From Fashion to Manga: 5 Standout Brands at Sole DXB 2024
From Dec. 13–15, 2024, Dubai Design District (d3) became the vibrant hub for Sole DXB, the region’s premier festival celebrating creativity, fashion, and culture. Sole DXB serves as a dynamic meeting point where art, music, food, and local brands converge.
What began in 2010-2011 as a small sneaker summit at JamJar warehouse art gallery in Dubai has transformed into a global platform that attracts thousands of visitors annually. Here’s a closer look at five standout brands from this year’s brand pavilion.
Qasimi: Fashion With a Purpose
London-based fashion brand Qasimi, founded by Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi and now led by his twin sister, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, who also founded the Sharjah Art Foundation, brought three unique collections to this year’s festival.
The brand’s designs, known for their social conscience and refined tailoring, included the Rising Sun capsule collection, which features embroidered Arabic phrases symbolizing hope and renewal.
Qasimi also showcased a re-released T-shirt, with proceeds going to support Palestine. Additionally, Ugandan artist Buzigahill collaborated with the brand to create new pieces from repurposed denim. This powerful intersection of fashion and activism left a lasting impact on festivalgoers.
Niviour x Spotify Arabia: A Musical Fusion
Palestinian-owned and New York-based brand Niviour partnered with Spotify Arabia to combine fashion and music at Sole DXB.
Under the tagline “Curate your playlist, create your dreams,” festival attendees could explore a curated selection of music and podcasts while shopping for Niviour’s minimalist T-shirts and hoodies adorned with Arabic text and numbers, bringing a fresh perspective to streetwear and entertainment.
As a design studio and contemporary streetwear brand centering on the idea of self-actualization and personal expression, Niviour’s aim is to empower individuals through its modern designs.
Suez: A Celebration of Dual Heritage
Founded by Egyptian-Iraqi designer Serag ElMeleigy, the UK-based brand Suez celebrated its cultural roots by incorporating keffiyeh and Egyptian khayamiya fabrics into its designs.
From handmade bucket hats to khayamiya bomber jackets, the collection blended tradition and modernity seamlessly, with each piece a testament to the brand’s dual heritage and craftsmanship.
Sure, OK: A Tactile Artistic Experience
Marking her debut as a founder at Sole DXB, Zahra’s Sure, OK booth, which was custom-designed by furniture studio FORMA, offered an immersive experience.
Known for her use of spray foam and resin, Zahra created wearable art, including earrings and homeware. Attendees could also join hands-on workshops to explore creativity through tactile activities. Adding to the excitement, Zahra teamed up with designer and DJ Eliza Arienti to launch a limited-edition tote bag collaboration.
Subaru World: Music, Gaming, and Manga
Nigerian artist Cruel Santino brought his creative vision to life with Subaru World, an innovative booth combining gaming, music, and manga. Known for his musical performances at Sole DXB in previous years, Santi debuted his Nigerian manga, which he had written by himself and illustrated by Upson.
Santi’s connection to Dubai’s creative scene runs deep, having lived in the UAE for eight years. His collaborations, including the Precious Trust x Subaru World collection, further highlighted his multifaceted artistry.
From showcasing cutting-edge fashion to fostering collaborations that blend tradition and innovation, Sole DXB 2024 was a celebration of the region’s boundless creativity. Each booth, brand, and artist brought a unique perspective, making this year’s festival an unforgettable experience.
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