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Paris Fashion Week highlights Renaissance art, eco-tanning

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PARIS (AP) — From Renaissance art to couture and celebrity interruptions, Paris Fashion Week shows continued in vibrant form — presenting the French capital’s final trends for fall-winter 2023-2024.

Here are some highlights of ready-to-wear collections Thursday:

GIVENCHY GETS FEMININE

The once-street and urban Matthew M. Williams uttered a word not often heard describing his designs: Elegant.

“Yes, I love elegance and the house is a very elegant house. It’s easy to find that way when you’re here,” he said following his fall show for the Parisian stalwart.

Find it this season he did. Williams went back to Hubert de Givenchy’s DNA and moved in a more fluid, gentle and feminine direction than previous seasons. It was a fresh, welcome evolution from his harder-edged aesthetic.

Menswear tailoring in black angular shouldered gowns and coats provided subtle contrasts against feminine touches, such as sheer chiffon that poked out underneath caressing a naked leg.

Another sheer gown in pink chiffon with long fluttering train exposed hints of nipples and buttocks.

“I love that breath of air and skin and fluidity,” he said. “There’s always a dialogue with both, but the women’s is much more feminine (this season).”

Pieces were taken direct from the archive, such as a fish motif that the house founder once created, and Givenchy’s famed atelier made multiple couture garments including shimmering metal dresses, as well as evening gowns with off-kilter dropped or raised waists.

Beyond the fashion, Williams — an erstwhile collaborator with Kanye West and Lady Gaga — brings with him the razzmatazz that likely helped him get the job.

Jared Leto interrupted an interview with The Associated Press, exuberantly exclaiming: “Genius! Parfait! Beautiful. The best! And you can quote me.”

CHLOE’S HISTORY

Fall saw Gabriela Hearst growing in creative confidence with her beautiful and thoughtful Chloe display that riffed on the Renaissance.

Inspired by Artemisia Gentileschi, the pioneering 17th-century female painter, flattering scooped out shoulder details, long thick statement coats and flared textured pants were among standout garments that felt at once modern and historic — emanating a quiet feminist power.

The baroque musing was handled with subtlety. A giant A-line puffer cape in ruffled Elizabethan segments came in restrained and contemporary black. While harlequin-style gowns came in just three colors — black, white and muted red – toying with color blocking.

The piece de resistance?

An eye-popping multicolored tapestry dress with sporty straps that was constructed of fabulous paneled images. The tapestry was inspired by Gentileschi’s painting “Esther before Ahasuerus,” the house said, and made by Mumbai’s Chanakya International embroidery studio that provides hand embroidery training for women from low-income communities. Its vibrancy also evoked the Modernist paintings hanging above the venue at the Pompidou Center’s National Museum of Modern Art.

Champagne-sipping stars such as Emma Roberts applauded from the front row.

RICK OWENS’ DOUGHNUT

For fall, Rick Owens traveled again to the ancient world, specifically to the former pharaonic stronghold in the modern Egyptian city of Luxor. Yet the lauded American designer-cum-philosopher said the misery of the Ukraine war also influenced his collection.

“Times like these might call for a respectful formality and sobriety, with moments of delicacy as reminders of what is at risk and at stake,” he explained. Therefore, “clothes have been reduced to the simplest of shapes,” he added.

Fall proved that there’s simple, and then there’s Rick Owens simple. There was indeed an ancient rawness to slashed gowns, draped asymmetrically to reveal bare skin, in the collection of black and disco sheen.

A gargantuan inflated doughnut shape ticked the creative box and almost defied descriptions. It appeared in heavy rotation across the shoulder or on the front like a mouth devouring the chest. The shape also appeared doubled up in complex form in sequined violet and tan.

It was an effective and eclectic fusion of contemporary art and ready-to-wear.

Owens also deserves praise for his eco-efforts. The leather in this collection was prepared through “veg tanning,” meaning that only vegetal and natural tannins were used in the process of tanning and preserving the leather.

VALENTINO PERFUME LAUNCH

And where would Paris Fashion Week be without its parties?

Thursday’s installment was for the launch of Valentino’s Born In Roma Intense fragrance, which saw armies of VIPs descend on the ornate Gaite Lyrique in Paris’ Marais.

Under a décor of real forest branches, guests took photos of themselves in kaleidoscope contraptions, posed by giant strobe V staging, drank champagne and got made up by professional make up artists in preparation for a performance by Christine and the Queens.

SHANG XIA’S SIMPLICITY

The brand sometimes known as the “Chinese Hermes” among fashion insiders put out a wearable and loose collection for fall in pastels with flashes of black.

