Twenty-seven brands are set to showcase their creations during Haute Couture Week in Paris, including Elie Saab and Armani Prive. Notably, Dubai-based Rami Al Ali will become the first Syrian designer to join the official Paris calendar. In contrast, Dior's haute couture collection has been delayed until January 2026 under new artistic director Jonathan Anderson, who made his debut at men's Fashion Week in June.
Rapper Chris Brown Cleared for Tour Despite Passport Seizure
7.11.25
Brown, who is currently on bail, will be allowed to travel for his upcoming North American shows as part of his "Breezy Bowl XX" world tour, despite having his passport confiscated due to his bail conditions.
Ruth van Herpen Debuts Bioluminescent 'Living Dress'
7.11.25
Ruth van Herpen's latest collection at the Met Gala showcased her signature blend of artistry and innovation, featuring a "living dress" made from bioluminescent algae and lab-grown bio-protein fibers. The Dutch designer, who operates independently outside the influence of major fashion groups like LVMH and Kering, has built a reputation for pushing boundaries with her designs. Her creations have been worn by pop royalty such as Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Natalie Portman, and have become magnets for attention at high-profile events like the Met Gala. Van Herpen's commitment to using sustainable materials and questioning the future of fashion has cemented her legacy as a true original in the couture world.
Shanghai Museum Showcases Pompeii's Ancient Treasures
7.11.25
The Shanghai Museum is continuing its collaboration with Italian cultural institutions with a new exhibition showcasing ancient Roman artifacts from Pompeii, including over 130 original pieces on display. The exhibition highlights the city's grandeur and daily life through recreated scenes paired with authentic frescoes, sculptures, bronzes, and gold. The museum has previously collaborated with Italian institutions on exhibitions such as "The Trans-Cultural Exchanges and Interactions Between Italy and China" (2017) and "She Walks in Beauty: Women of the Han Dynasty and Roman Empire" (2024).
Sharjah Showcases Evolution of Arabic Script History
7.11.25
Sharjah Public Libraries has launched "The History of Letters and Movement" exhibition as part of its centennial celebrations. The exhibition, which runs until July 20, is a collaboration with the Holy Quran Academy in Sharjah and explores the evolution of Arabic script over fourteen centuries. It highlights milestones such as the introduction of diacritical marks and refinement of calligraphic styles, showcasing the development of one of the world's most expressive writing systems.
A Chinese man from Shuangxikou Town in Hunan province has bought a coffin for his elderly mother to sit in, believing it will bring her good fortune and longevity. The ritual, rooted in traditional folk practices, involves the woman sitting at the head of a procession with pallbearers and a brass band. In a viral video, the 70-something-year-old woman is seen cheerfully sitting inside the coffin, holding a fan as 16 men carry it through the streets.
Wael Shawky Curates Art Basel Qatar Inaugural Edition
7.11.25
Art Basel Qatar, set at Doha's Design District, will take place from February 5-7, 2026, with preview days on February 3 and 4. The event is positioning itself as a hybrid fair with a curated roster of galleries, blurring the lines between commercial and institutional exhibitions. The inaugural edition, themed around "Becoming," explores humanity's transformation and the systems that shape our lives. Egyptian-born artist Wael Shawky has been appointed artistic director, overseeing an event that sees ancient trade routes merged with digital networks and global cultural flows in a multicultural hub for finance and arts.
At Wimbledon, celebrities like Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter mingled with fashion icons Dame Anna Wintour and Tom Ford, alongside Oscar-winner Rami Malek and members of the British royal family, including Princess Michael of Kent and The Duchess of Gloucester.
Armani's Virtual Privé Haute Couture Show Debuts in Paris
7.10.25
Giorgio Armani, who will turn 91 tomorrow, showed his latest Privé haute couture collection at his Paris headquarters without attending the event in person for the first time in twenty years. The Italian designer, currently resting at home due to health reasons, oversaw details remotely through a video link. The show featured black velvet evening wear with shimmery touches, including tailcoats, oversized bows, and glittering embellishments. Models walked slowly through a maze of rooms showcasing the designs, which also included towered heels and contrasting masculine and feminine pieces.