
Introduction of new launches in Spring 2015
running collection.
Introduction of new launches in Spring 2015
lifestyle collection: Originals.
HAPPY SOCKS
Happy Socks is proud to announce
their newest partnership and campaign with
artist,Snoop Dogg, called Happy Socks presents
The Art of Inspiration. The collaboration will be
unveiled globally on November 1, 2014, which
aims to encourage and explore creativity and
artistic expression.
The campaign is a new platform for Snoop
Dogg to illustrate his passion for different
creative mediums and discuss why painting is
an essential component to his progression as
an artist. Always a fashion trendsetter, Snoop
Dogg encountered Happy Socks last year and
immediately included the patterned pairs into his
everyday rotation.
IN THE SPIRIT OF HARLEM
environment.
Birkenstock products are, and will remain
“Made in Germany” – from the buckles all the way
to the sole. Of course Birkenstock moves with the
times. They are continuously developing products
in order to keep pace with customers` high
standards. New manufacturing processes aided
by the latest technologies and the development of
new materials and attractive models all form the
Foundation for this. In this way they will be able
to offer unique quality and unmatched comfort,
walking and standing, today and tomorrow – you
can rely on it.
By Naomi Fertitta. With its incredible history,
cultural richness, musical heritage, and renowned
cuisine, Harlem is undoubtedly one of the most
intoxicating New York City communities.
In this beautifully illustrated volume, author
Naomi Fertitta takes readers on both a written
and visual journey to pious churches, landmark
architecture, sparkling clubs, vibrant theaters,
and bustling restaurants. For native New Yorkers
and visitors alike, In the Spirit of Harlem paints
a colorful picture of one of America’s most
fascinating neighborhoods.
The book includes a foreword by chef Marcus
Samuelsson and a directory comprising Fertitta’s
recommendations.
Featured right:
East Touch x Birkenstock #1000th Issue Zurich
Collaboration
RAYBAN – LET THE NEVER HIDING BEGINNETH
The good folks at Ray-Ban are giving you
a chance to be inducted into their not-so-secret
secret society The Order of Never Hide at Sole
DXB on November 14/15th. Get your game face
on because membership isn’t for everyone; you
need to be able to prove your bold, brave and
iconoclastic spirit. Step up and take on one of the
Order of Never Hide challenges at the Ray-Ban
lodge ! For the brilliantly brave, we recommend
taking our personal favourite challenge, The Cuts
Like Steel Haircut. Give them your hair and get
a random haircut of their stylist’s choosing. The
more daring you are, the bigger the prize. Come
by the lodge for some fun. Open all day with the
haircut challenge at select times. Take the online
Order of Never Hide challenges on ray-ban.com
NAMSHI
For those in the know, Namshi.com is
not just an online trove of chic apparel and
quirky accessories but also an epic collection of
fashionable footwear, guaranteed to satisfy the
retail pangs of stiletto-lovers and sneaker-heads
alike. Enjoy a wide range of brands to choose
from, including the likes of Timberland, Converse,
Lacoste and Onitsuka Tiger, to name a few.
Shoe-savvy buyers can select their favourite kicks
or boots one day and be sporting them the next –
with next day delivery offered throughout Dubai,
Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. For shoe-lovers in the
GCC, the online shopping portal also organizes
delivery throughout the GCC and Lebanon. Not
only that, delivery is free across the UAE.
YOHJI YAMAMOTO: THE FASHION DESIGNER WHO REDESIGNED FASHION
Written and designed by Unorthodox Styles.
This encyclopaedic, profusely illustrated guide
displays over 180 sneakers chosen for the impact
they have made on sneaker culture worldwide.
Eleven leading brands – from adidas to Vans –
are discussed in detail with full histories, while a
further selection – from well-loved or long-lost
classics to new designs – will excite both the
novice collector and the committed sneaker
freak.
Packed with over 550 specially
commissioned photographs, and featuring an
indispensable directory of collectors’ shops,
resources and websites, as well as practical tips on
how to build and care for your collection.
lands Mix shouts from the top of it’s plaid-striped
lungs that wild designs never go out of fashion.
A World In Colours – Inspired by a rainbow’s
extended playlist of light and colour, these playful
wristwatches are soaked in vibrancy and are known
to work hard but play harder.