Creative director Yang Li of the brand launched in 2009, which also boasts Hermes investment, has a simple and effective approach.

Ties and knots created dynamic but gentle ruching in fabrics, alongside oversize red sweater-skirts that sported another skirt nonchalantly flapping out from underneath.

Backless and heel-less pointed leather stilettos were one of many fashion forward moments in a collection that gained power from not trying too hard.

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Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Climbs Past 1,700 as Rescue Efforts Continue

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MANDALAY, Myanmar (FNN) The devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday has now claimed the lives of more than 1,700 people, with emergency responders racing against time to find survivors in the rubble, according to the country’s military-led government.

Government spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun confirmed that the death toll has climbed to 1,700, with an additional 3,400 injured and more than 300 people still missing. The military initially reported 1,644 deaths, but Monday’s update revealed the toll has risen significantly as more bodies are recovered.

Widespread Destruction and Collapsed Buildings

The Myanmar 7.7 magnitude earthquake caused widespread destruction, affecting major cities such as Naypitaw and Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city with a population of 1.5 million. Reports indicate that many buildings, including mosques, homes, and infrastructure, have completely collapsed.

Tun Kyi, a member of the Spring Revolution Myanmar Muslim Network, stated that around 700 worshippers were killed when mosques collapsed during Friday prayers in the holy month of Ramadan. Reports also suggest that at least 60 mosques were either damaged or destroyed, with distressing footage circulating online showing structures crumbling as terrified civilians ran for safety.

Lauren Ellery, deputy director of programs in Myanmar for the International Rescue Committee, warned that the true scale of destruction remains unclear due to telecommunication outages and challenging conditions on the ground.

“We’re really not clear on the scale of the destruction at this stage,” Ellery told The Associated Press.
“Some areas near Mandalay reportedly saw 80% of buildings collapse, but due to damaged communication lines, these reports have been slow to emerge.”

Search and Rescue Operations Face Extreme Challenges

Myanmar’s military government has declared a state of emergency in six regions, deploying emergency teams to assist in rescue operations. However, a lack of heavy machinery and extreme heat—with temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F)—have slowed efforts, forcing rescuers to search for survivors by hand.

In neighboring Thailand, at least 18 people were killed when a partially built high-rise in Bangkok collapsed. Another 33 people have been injured and 78 remain missing, primarily at the construction site near the Chatuchak market.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that rescue teams detected potential signs of life beneath the debris, though they have yet to confirm if it was an error in the detection equipment.

“Even if one life is saved, it is worth all the effort,” Chadchart said.

What’s Next?

  • Continued search and rescue efforts are underway in Myanmar and Thailand.

  • International aid organizations are assessing the situation and mobilizing resources.

  • Myanmar’s military government is expected to provide further updates on casualties and damages.

  • Humanitarian groups are calling for global assistance as the region struggles with medical emergencies, food shortages, and displacement.

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America First: Secretary Rubio’s Strategy for Strengthening U.S. Leadership in the Western Hemisphere

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WASHINGTON, DC (FNN) – American leadership is back in the Western Hemisphere, and we’re ready to stand with our regional partners. Putting America First means prioritizing relationships within our own hemisphere to ensure stability, security, and prosperity.

As part of this renewed focus, my first international trip as Secretary of State will take me to Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic—nations that stand to benefit from stronger ties with the United States. For too long, American foreign policy has overlooked our closest neighbors while focusing on distant regions. That changes now.

A New Era of Regional Diplomacy

President Trump’s bold foreign policy begins at home, securing our borders and working with regional allies to control illegal migration. Diplomacy plays a key role in this effort. We must collaborate with nations across the Western Hemisphere to prevent further migrant flows and ensure the repatriation of those in the U.S. unlawfully. These discussions may be challenging, but they are absolutely necessary.

Beyond migration, our engagement will create economic opportunities that benefit both the U.S. and our regional allies. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of America’s reliance on global supply chains. By relocating critical industries closer to home, we can boost economic growth in our hemisphere while securing our own economic future.

A Stronger Hemisphere for a Stronger America

Our goal is to create a cycle of prosperity: stronger U.S. partnerships lead to more jobs and growth in the region, reducing incentives for illegal immigration. This economic stability provides governments with the resources to fight crime and invest in their own development, making them less susceptible to foreign influence.

Countries like China have sought to expand their influence in our region, making empty promises that fail to deliver real results. By strengthening our alliances, we can ensure that our neighbors build their futures alongside the United States, not under the influence of adversarial powers.

