With Sole DXB right around the corner, it’s time you started planning. The two day celebration is set to be bigger and better than ever, and with an absolute plethora of activities, launches, talks and events for you to sink your teeth into – you’ll want to make sure you’re not missing out on the best ones.
To avoid any last minute confusion, we’ve thrown together an Ultimate Guide to Sole DXB. So whether you’re a veteran, or a first time rookie, here’s what’s going to be happening at Dubai’s top festival for all things cool.
Brand Events, Artists and Launches
Ray-Ban
In celebration of #Campaign4Change, Ray-Ban will be hosting an interactive funhouse to help get people to share the changes they want to see in the world. Activities such as ‘Speak the Truth’ – a confession booth where you can have your deepest secrets printed on a T-shirt for all to see – and ‘Give Long Lasting Love a Chance’ – a temporary tattoo parlour – will be on offer.
There will also be a Ray-Ban retail pop-up, showcasing the brand’s ‘Havana Collection’, including the trademark Ray-Ban Aviators, Shooters, Outdoorsman and Caravan shapes. Ray-Ban fans will also be able to snap up hard-to-find sunglasses, such as the Leather Wayfarer, Clubmaster Wood, and the Round Lightray Opticals.
PUMA
Here to celebrate the release of the PUMA BY RIHANNA collection under Rihanna’s FENTY lable, PUMA are proud to release the PUMA Creeper, remixing the iconic PUMA Suede with a dash of punk. To help with the launch, Rihanna’s friend, musician and record producer Travi$ Scott will be there. The limited edition versions will be dropping at ISNEAKER and PUMA stores in The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates starting November 20.
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New Era
Lifestyle brand New Era are set to drop their limited edition bucket hat, the CONCRETE JUNGLE. The hat features an all over camo print, tonal black stitching, subtle branding and Sole DXB in black rubber on one side.
Adidas
Adidas are set to host Josh Parkin, who will be doing live illustrations at his stand.
November 20, 1pm to 11pm.
Reebok
Dubai beauty parlour SoH Art + Beauty have partnered up with Reebok to bring a new shoe customisation menu, available on both days, so you can design your shoes in whichever way you wish. Los Angeles jewellery designer Melody Ehsani will also be at Sole DXB to launch the new Reebok Classic collection.
November 21, 5pm to 6pm.
Basketball tournament
The Ball Above All Classic Tournament is set to feature 11 teams, with a prize of Dhs10,000 up for grab.
Basketball court. Free to play, requires registration. 18+ age restriction to play. All day, both days.
Presentations
November 20
In conversation with Stan Smith
Tennis legend Stan Smith will be hosting a talk about his famous line of adidas sneakers.
3pm to 4pm.
STAMPD
The man himself Chris Stamp is set to host a talk in the PUMA SELECT SPACE, to talk about: ‘How is urban fashion becoming more influential in fashion and sportswear? Why is urban culture becoming more luxury? Will its success affect high-end brands along term because urban style is more accessible?’
4pm to 5pm.
A session with Bobbito Garcia aka Kool Bob Love
Dubbed by Complex magazine as the “sneaker world’s first official documentarian”, DJ Bobbito Garcia is also the critically acclaimed author of Where’d You Get Those? In 2007, Nike released seven Air Force 1 sneakers bearing his signature, going on to co-direct the film Doin’ It In The Park: Pick Up Basketball in 2013. Bob’s talk will encompass all things sneaker and urban culture.
4.30pm to 5.15pm.
Denim History by Mohsin Sajid
Founder of the denim label ENDRIME, Mohsin will be coming down to share his knowledge of denim history, key historical brands and their input in the denim and workwear trade today. Mohsin plans to talk about everything behind the manufacturing process of denim, from factories in the USE, Turkey, China and Japan.
5pm to 5.45pm.
Here I Am by Lisa Leone
The talk will involve a conversation with photographer Lisa Leone on her rich experiences and photographs, which helped to forge and influence the energy that is hip-hop. Lisa has taken photos of Nas in his first studio recordings, to Snoop on the set of his first video.
5.30pm to 6.15pm.
In conversation with Run DMC’s Daryl McDaniels
Member of iconic group Run DMC and one of the writers of the 1986 hit My adidas is coming down to host a talk.
6.30pm to 7pm.
November 21
How Sport and Urban Culture Influence the Fashion Market by Yassine Saidi
Global head of PUMA Select and Sportstyle Footwear Yassine Saidi is coming to discuss the influence of sports and urban culture on the fashion market.
3pm to 3.45pm.
My Denim Inspiration by Amy Leverton
Denim expert Amy Leverton has been in the industry for the past decade, and is currently Director of Denim and Youth Culture at the website WGSN. In her presentation, Amy will take you through her journey of her search for inspiration and innovation for her denim clients.
3.30pm to 4pm.
Power To The People by Narcy
Set to collaborate with musician, actor and artist ‘The Narcicyst’ aka Yassin Alsalman, Ray-Ban will be hosting an exclusive workshop and short film viewing. Yassin will be talking about ‘Power, People and Self Identification’.
4pm to 4.45pm.
Staying Relevant by Guillaume Philibert
Filling Pieces founder Guillaume Philibert aims to take you through his journey of going from an up and coming footwear label to becoming globally recognised, sharing his industry experience on how to stay relevant.
4.30pm to 5.15.
Art & Style by Hassan Hajjaj and Amine Bendroiuche
Collaborators and friends Hassan and Amine are coming to discuss their overlapping worlds of art, photography, fashion and music. The duo will touch on the inspirations between Hassan’s pop-art influenced work, and Amine’s urban, androgynous fashion design.
5.30pm to 6.15pm.
Music
Various regional artists and DJs
A collection of the region’s best artists and DJs are set to perform, including the likes of Alo Wala, Iamnobodi, The Recipe + DJ Shero, Tom Crane, Dave Lubin, Megadon, Shadi Megallaa, Shef Codes, James Locksmith, Kev Fresh, Essarai, Frezidante, DJ Mocity, Aeli, Aku Aries, JC Pinto, Nile, Majeed, Moh Flow and Malikah.
Check website for timing
PUMA and The Other Side present Jesse Boykins III
One of New York’s most up and coming musical talents Jesse Boykins is set to take the stage at Sole, bringing with him his rare combination of world, neo-soul and R&B swagger. With two critically acclaimed albums under his belt, this will be a live concert not to miss.
Requires registration and has limited capacity. 3pm to 5pm.
Mobb Deep in concert
Duo Havoc and Prodigy make up Mobb Deep, and are a critically acclaimed hard-core East Coast hip-hop group. Originally from Queensbridge, New York, Mobb Deep have been on the scene for over 20 years. Mobb Deep have remained successful, especially after going platinum with their 1999 album Murda Muzik.
9.30pm.
Movies
Films on Court
Organisers of pop-up cinema events Cinema Akil are going to be screening two contemporary films on hip-hop and streetwear culture. The first film will be Fresh Dressed, including a Q&A from music historian and director of the film, Sacha Jenkins.
The second film will be Stretch and Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives, a film which chronicles the radio show, The Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show, which first introduced the world to artists such as Nas, Eminem, Jay-Z, Big Pun, Biggie and the Wu-Tang Clan.
Basketball court. Age restrictions apply, 15+ for Fresh Dressed, 18+ for Stretch and Bobbito. November 19, 6pm to 10pm.
Sole DXB, Dubai Design District, Dubai.
Register online for free entry before 3pm. Dhs100 on the door.
November 20 to 21, Friday and Saturday 12pm to 10pm.