Nostalgic for summer but looking forward
to cooler days, these watches say that flamboyant
fun will own the season. Geometric beats on
daring dials have their own personality with
swish straps that are ready to surprise and a
delightful and oh-so-welcoming pairing of hues.
Fragmented light – composed and decomposed
– is interpreted through a kaleidoscope point
of view.
BIRKENSTOCK
Birkenstock is a success story “made in
Germany”. The roots of the family owned and
operated company date back to 1774: Johann
Adam Birkenstock was mentioned as a “subject
and shoemaker” in the church archives of the
Hessian city of Langenbergheim.
Around 120 years later, in 1896, Konrad
Birkenstock opened two specialty shoe shops in
Frankfurt and Main and began manufacturing
shoe insoles. In 1963, the company’s very first pair
of sandals – the “Madrid” model came out on the
market, taking the world by storm. The first five
thong sandal models followed in 1982. Over the
years, the product range has continued to grow –
currently boasting around 800 models.
Birkenstock has been a global player for
All titles available #earlyretirement
TASCHEN – As one of the most mentally
rigorous designers working in fashion, Yohji
Yamamoto creates garments that can be intellectual
– sometimes even difficult – yet always beautiful.
Yohji’s free-spirited world is explored here via i-D
magazine’s archives starting back in the 1980s,
including his adoration for women and the female
form, the painful process of creating anti-fashion
through fashion and how his timeless utilitarian
designs can be both avant-garde and classic at
once.
Packed into 120 pages is biographical and
personal information as well as imagery from over
30 years of i-D’s history.
THE GODFATHER FAMILY ALBUM
As special photographer on the sets
and locations of Francis Ford Coppola’s The
Godfather trilogy, Steve Schapiro had the
remarkable experience of witnessing legendary
actors giving some of their most memorable
performances. Schapiro immortalized Marlon
Brando, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, James Caan,
Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton in photos
that have since become iconic images, instantly
recognizable and endlessly imitated. Gathered
together in this book are Schapiro’s finest
photographs from all three Godfather films,
lovingly reproduced from the original negatives.
With contextual essays and interviews covering
the trilogy in its entirety, this book contains over
400 color and black & white images.
CLINTON STREET BAKING COMPANY
Clinton Street Baking Company (CSBC)
is a brand brought over from New York, but
adapted to the Middle East market, which is
already proving very popular. The restaurant is
located in Burj Views and also offers delivery to
the local area.
Everything at CSBC company is made
from scratch from the jam to the sauces and
condiments, with organic ingredients used where
possible. With regular favourites, such as Fried
Chicken & Waffles and signature salads, as well
as daily specials including Black Cod Tacos
and Slow Cooked Ribs, there is something for
everybody no matter what time of day.
TAQADO MEXICAN KITCHEN
Taqado is a taste of real Mexico. We’re not
talking about sombreros, handlebar moustaches
and jumping beans, but classic Mexi-Cal cooking
with authentic ingredients, just like you’d find
at a sizzling street kitchen in San Fernando,
California.
Taqado has a fresh approach to fast food,
full of flavour not flavourings. We never want to
feel guilty about what we’re serving you, which
is why we find the freshest ingredients, marinate
our own meats and mash ripe avocados into
great-tasting guacamole every morning. Keep it
real with us.
SHAKE SHACK
Shake Shack® is a modern day “roadside”
burger stand known for its delicious burgers,
flat-top dogs, frozen custard and more. With its
fresh and simple, high-quality food at a great
value, Shake Shack is a fun and lively communitygathering place with widespread appeal.
The first Shake Shack opened in 2004 in New
York City’s Madison Square Park, and became
an instant neighbourhood fixture. Shake Shack’s
mission is to preserve, and add our spin on the
culinary traditions of classic American burger
stands. Using the freshest high-quality ingredients,
all of the food at Shake Shack is made to order
(from burgers to shakes to everything in between).
SPILL THE BEAN
Spill the Bean is an independent specialty
coffee shop serving single origin coffees from
different areas of the world and reinvented coffee
shop food to create a healthy but decadent affair.
Every month brings about coffee from at least
3 different regions of the world, brewed and
extracted to perfection, then paired with healthy
but indulgent yummies.
Whether you’re in the mood for a healthy
bagel on the go or a scrumptious dine in breakfast,
you’ll be sure to find something to tickle your taste
buds and please your waist line. That’s Spill the
Bean for you! Need we say more?
20
SOLE TIMES
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