Sole DXB celebrates the art of fashion, music, film, sport and is even hailed as the sneaker summit. But what it really brings to life is the undertone of Dubai's street culture. Sitting on UAE's throbbing pulse, Sole DXB thrives on the urban culture phenomenon and highlights the homegrown creatives. Founded by Hussain Moloobhoy, Kris Balerite, Joshua Cox and later joined by Rajat Malhotra, the movement started in 2011. “The founders met and realized that like minded people like ourselves were scattered around Dubai and we really needed a platform for them to come together. As for where it is headed, we really want to just continue to push the culture. We have plans to celebrate all the influences separately. We are trying to push several platforms to help develop the industry here, an online news platform, something in print and of course a physical concept space. We are always working on something to keep it fresh,” Cox told Saudi Gazette. The two-day exhibition facilitated workshops and panel discussions with regional and international artists and street wear brands. The Art Gallery displayed works by local and international artists including Canadian pop artist TAVA. The series of one-hour talks included Amsterdam designers Guillaume Philibert and Olaf Hussein. Dubai favorites DJs Brooklyn and Shef Codes, performed along side Don Corneille, Megadon Betamax. The local performers Moh Flow, The Recipe, and Hamdan Al Abri contributed to the music success of Sole DXB. DJ Emptee Pockets brought Amongst Few, Dubai's debut streetwear label, to Sole DXB and officially released their first collection called “Delivery One”. Namshi, Rayban participated this year with Reebok showcasing their Classics range and Puma displaying the AW14 Select collection featuring collaborations with Alexander McQueen, House of Hackney and Brooklyn We Go Hard. “They are all major elements of what we do. First we try and create an environment where people feel comfortable and inspired to come an express themselves through fashion, we also support a number of local designers that we hand pick and help to showcase. We also have international designers who are emerging or established come in and share their experience; the music sets the right vibe for us to make it fun. Music, fashion and art are all intertwined. We had a long list of local hip hop DJs, and live performances by the Recipe, Mohflow, etc. This year Pepsi came in and helped us create a giant mural of street art, which was great.” Asked about his favorite moment, Cox said it was ultimately seeing people having a good time. “The Gatorade basketball competition was a highlight.” Mainstream culture is now looking to the streets and in a multicultural city like Dubai that would be lost without a sense of authenticity; Sole DXB comes at a good time. Sole is an urban culture festival celebrating all its influences - with core concentration on footwear and fashion/street-wear, basketball, hip hop and art.
