Malaysian doctor Dr Nisha Puvanendran has launched a line of vibrant batik scrubs for healthcare professionals, following a Public Service Department directive to wear Malaysian batik attire on Thursdays. The scrubs are designed to be professional, breathable and hospital-appropriate, with features such as tailored fits and spacious pockets. Dr Nisha, who sources her batik fabrics from small vendors in Kelantan and Kuala Lumpur, initially wore the scrubs to work to spark curiosity among her colleagues, but they quickly gained popularity through word of mouth. The scrubs are suitable for various clinical duties and have even been adopted by non-medical professionals in desk jobs. Dr Nisha's passion for batik began when she started sewing clothes for her twin daughters in 2020, and has since expanded into a full-fledged fashion line with batik-themed traditional outfits such as cheongsam, lehenga, and saree.
Hundreds of people gathered outside the Moulin Rouge cabaret in Paris to see its blades turn again after 14 months, with dancers performing a cancan in the street and fireworks from the club's roof. The venue, immortalized by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and featured in Baz Luhrmann's 2001 film, had its aluminum blades ready for the Paris Olympics last July but took time to get the electric motor ready. Managing director Jean-Victor Clerico said restoring the iconic symbol was crucial, while dancer Cyrielle described it as "the sails of Paris" that brought joy to the troupe and the city.
Two Virgins Group Publishes Unconventional Art Collections
7.14.25
Two Virgins Group, a publishing company, has been recording and disseminating the culture and scenery of everyday life through books since May 2015. The publisher has released various art collections, including works by Tadanori Yokoo, Yasuhiko Kobayashi, Yukio Akamine, Baku Maeda, Luca Tieri, Soichiro Kato, Tomoko Hara, and Kabuki Sawako. Their catalog includes titles such as "Tadanori Yokoo's Posthumous Works" and "The Visual Baku Maeda Artworks Collection - Eye of Fire". The company aims to convey "something that cannot be consumed" through their publications and is working on international publishing efforts.
US Coins Honor Olympics, Paralympics, Salt Lake City
7.14.25
The US government has introduced a bill requiring collectible coins featuring emblems from the Olympics and Paralympics, as well as the Salt Lake City skyline. The coins will contain inscriptions such as "Liberty" and "E Pluribus Unum," and will be designed by the Treasury secretary in consultation with Games organizers. The 2034 coins will be available starting January 1, 2034, for a year, and also commemorate the Paralympics to promote inclusivity for athletes with disabilities.
Sardis Joins UNESCO as Turkey's 22nd Cultural Treasure
7.14.25
Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced that Sardis has been included in the UNESCO family as its 22nd cultural treasure. Located in Turkey, Sardis is considered a significant site due to its historical and cultural value, including being the birthplace of the world's first minted coin and a former capital of the Lydian civilization. The site features 20-meter-thick defensive walls and a vast necropolis area covering 7,500 hectares, and has been recognized for its unique testimony to the Lydian civilization under Criterion 3 since being added to UNESCO's Tentative List in 2013.
The show features works by artist unknown, including "Woman Smelling a Rose," "Magnolias," "Fishermen" and "Landscape – In Front of Bebek Pier." The event was organized under the direction of Zuhal Üreten, General Manager of İş Sanat, with Professor Gül İrepoğlu participating as founding curator of the Türkiye İş Bankası Museum of Painting and Sculpture.
In Indonesia, a young boy named Dikha has become known as "the ultimate aura farmer" on social media for his energetic dance moves during boat races. His viral videos have garnered millions of views on TikTok, with athletes and sports teams copying his moves. Travis Kelce, an American football player, and Taylor Swift's boyfriend, has compared his own dance to Dikha's, while Diego Luna, an American soccer player, celebrated a national team victory by imitating Dikha's dance. The Indonesian government has taken notice of Dikha's global popularity, with the minister of culture praising his talent, saying "Dancing at the tip of the boat is not easy."
Dissident Feminist Photographers Shine at Rencontres d'Arles
7.14.25
The Rencontres d'Arles photography festival in France is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a diverse range of exhibitions addressing sociopolitical concerns, featuring works by dissident feminist artists who worked behind the Iron Curtain and photographers documenting colonialism, inequality, and Indigenous women's issues. The festival showcases the work of international artists such as Caroline Monnet, Brandon Gercara, Agnès Geoffray, Louis Stettner, Sandra Blow, Gabrielle Goliath, L Kasimu Harris, Lebohang Kganye, Tania Franco Klein, Lake Verea, Sheelasha Rajbhandari, Prasiit Sthapit, Gabrielle Garcia Steib, Renee Royale, and Sabelo Mlangeni, as well as the Nepal Picture Library's significant work documenting Nepali women's lives.
Dropout Presents has had a successful year with notable achievements including a sold-out live show for Dimension 20 at Madison Square Garden, featuring high-profile guest stars like John Early and Kate Berlant. The company also released comedian Cameron Esposito's special "Four Pills" in partnership with Dropout Presents, while other notable projects include the game show Game Changer, comedy presentation series Smartypants, and improv competition show Make Some Noise.