Articles by AFP
In Bangladesh, Tangail's sari weaving art hangs by a thread
Tangail (Bangladesh) - Despite its recent official recognition by Unesco, the centuries-old art of Tangail sari weaving is struggling in Bangladesh. It is threatened by the relentless evolution of fashion and economic competition. In his workshop in the town that gave its name to the craft, Ajit Kumar Roy holds little hope for the future of the...
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Louis Vuitton takes Paris fashion week on mountain ride
Models wore mountain capes, shepherds' hats and carried bags with bells attached to them as Louis Vuitton brought the curtain down on Paris fashion week with a back-to-nature show Tuesday. Parading in the main Louvre courtyard, with actors Zendaya and Ana de Armas in attendance, the brand's artistic director Nicolas Ghesquiere said the aim was...
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Australian Katie Perry wins trademark spat against singer Katy Perry
Australian designer Katie Perry has won the right to sell clothes under her name, claiming victory Wednesday in a years-long trademark spat with US pop megastar Katy Perry. Designer Katie Perry accused her far more famous namesake of trademark infringement, arguing she had claimed the "Katie Perry" brand before the singer became a global...
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For a few dollars more: Levi's sets its sights on womenswear and the premium market
Paris, France - Global denim leader Levi's is looking to shed its image as a men's brand focused solely on jeans. The company aims to attract more female customers and dress them “from head to toe”, its chief executive officer Michelle Gass told AFP. She has set a goal of surpassing 10 billion dollars in revenue. “While jeans are our foundation,...
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Matthieu Blazy set to present his anticipated second collection for Chanel
Paris - Following a successful second show by Jonathan Anderson for Dior, it is Matthieu Blazy's turn at Chanel to overcome the 'second show' hurdle. The show will take place this Monday at Paris Fashion Week, where the Franco-Belgian designer's collection is one of the most anticipated. Anderson dazzled last Tuesday, on the second day of Paris...
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Sales volume of watches and precious jewellery in France struggles in 2025
The French watch and fine jewellery sector reported a decline in sales volume for watches and precious jewellery last year. This occurred even though turnover climbed due to rising metal prices. “The creative industries of French watchmaking and jewellery-making have not been spared by either general economic uncertainties or the somewhat...
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Gabon fashion designer brings traditional raffia to Paris runways
Strands of raffia dry outside in the sun at the studio of Gabonese fashion designer Chouchou Lazare, who has made a name for himself using the natural fibres to craft his award-winning garments. The natural material derived from palm leaves -- and traditionally reserved for Gabon's nobles and village chiefs -- gained international attention on...
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Chinese consumers scout lower prices, secondhand goods as spending sputters
In a Shanghai shopping centre, customers browsed racks of used winter coats, $2 trousers and household appliances -- pre-used items that would have been out of place in a major Chinese mall a decade ago. But these days, stagnating wages, youth unemployment and a years-long property crisis are making consumers rethink their spending. China's...
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Collective denounces online sale of Epstein-associated clothing
The Mouv'Enfants collective on Wednesday denounced the sale of clothing associated with Jeffrey Epstein on online platforms, demanding that their sale be banned. Navy half-zip sweatshirts embroidered with the initials JEE (Jeffrey Edward Epstein) were found on Etsy, Vinted, AliExpress and eBay. They are replicas of a garment worn by the sex...
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Balmain enters its new era with Antonin Tron
Paris, France - For his debut show at the helm of Balmain, French designer Antonin Tron presented a rock and sensual collection on Wednesday. This continued the legacy of his predecessor, Olivier Rousteing. The show took place on the third day of Paris Fashion Week, dedicated to autumn/winter 2026 womenswear. As a tribute to Pierre Balmain's...
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