Confronting the Challenges of Mass Migration and Security Threats

Mass migration has created widespread instability. Drug cartels—now officially recognized as foreign terrorist organizations—have fueled violence and the fentanyl crisis across our communities. Additionally, illegitimate regimes in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela are exploiting this chaos, while China exerts economic and diplomatic pressure, including at the Panama Canal.

Our approach is based on real, shared interests—not vague ideals or utopian promises. The U.S. will extend its hand to nations committed to genuine partnership, confident that together, we can achieve lasting stability and prosperity.

Building a More Secure and Prosperous Future

By reinforcing trade, security, and diplomatic cooperation, the U.S. and its regional partners will achieve mutual benefits. My mission as Secretary of State is clear: to make our alliances stronger, our borders more secure, and our economic future more resilient.

It is an extraordinary privilege to serve in this role, and I look forward to keeping you informed on the vital work being done by our incredible State Department team. America’s leadership in the Western Hemisphere is back—stronger than ever.

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Trump Implements 25% Tariffs on Imports from Canada and Mexico, 10% on China to Address National Emergency

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President Donald Trump holds up the letter that former President Joe Biden left for him in the desk as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (AP)
Trump Implements 25% Tariffs on Imports from Canada and Mexico, 10% on China to Address National Emergency

WASHINGTON, D.C. (FNN) – President Donald J. Trump has announced a bold new tariff policy, imposing additional tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, citing an ongoing national emergency caused by illegal immigration and the fentanyl epidemic.

Under the new order, the United States will implement:

  • A 25% tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico
  • A 10% tariff on all imports from China
  • A reduced 10% tariff on energy resources from Canada

The move is part of a larger effort to hold these nations accountable for failing to stop the flow of illegal drugs and migrants into the United States.

Addressing an Urgent National Crisis

The extraordinary threat posed by illegal immigration and drugs, particularly fentanyl, constitutes a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). President Trump’s decisive action aims to curb the supply of deadly fentanyl, which has devastated American communities.

  • Chinese officials have failed to stop the flow of precursor chemicals used to produce fentanyl, enabling criminal cartels.
  • Mexican drug cartels continue to manufacture and transport dangerous narcotics, while the Mexican government has turned a blind eye.
  • Canada has seen a rise in Mexican cartel-linked fentanyl production, contributing to the international drug trade.

The administration’s orders make it clear: the flow of contraband drugs like fentanyl into the United States is a national security threat and a public health emergency.

Leveraging U.S. Economic Strength for Security

President Trump is using America’s economic power to secure the border and combat the fentanyl crisis. Previous administrations failed to use economic leverage effectively, allowing problems to fester.

  • Access to the U.S. market is a privilege, not a right. The U.S. has one of the most open economies in the world, yet trade accounts for only 24% of U.S. GDP, compared to 67% of Canada’s, 73% of Mexico’s, and 37% of China’s.
  • The U.S. trade deficit in goods exceeded $1 trillion in 2023, the largest in the world.
  • Tariffs are a proven tool for protecting national interests and forcing compliance.

Despite years of inaction from previous leaders, President Trump is taking decisive action to put Americans’ safety and national security first.

President Trump Keeps His Promise to Secure the Border

President Trump was overwhelmingly elected to stop illegal immigration and secure the border—this is exactly what he is doing.

  • The Biden administration has fueled the worst border crisis in U.S. history, with over 10 million illegal aliens attempting entry since 2021.
  • A rising number of Chinese nationals and individuals on the terror watchlist have been apprehended at the border.
  • Northern border crossings from Canada have surged, worsening the crisis.

The influx of illegal immigrants is straining America’s resources, overwhelming schools, hospitals, and housing, while increasing crime.

  • Last fiscal year, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized over 21,000 pounds of fentanyl—enough to kill over 4 billion people.
  • Officials estimate only a fraction of fentanyl smuggled across the southern border is actually seized.
  • Fentanyl overdoses now kill more Americans annually than the entire Vietnam War.

Building on Past Success in Trade and Security

President Trump has a proven track record of using tariffs to protect American interests.

  • In 2019, Trump successfully pressured Mexico into border security cooperation by threatening tariffs.
  • He imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to protect U.S. industries.
  • Trump’s tariffs on China helped curb intellectual property theft and unfair trade practices.
  • Last week, he used tariffs to resolve national security concerns with Colombia.

President Trump remains committed to enforcing trade policies that prioritize American safety and prosperity. His new tariffs send a clear message: America will no longer tolerate inaction from Canada, Mexico, and China when it comes to illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

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