The mother of one of the 15-year-olds trapped under the Mount Maunganui landslide has remembered her son as a \"kind and beautiful\" person.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>
Max Furse-Kee was one of six people who remained unaccounted-for for, believed to have been killed, after Thursday's landslide.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>
\"From the moment I first looked at his beautiful blue eyes almost 16 years ago he had my whole heart, he was my sunshine,\" Max's mum said in a statement on behalf of the family, released by local police.
\"Life without Max is impossible to imagine. In truth, all of this feels impossible to imagine. We are endlessly proud of who he is and that he is ours.\"<\/p>
She added that this week he would have been turning 16.<\/p>
\"Just days ago, my biggest fear was him getting his driver's licence. How I wish now that he could have experienced the joy of driving, and so many other moments that growing up brings,\" she said.<\/p>
\"We also want to sincerely thank the entire team working at Mauao. We have been cared for with extraordinary kindness, compassion, and humanity.\"
<\/p>
After a long, wet week, this weekend on the east coast of New Zealand's north island began with sunshine and the last wisps of hope that a miracle might still occur.<\/p>
Locals and visitors alike came to lay flowers, pay their respects, and pray as they looked towards the mountain that on Thursday came crashing down over a popular campsite, trapping six people.<\/p>
But a forecast of rain, strong winds and even hail felt like an omen of the news that was to come.
<\/p>
After two days of holding out hope despite all the odds, the local police superintendent had the heart-wrenching job of announcing that no one trapped by the landslide at Mount Maunganui could have survived.<\/p>
Rescue crews had worked nonstop, including through the night, since Thursday.<\/p>
Overnight,\u00c2\u00a0they found human remains,\u00c2\u00a0and by Saturday's end, New Zealand Police released the names of the six people believed to have been killed, buried under many tonnes of dirt, trees and debris that wiped out caravans and an amenities block.
<\/p>
After two days of holding out hope despite all the odds, the local police superintendent had the heart-wrenching job of announcing that no one trapped by the landslide at Mount Maunganui could have survived.<\/p>
Rescue crews had worked nonstop, including through the night, since Thursday.<\/p>
Overnight,\u00c2\u00a0they found human remains,\u00c2\u00a0and by Saturday's end, New Zealand Police released the names of the six people believed to have been killed, buried under many tonnes of dirt, trees and debris that wiped out caravans and an amenities block.<\/p>
\"Search teams, supported by contractors and machinery, are continuing to work through the debris, towards the amenities block,\" Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said.
<\/p>
\"From what we have seen, the building suffered catastrophic damage and we are confronted with the reality that it is highly unlikely anyone would have been able to survive.\"<\/p>
Another victim, Lisa Maclennan, 50, was honoured by the school at which she worked.<\/p>
\"Lisa Maclennan (our amazing Literacy Centre tutor), is one of the people trapped in the landslide at Mount Maunganui,\" Morrinsville Intermediate School posted on its Facebook page.<\/p>
\"We continue to hope and pray for Lisa. Our love and aroha go out to Lisa's family.\" French police have raided the offices of Elon Musk's social media network X as prosecutors ordered the tech billionaire to answer questions in April related to a widening investigation into the platform.<\/p>\n\n The raid is linked to a year-long investigation into suspected abuse of algorithms and fraudulent data extraction by X or its executives.<\/p>\n\n However, in a statement, the Paris prosecutor's office said it was widening that investigation following complaints over the functioning of X's artificial intelligence chatbot Grok.<\/p>\n\n The probe will now also investigate alleged complicity in the detention and diffusion of images of children of a pornographic nature and the violation of a person's image rights with sexually explicit deepfakes, among other potential crimes.<\/p>\n\n Mr Musk and former chief executive Linda Yaccarino are summoned for a hearing on April 20.