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...
Fashion loading...
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,...
BusinessMemberloading...
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...
Fashion loading...
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...
BusinessMemberloading...
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...
Peopleloading...
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...
Fashion loading...
Strait of Hormuz blockage, an “unprecedented freeze” on global maritime trade
Paris (France) - The blockage of the Strait of Hormuz constitutes an “unprecedented freeze” on global maritime trade, affecting everything from cosmetics and food products to pharmaceuticals, cars and precious marbles. While it primarily impacts petroleum products, it also threatens many other industrial sectors. Importance of the Strait of...
BusinessMemberloading...
Fashion group SMCP returns to profit in 2025
Paris - Following a significant loss in 2024 and years of shareholder turmoil, the French ready-to-wear group SMCP (Sandro, Maje, Claudie Pierlot and Fursac) generated a net profit of 16.6 million euros (19.62 million dollars) in 2025, it announced on Thursday. “It’s starting to get a little brighter,” said Isabelle Guichot, the group’s chief...
BusinessMemberloading...
Milan Fashion Week: Maria Grazia Chiuri's sensual and delicate return to Fendi
Milan, Italy – Designer Maria Grazia Chiuri made her return to Fendi on Wednesday. She presented a sensual and delicate collection in Milan, featuring furs and leathers crafted like lace. A seasoned designer with experience at Dior and Valentino, Maria Grazia Chiuri returned to Fendi 35 years after her debut at the Roman house. This debut co-ed...
Fashion loading...
Jean-Claude Jitrois prepares for future with dual creative director appointments
French designer Jean-Claude Jitrois, an internationally renowned master of leather, has appointed two creative directors to “write the next chapter” for his brand. Jitrois will retain artistic direction, he told to AFP on Wednesday. “I turned 82 on January 10; we must prepare for the future. The future is youth,” Jitrois added, wishing to open “...
Peopleloading...