The Middle East is in the midst of a creative resurgence – and Aldo’s latest MX Series capsule captures the free spirit and inclusionary values so intrinsic to the new wave of artists across the region. Now launched globally and dropping today at Aldo stores across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and broader GCC, Aldo MX Artist Series is a five-piece collection created by five street artists from five cities: Buff Monster from New York, INSA from London, Pony from Montreal, So Youn Lee from Seoul, and Dina Saadi from Dubai. Drawing inspiration from these unique communities, each artist created an individual interpretation of the MX sneaker.
The MX3 Trainers by Dina Saadi from the Aldo MX Artist Series
The MX3 Trainers by Buff Monster from the Aldo MX Artist Series
The MX3 Trainers by INSA from the Aldo MX Artist Series
The MX3 Trainers by Pony from the Aldo MX Artist Series
The MX3 Trainers by So Youn Lee from the Aldo MX Artist Series
To celebrate the collection launch, Vogue Arabia brought together three artists from Saudi Arabia and three artists from the UAE for a special collaboration highlighted in a two-part video series and special photo series. Shot for Vogue Arabia by Jeddah-born photographer Rawan Althomali, these international cross-disciplinary artists demonstrate how they style their Aldo MX3 sneakers.
Watch the first episode below to see three young, shining Saudi artists collaborate for the first time on a bespoke piece, sharing their inspirations, challenges, and aspirations for their roles in the future of the Saudi creative scene — and all in their Aldo MX sneakers.
Part two of the series features artist Dina Saadi alongside some UAE artists.
About the Artists
Syrian-born and internationally celebrated Dina Saadi is an adventurer at heart and this feeds into each mural she creates. This spirit was also at the core of her design for MX3 Dina Saadi. Drawing on Dubai’s diverse and multicultural community, Dina says that she designed the sneaker for anyone, anywhere.
Ramy Elzaghawy is one of Dubai’s most active and prominent muralists. His distinctive and realistic depiction of faces have been sprayed across the Emirates. Most recently he was commissioned by Ajman Municipality to create a mural in celebration of the Year of Zayed.
Fatima Albudoor combines printing, text, photography, and drawing to create a distinctive style, inspired by her daily surroundings and relationships. Born and based in Dubai, Fatima received the Salama bint Hamdan Emerging Artist Fellowship in 2016.
Fatimah Al Nemer’s imaginative self-portraits are a portrayal of the cultural, religious, and social aspects surrounding her. Currently based in Saudi’s Eastern Province, Fatimah discusses challenging herself in a candid interview with Vogue Arabia. “I made up my mind that if anyone gives me trouble for my portraits, I will answer for my art.”
Faisal Abdulaziz Alkheriji brings together cubist and surrealist themes to showcase his culture. Discussing the unisex nature of the Aldo MX Series, Faisal comments “an artist is an artist, regardless of gender.” Born and raised in Jeddah, Faisal has exhibited in Boston, London, as well as in his hometown.
Ghaida Al Ghanim’s art centers around the eye and the Hamsa. These important Arabic symbols aid Ghaida in putting her “mark on this world so they can remember.” Ghaida’s use of color and shape is inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat.
The Aldo MX Artist Series, along with the new Aldo MX collection, is now available across Aldo stores in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and online at 6thstreet.com.