<\/p>\n\n Other X staff are also summoned as witnesses.<\/p>\n\n There was no immediate comment from X.<\/p>\n\n In July, Mr Musk denied the initial accusations and said French prosecutors were launching a \"politically-motivated criminal investigation\".<\/p>\n\n \"At this stage, the conduct of this investigation is part of a constructive approach, with the aim of ultimately ensuring that the X platform complies with French laws, insofar as it operates on national territory,\" the prosecutor's office said.<\/p> Source : BBC<\/p>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":"","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/french-police-raid-x-offices-in-paris-as-musk-ordered-to-face-questions-aa6356\/","ntype":"WorldNews","dt":"04\/02\/2026","byline":"fijivillage<\/a>","ntags":"abc-news<\/a> World-News<\/a>"},"41":{"id":311260,"pic":"20251224092148_media_694b07ccf14007_77991500.jpg","picdesc":"","title":"From Stadiums to Runways: The Year Fashion and Sport Fully Aligned","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":" In 2025, sport and fashion stopped flirting and made things official.<\/p>\n What used to be the odd collaboration turned into a full-blown partnership across major leagues and global brands. Even the NFL<\/span>, never known for cutting-edge style, leaned into fashion with partnerships involving Breitling and Abercrombie & Fitch. The NBA<\/span> took things a step further by moving into beauty through CeraVe, while the WNBA's Golden State Valkyries made their intentions crystal clear with a Sephora-backed runway show ahead of fashion month. When teams are hosting catwalks, the shift is no longer subtle.<\/p>\n Away from the big leagues, everyday athletes drove one of the year's biggest style changes. Social run clubs exploded, turning running from a solo grind into a social scene with its own look and identity. Trainers built for performance became everyday shoes, football-inspired silhouettes returned to the streets, and the retro styles that dominated the early 2020s quietly stepped aside.<\/p>\n The year also hinted at a comeback for Nike<\/span>. After losing ground to hungrier rivals, the brand steadied the ship and generated serious buzz with the launch of NikeSkims. Still, competition was relentless. New Balance<\/span> and ASICS<\/span> continued to win runners and casual wearers alike, Adidas<\/span> moved beyond the Samba with new silhouettes, and Reebok<\/span> forced its way back into relevance with the Angel Reese 1.<\/p>\n As brands look ahead to 2026, with the World Cup in North America and the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, the overlap between sport and style is only set to deepen. This is no longer about athletes wearing fashion. Sport itself has become fashion's most powerful stage.<\/p> <\/p> Source : The Business of Fashion<\/p>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":"","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/from-stadiums-to-runways-the-year-fashion-and-sport-fully-aligned-a80027\/","ntype":"Fashion","dt":"24\/12\/2025","byline":"fijivillage<\/a>","ntags":"Fashion<\/a>"},"40":{"id":311534,"pic":"20260102144206_media_69572f4f093ab1_60204848.jpg","picdesc":"Photo: BBC Fashion","title":"Style trends to look out for in 2026: Bold colours, tassels and loud luxury","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":" If your New Year's resolution is to stop wearing the same three outfits on rotation (don't worry I'm not judging) then you've come to the right place.<\/p> Thanks to the way the fashion calendar works, we already know what the brightest minds in the industry think we will be wearing when the weather becomes a little warmer.<\/p> Labels showcased their designs for the upcoming spring\/summer season across shows in London, Paris, Milan and New York earlier this year.<\/p> Here are six of the hottest trends you can incorporate into your wardrobe in 2026.<\/p>Go bold We normally associate spring fashion with ditsy florals and calming pastels, but this season's runways were all about bold block colours.<\/p> The catwalks of big fashion houses such as Loewe, Dior and Fendi were awash with rainbow brights in yellow, red and green, with some mixing and matching shades for added dramatic effect.<\/p> Belgian designer Meryll Rogge's show also featured head-turning outfits in electric blue.<\/p> Style tip:<\/span> If you want to replicate this style, try focusing on wearing one statement item in a bold colour so it really stands out.<\/span><\/p>Loud luxury Quiet luxury was the trend of 2025 - focusing on elegance and simplicity, it was about choosing timeless classics in quality fabrics that could be worn again and again.<\/p> But it appears the fashion world is already looking to leave that aesthetic behind and usher in a new era of loud luxury.<\/p> Maximalism was a clear theme in the upcoming season's shows - it was all about voluminous dresses and skirts, luxurious fabrics and chunky jewellery.<\/p> Saint Laurent's models wore head-to-toe black leather, whilst Missoni's were clad in their signature chevron print designs, complete with statement necklaces. Balenciaga and Chanel focused on feathers in dramatic colours and textures.<\/p> <\/p> Style tip: <\/span>If you want to channel this look, you'll need to find the most brash items in your wardrobe and find a way to pair them together.<\/p>Tassels and fringing Fashion choices are often a reflection of what's going on in the world around us, with some trend forecasters indicating that the increase of embellished pieces - such as tasselled bags and fringed skirts - is due to global economic uncertainty.<\/p> In times of financial trouble, investment pieces with bold, eye-catching designs become the go-to as a way to add something extra to an otherwise ordinary outfit.<\/p> Australian label Aje's catwalk was full of delightful fringed pieces, whilst Balmain's models graced the runway with huge, suede messenger bags.<\/p> <\/p> Ellie Saab and Louis Vuitton's neon fringed and tasselled dresses and trousers also stood out, as models sashayed down the catwalk in their designs.<\/p> Style tip: <\/span>You probably own something that fits into this trend already, as it comes back around often, but if you don't, a fringed leather or suede bag is easy to come by on secondhand websites and in vintage stores or charity shops.<\/p>Textures We know embellishment is one of the biggest trends for next spring and summer - with extravagantly textured items also seen across many runways.<\/p> Chloe's ethereal runway featured floral bustiers and elegantly ruched tops and dresses, whilst Moschino's models wore ruched, frilly two-pieces in clashing colours.<\/p> There were dramatic layers and frills on display at Zimmermann, whilst Isabel Marant took a completely different turn, with layered rara skirts strewn with pom poms.<\/p> Style tip: <\/span>Perhaps the most appealing part of this trend is that you can make it your own. Designers featured frills, fabric layers and ruching in a variety of colours and styles, meaning you could easily re-fashion your own items to reflect the mismatched clothes on display here.<\/p>Return of the trench A trench coat is a wardrobe staple for many - perfect for the transitional period between spring and summer, and also autumn and winter.<\/p> This season, trenches were everywhere - mostly in the trademark light beige, but some fashion houses decided to add a twist with vibrant inner linings like Celine or different fabrics and colours at Saint Laurent.<\/p> Ellie Saab's runway featured slinky trenches that were tightly belted and Givenchy's designs appeared lighter in colour with bold black buttons and buckles.<\/p> Style tip: <\/span>Trench coats never truly go out of style, so you can be sure if you invest in one that you'll certainly get enough wear out of it.<\/p>The working uniform Amongst the maximalism, bold colours and textures on display at this season's fashion weeks was something for the more corporate fashion fans.<\/p> Fashion houses made having a job look both cool and fun, with Stella McCartney and Bottega Veneta reinventing the classic suit for women and borrowing from the 1980s power-dressing trend.<\/p> Some designers also put a fun twist on the idea of the uniform, layering dresses with shirts and jumpers.<\/p> Thom Browne took it to the next level with a skirt made entirely of ties.<\/p> Style tip: <\/span>Achieving this style is actually pretty simple - find a shirt, jumper or vest and get layering for an office-ready look. <\/p>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":"","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/article-15056-d2081f\/","ntype":"Fashion","dt":"02\/01\/2026","byline":"fijivillage<\/a>","ntags":"Fashion<\/a>"},"39":{"id":311746,"pic":"20260109153934_media_696077d69b4d80_12658639.jpg","picdesc":"Shein had its first physical pop-up shop in Madrid in 2022","title":"Shein picks France to open its first permanent outlets","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":" Asian fast-fashion giant Shein has chosen France as the location to open its first permanent physical outlets.<\/p>\n\n It will occupy concessions in department stores first in Paris, followed by five others in the cities of Dijon, Reims, Grenoble, Angers and Limoges.<\/p>\n\n Shein told the BBC on Thursday that France's \"influential global fashion market\" was a \"natural choice\" as the firm's testbed for physical stores.<\/p>\n\n The fashion brand has become best known for its discounted and trendy clothes, but has drawn criticism over its environmental impact and working conditions.<\/p>\n\n The company has previously opened temporary pop-up stores in cities such as Madrid and Paris, but has never operated a permanent physical shop.<\/p>\n\n The new outlets are being opened through a partnership with retail property group Societe des Grands Magasins (SGM). The French company runs the BHV Marais and Galeries Lafayette department stores that will house what Shein calls \"shop-in-shop\" outlets.<\/p>\n\n The outlets will create an estimated 200 jobs in France, Shein said in a statement, adding that the collaboration aimed to revitalise city centres and department stores in the country.<\/p>\n\n \"By choosing France as the place to trial physical retail, Shein aims to benefit French customers and the wider retail sector,\" the firm said.<\/p>\n\n This comes after the French Senate adopted a bill in June to regulate the fast-fashion industry by sanctioning companies, such as Shein and rival Temu, and banning their adverts.<\/p>\n\n Shein, which ships to more than 150 countries, has primarily operated online through its website and app.<\/p>\n\n Founded in China in 2008 and headquartered in Singapore, Shein has come under scrutiny over its production of fast-fashion goods. The business model rapidly produces low-cost clothes based on the latest styles, but has drawn criticism for its environmental impact.<\/p>\n\n Concerns have also been raised about the working conditions within Shein's supply chain.<\/p>\n\n An investigation published in 2024 by Swiss advocacy group Public Eye found that workers in some suppliers at one point worked for 75 hours a week, despite Shein promising to improve conditions.<\/p> [Source: BBC]<\/p>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":"","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/shein-picks-france-to-open-its-first-permanent-outlets-1b2358\/","ntype":"Fashion","dt":"09\/01\/2026","byline":"fijivillage<\/a>","ntags":"Fashion<\/a>"},"38":{"id":311748,"pic":"20260109160540_media_69607dd626ed82_05828422.jpg","picdesc":"","title":"Five of Queen Elizabeth II's most iconic outfits - from new royal exhibit","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":" <\/p> She was arguably the most famous woman of her time, and Queen Elizabeth II's style - though restrained and often conservative - was instantly recognisable.<\/p>\n\n Just as she remained a constant presence during her 70 years on the throne, so did the show-stopping hats and bright coats of her public appearances, and the tweeds, tartans and headscarves of her off-duty look.<\/p>\n\n Her outfits were meticulously designed - both with practicality in mind, and often with subliminal messages of soft power, diplomacy and stability.<\/p>\n\n Amy Walker<\/p> <\/p> <\/p>\n\n A new exhibition at The King's Gallery in Buckingham Palace - showcasing items from the 10 decades of Queen Elizabeth's life and marking the centenary of her birth - throws light on how Britain changed during her reign.<\/p>\n\n Of the 200 pieces set to be featured - including clothing, jewellery, hats, shoes and accessories - we have selected five of the most iconic outfits.<\/p>\n\n The tweed and tartan skirt<\/p> <\/p> <\/p>\n\n Designed by her dressmaker Norman Hartnell, the Queen first wore her Harris tweed jacket and Balmoral Tartan skirt in the 1950s.<\/p>\n\n The ensemble - which became a staple of the Queen's off-duty look through the decades - was practical for her love of the outdoors, and modest in appearance.<\/p>\n\n But royal fashion commentator and Vogue contributor Marian Kwei, says the statement it made was anything but.<\/p>\n\n The fabrics used were intended to \"promote British fashion, excellence and production\", says Kwei.<\/p>\n\n And weaved into the outfit's feminine cut and low-key tones are connotations of \"stability, dependence, soft power\", she says.<\/p>\n\n \"It's 'I'm in charge', without being too loud about it.\"<\/p>\n\n The Coronation dress<\/p> <\/p> <\/p>\n\n Also designed by Hartnell, the Queen's 1953 Coronation dress was made from silk produced in Kent and features gold bugle beads, diamant\u00c3\u00a9s and pearls in exquisitely designed embroideries.<\/p>\n\n But while it has all the hallmarks of the great British craftsmanship that was championed by Elizabeth II, it is the symbolism - for which her style came to be known - that makes the dress a particular standout.<\/p>\n\n It features the floral emblems of the four nations of the UK, and after accepting Hartnell's eighth design for the dress, the Queen also requested the emblems of other states within the Commonwealth be included.<\/p>\n\n Among England's Tudor rose, Scotland's thistle, the Welsh leek and the Irish shamrock are the Canadian maple leaf and India's lotus flower.<\/p>\n\n \"The gown was pretty much a nod to Britain and the Commonwealth,\" says Kwei.<\/p>\n\n Her sartorial choice, she adds, was \"really an indication of the kind of Queen we had and how she reigned\".<\/p>\n\nThe Eisenhower dress <\/p> <\/p> <\/p>\n\n In 1957 Elizabeth II wore an elaborate sleeveless green gown, also designed by Hartnell for a state banquet thrown for US President Dwight Eisenhower at the British Embassy in Washington DC.<\/p>\n\n \"She was on the world stage for 70 years and it's quite impressive to have just always made the right choice in terms of clothing,\" says de Guitaut.<\/p>\n\n But in terms of the particular message the Queen was trying to convey, this dress is divisive.<\/p>\n\n \"It's absolutely beautiful,\" says de Guitaut, \"but I can't quite see an overt reference in it to be honest.\"<\/p>\n\n Whatever the intention, we know it was worn during a US visit intended to strengthen transatlantic ties during the Cold War.<\/p>\n\n As a magnificent piece of design, Kwei suggests the Queen was looking to make a statement about Britain. Its \"apple crisp green\" could be a nod to America, she adds.<\/p>\n\n \"From New York being known as 'The Big Apple' right through to the traditional place the 'American Pie' holds in American culture, apples have become synonymous with all things classically American.\"<\/p>\n\n The dress says \"'I'm Britain's sovereign, this is us, but I'm also nodding to you'\", says Kwei.<\/p>\n\n Author and royal fashion commentator Elizabeth Holmes points out that early on in the Queen's reign, she used her clothing to \"establish herself in a new way, a glamorous young woman on a global stage dominated by men\".<\/p>\n\n The pieces designed by Hartnell, often with a fitted waist and full skirt, \"accentuated her femininity, rather than attempting to mask or hide it\", she adds.<\/p>\n\n The blue gown and bolero jacket<\/p> <\/p> <\/p>\n\n The crinoline-skirted kingfisher blue gown and matching bolero jacket the Queen wore for her sister Princess Margaret's wedding in 1960 has an \"incredible timeless quality\", says de Guitaut.<\/p>\n\n With guipure lace detailing, the dress echoed the silhouette of the bride's dress and was worn with a blue hat adorned with three blue silk roses, thought to have been a nod to her younger sister's full name, Margaret Rose.<\/p>\n\n While admired for its painstaking construction, de Guitaut notes the dress offers a glimpse into a moment in history in a country on the precipice of change. It marked the last time full-length dress was worn by a member of the royal family who was not the bride for a wedding.<\/p>\n\n \"The Queen lived a very long time and her life chronicles this period where British fashion really emerged,\" says de Guitaut.<\/p>\n\n \"It was 1960, we've still got to get into the swinging 60s where the hemline is raised by [British fashion designer] Mary Quant, it was just such a moment in time,\" says Kwei.<\/p>\n\n Having favoured darker colours in her youth, it was around this time that the Queen's love of the colour blue - among the many other bright shades she wore - begins to become apparent.<\/p>\n\n \"There's something about blue that's calming, it endears trust without being too in your face. It's fashion diplomacy,\" says Kwei.<\/p>\n\n The transparent raincoat<\/p> <\/p> <\/p>\n\n Distinct from many of the other items which will be displayed, is a clear plastic raincoat from the 1960s. It was designed by another of the Queen's couturiers, Hardy Amies, who later went on to create space-age get-ups for Stanley Kubrick's 1968 film, A Space Odyssey.<\/p>\n\n Like the transparent plastic umbrellas that later became her trademark on official engagements, this raincoat also allowed people to see the Queen's brightly-coloured dresses in all weathers.<\/p>\n\n Colours mattered, says de Guitaut, and it was important that members of the public who turned out to see her actually could. \"So even if you're 10 deep in the crowd, you can see a figure in a bright yellow coat or whatever it happens to be... You've seen the Queen,\" she says.<\/p>\n\n The futuristic coat - modish in the 1960s - is also indicative of how the Queen was in sync with the times. Kwei points out that \"she didn't want to be known as a fashion icon\".<\/p>\n\n But de Guitaut points out that alongside all the subtle messaging, trends had also been key to many of the Queen's outfits in her younger years.<\/p>\n\n In the 1940s, the influence of Christian Dior's New Look cinched waists were apparent, then in the 1950s, references to Spanish fashion house Balenciaga's more voluminous style emerged in the Queen's clothes, says de Guitaut.<\/p>\n\n \"In the 60s she was wearing some quite short hemlines, little tailored suits, the colours - everything really speaks to that era,\" she adds.<\/p>\n\n By the 1970s, even the Queen was wearing looser-fitting evening gowns with drapey arms and \"swirly whirly\" patterns.<\/p>\n\n Though encompassing fashion trends, the Queen's instantly recognisable style remained \"very elegant, quintessentially British and restrained\", says de Guitaut.<\/p>\n\n What threads each decade together, she adds, is that sartorially, the Queen \"always made the right choice\" - ever appropriate for the occasion.<\/p>\n\n \"For someone who was on the world stage for 70 years, it's quite impressive.\"<\/p>\n\n Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style is at the King's Gallery from 10 April 2026<\/p>\n\n [Illustrations by Jez Fraser\/BBC]<\/p>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":" Prada announced on Tuesday that it has acquired Versace, bringing two major Italian luxury fashion houses under one roof.<\/p>\n\n The $1.38bn (\u00c2\u00a31.04bn) deal is well below the roughly $2bn that Versace's former parent company, Capri Holdings, paid for the brand in 2018.<\/p>\n\n The acquisition expands Prada's portfolio of designer brands - including Miu Miu - as it seeks to compete with rivals including French conglomerate LVMH, which owns Dior and Fendi in addition to Louis Vuitton.<\/p>\n\n Storied designer Donatella Versace stepped down as the brand's creative chief in March after 27 years at the fashion company, known for its glamorous styles and the iconic Medusa head logo.<\/p>\n\n She took over the company in 1997, after the murder of her brother Gianni. She was replaced by Dario Vitale, formerly a design director of Miu Miu, Prada's youth-focused luxury brand.<\/p>\n\n The company is being sold at a roughly $700m loss after Versace's sales slowed, along with the sale of Capri Holdings' other brands, which include Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo.<\/p>\n\n During Capri Holdings' ownership, Versace shifted from its recognisable ornate designs to embrace a more minimalist trend \u00e2\u0080\u0093 while hiking prices.<\/p>\n\n Prada said in a one-line statement on Tuesday that it has successfully completed the acquisition of Versace, having received all required regulatory clearances.<\/p>\n\n Proceeds from the sale will help cut debt for Capri Holdings, Versace's former parent company, the firm said.<\/p>\n\n Capri chief executive John D Idol said: \"We plan to use the proceeds to repay the majority of our debt, which will substantially strengthen our balance sheet.\"<\/p>\n\n Andrea Guerra, the chief executive of Prada, said earlier this year that Versace has \"huge potential\".<\/p>\n\n \"The journey will be long and will require disciplined execution and patience,\" he said.<\/p>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":"","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/italian-fashion-giant-prada-buys-versace-at-a-discount-37e4af\/","ntype":"Fashion","dt":"13\/01\/2026","byline":"fijivillage<\/a>","ntags":"Fashion<\/a>"},"36":{"id":312205,"pic":"20260126090739_media_697685dc9eb453_45483258.jpg","picdesc":"Photo: BBC Fashion","title":"Anna Wintour and Liz Hurley among mourners at Valentino's funeral","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":" Anna Wintour, Elizabeth Hurley and Anne Hathaway were among the fashion and film stars who gathered in Rome for the funeral of Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani on Friday. The service was held at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs, near Piazza della Repubblica, following two days of public viewing at his foundation's headquarters.<\/p> Garavani, known universally by his first name Valentino, died aged 93 at his home in Rome on Monday. Fellow fashion designers Donatella Versace and Tom Ford were also present. Across a career that began in the 1950s, Valentino became synonymous with dressing the rich and famous, and Hollywood royalty. Although he retired in 2008, the label's next couture show at the end of January in Paris is expected to double as a final industry salute to a designer often described as the last emperor of Italian fashion \u00ef\u00bb\u00bfMiss Fiji 2025 first runner-up and Miss Nasinu, Ailava Samuels, has been officially appointed as Fiji's representative to next month's Miss Pacific Islands 2026 pageant in Nadi.<\/span> Miss Fiji Pageant Director, Ana Tuiketei confirmed the decision, saying the appointment followed the closure of Miss Pacific Islands registrations last week and the need to meet strict participation timelines.<\/p> She explained that after an extensive internal governance process, contractual reviews, and a period of engagement with the Miss Fiji 2025 title holder, medical intern Dr Peggy Ravusiro, it became clear that arrangements could not be finalised in time.<\/p> According to Tuiketei, Dr Ravusiro formally declined to enter into a contractual obligation with the Miss Fiji Secretariat.<\/span><\/p> She says that in line with pageant protocol, the Miss Fiji Committee approached the first runner-up last week and offered her the standard participation contract.<\/span><\/p> Tuiketei says Samuels formally accepted the role last Thursday and has since entered into the same contractual obligations initially offered to the title holder.<\/span><\/span><\/p> The Miss Fiji Pageant Committee has already begun a full preparation schedule for Samuels as she readies herself for the regional competition.<\/span><\/span><\/p> Tuiketei called on the public to rally behind Fiji's representative, expressing confidence that Samuels will carry the national flag with pride, respect Pacific cultures, and promote Fiji on the regional stage.<\/p> Speaking about representing Fiji at the Miss Pacific Islands pageant, Samuels reaffirmed her readiness to serve as a leader and ambassador, emphasising the importance of preparation and responsibility in pageantry.<\/span><\/span><\/p> She says that one of the key lessons she learned from her participation in the Miss Fiji Pageant was to always be prepared. <\/span><\/span><\/p> She adds that, as a representative, she is mentally ready and fully prepared to work alongside the Miss Fiji Pageant team.<\/span><\/span><\/p> The Miss Pacific Islands 2026 pageant will be held from the 12th to the 14th of next month.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/p>
Original story link\u00c2\u00a0https:\/\/www.abc.net.au\/news\/2026-01-25\/nz-landslide-victims-unlikely-to-survive-police-say\/106265934<\/p>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":"![](\"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/images\/icon_photo_news.png\"){kind=icon}
","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/mother-shares-tribute-to-15-year-old-max-trapped-under-mount-maunganui-landslide-cad415\/","ntype":"WorldNews","dt":"26\/01\/2026","byline":"Peter Brimble<\/a>","ntags":"abc-news<\/a> <\/a>"},"43":{"id":312472,"pic":"20260204084724_media_69825bfcee3966_58058562.jpg","picdesc":"Elon Musk has previously accused French investigators of carrying out a politically motivated probe into X. (Reuters: Mike Blake)","title":"French police raid X offices in Paris as Musk ordered to face questions","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"
Original story link https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/c4g45y5kvdmo<\/a><\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fijivillage.com\/news_images\/20260109160540_media_69607b4e44cee4_44325006.webp\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fijivillage.com\/news_images\/20260109160540_media_69607b7d1216d7_52148702.webp\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fijivillage.com\/news_images\/20260109160540_media_69607c3d3ceb66_27410384.webp\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fijivillage.com\/news_images\/20260109160540_media_69607cb3267a24_99873732.webp\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fijivillage.com\/news_images\/20260109160540_media_69607d34101440_46495058.webp\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fijivillage.com\/news_images\/20260109160540_media_69607d7fe6fd88_08242757.webp\")
","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/five-of-queen-elizabeth-ii-s-most-iconic-outfits-from-new-royal-exhibit-0be481\/","ntype":"Fashion","dt":"09\/01\/2026","byline":"fijivillage<\/a>","ntags":"Fashion<\/a> <\/a>"},"37":{"id":311853,"pic":"20260113095133_media_69656caa0f27b4_98517064.jpg","picdesc":"","title":"Italian fashion giant Prada buys Versace – at a discount","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"
<\/p>
Hathaway wore a black Valentino coat trimmed with ruffles, while Elizabeth Hurley attended with her son Damian - a day after giving evidence in her case at the UK High Court against the Daily Mail newspaper's publisher.<\/p>
<\/p>
Outside the basilica, crowds gathered to pay their respects, many holding red ribbons in homage to the designer's signature colour - \"Valentino red\".<\/p>
<\/p>
His clients included Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor and Diana, Princess of Wales, while his gowns became red-carpet fixtures for Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett and Sharon Stone.<\/p>
White roses and lilies surrounded the coffin as it was carried into the basilica to the sound of Mozart.
<\/span><\/span>
Valentino will be cremated, with his ashes interred at Rome's Flaminio Cemetery.<\/span><\/span><\/p>
<\/p>.<\/p><\/div>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":"","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/anna-wintour-and-liz-hurley-among-mourners-at-valentino-s-funeral-4d42a2\/","ntype":"Fashion","dt":"26\/01\/2026","byline":"fijivillage<\/a>","ntags":"Fashion<\/a>"},"35":{"id":311820,"pic":"20260122104537_media_69643a59d7c209_46996162.jpg","picdesc":"Ailava Samuels","title":"Ailava Samuels to represent Fiji in Miss Pacific Pageant","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"
<\/p>![](\"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news_images\/20260122103330_media_6966dd90b86505_43729088.jpg\")
<\/div>![](\"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news_images\/20260122104535_media_696716126770b8_57033600.jpg\")
<\/div>![](\"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news_images\/20260114074511_media_6965d1f1885b30_68765058.jpg\")
<\/div><\/div>![](\"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news_images\/20260115152820_media_69685eb1d575b0_74912273.jpg\")
<\/div>![](\"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news_images\/20260122092430_media_6970a097cdf404_53348505.jpg\")
<\/div>![](\"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news_images\/20260121193131_media_69707cbec47218_54236283.jpg\")
<\/div>![](\"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/images\/icon_audio_news.png\"){kind=icon}
","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/miss-fiji-first-runner-up-ailava-samuels-to-represent-fiji-at-miss-pacific-islands-2026-4344a0\/","ntype":"Indepth","dt":"22\/01\/2026","byline":"Priya Nand<\/a>","ntags":"Miss-Fiji-Pageant<\/a>"},"34":{"id":312964,"pic":"20260227091418_media_69991965280d12_24635466.jpg","picdesc":"Fijian national, Charlie Charters","title":"Charlie Charters held at Nadi Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>\n\n