{"45":{"id":317335,"pic":"20260729082946_media_6a68f12e1eba22_93145904.jpg","picdesc":"Photo: Reuters","title":"Meta restores Indian PM's video after removing it in error","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"

Meta has restored a video message by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after saying it was removed from Facebook in error, amid concerns raised by the Indian government.<\/p>

India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology summoned Meta's Global Head of Public Policy following the removal of the video, which was shared by Modi last week.<\/p>

In the video, the Prime Minister addressed young people about the ongoing controversy surrounding alleged leaks in India's National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)<\/span> examinations.<\/p>

Modi acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, saying the paper leak had caused immense distress to hundreds of thousands of students and their families.<\/p>

He also announced that the Indian government would introduce tougher legislation to combat examination fraud, including the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill 2026.<\/span><\/p>

The proposed law includes prison terms of up to 10 years, higher fines for offenders, and the establishment of Special Fast-Track Courts to deal with offences under the Act.<\/span><\/p>

The Prime Minister said the government had already taken action against those responsible for the paper leaks over the past two and a half months.<\/span><\/p>

Meta has not provided any further details on how the video was mistakenly removed.<\/span><\/p>

Source: Hindustan Times<\/p>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":"","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/meta-restores-indian-pm-s-video-after-removing-it-in-error-790752\/","ntype":"WorldNews","dt":"29\/07\/2026","byline":"Priya Nand<\/a>","ntags":"India<\/a> World-News<\/a>"},"44":{"id":319207,"pic":"20261007084216_media_6ac54ad66b1a83_87284684.jpg","picdesc":"Photo: Police officers and student protesters facing off outside a school in Paris (Getty Images)","title":"215 students, 85 staff and 715 police injured as France education protests grow","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"

Student protests over France’s education system have grown into nationwide demonstrations, with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets and unions joining the movement.<\/div>

<\/div>
The protests, which began among high school students, are now spreading to parents, university students and trade unions, with demonstrations reported in several cities across France.<\/div>

<\/div>
Students are calling for more resources for schools and better learning conditions, while also raising concerns over what they describe as excessive police action.<\/div>

<\/div>
In Paris, teenagers marched from Place de la République, while police clashed with demonstrators in Lyon. Tear gas was used in Paris and Marseille, and water cannon were deployed in Rennes.<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
Authorities say there was less serious violence compared with previous protests.<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
The French Government says 891 high schools were disrupted on Tuesday<\/span>, almost a quarter of all high schools in the country<\/span>.<\/div>

<\/div>
The Government estimates more than 250,000 people took part in demonstrations nationwide, while student unions put the figure at around 450,000 and said about 1,800 schools were blockaded.<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
Fr<\/span>ench Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has condemned the violence, saying<\/span> 215 students and 85 staff members have been injured since the protests began, along with 715 police officers.<\/div>

<\/div>
There are also concerns over alleged disproportionate use of force by police<\/span>, with France’s police inspectorate investigating several incidents.<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
In one case, a 14-year-old student<\/span> in Saint-Ouen-l'Aumône<\/span> suffered a fractured jaw and serious dental injuries after being struck by a tear-gas grenade.<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
In another incident <\/span>in Lens, northern France, <\/span>a 15-year-old lost a hand after an anti-encirclement grenade exploded during a confrontation near a school.<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
Authorities say the student picked up the grenade, while students allege he was hit directly after it was fired by a police officer.<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
The protests began in mid-September over overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages and deteriorating school buildings<\/span> in Seine-Saint-Denis, north-east of Paris.<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
The movement has since spread across France and into some universities.<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
Education Minister Édouard Geffray has called for dialogue and urged students to avoid school blockades, while saying violent groups had infiltrated some student protests.<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
The Government has announced measures including a website for students to raise concerns and an afternoon of discussions in schools, but the measures have so far failed to end the demonstrations.<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
Further protests involving school and university students are planned for tomorrow.<\/span><\/div>

<\/span><\/div>
Source: BBC News<\/span><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":"","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/215-students-85-staff-and-715-police-injured-as-france-education-protests-grow-d7bb16\/","ntype":"WorldNews","dt":"07\/10\/2026","byline":"Priya Nand<\/a>","ntags":"Education<\/a> World-News<\/a>"},"43":{"id":319223,"pic":"20261007140015_media_6ac595df58a4a3_22219465.jpg","picdesc":"[Image: BBC]","title":"US death row inmate Christa Pike awake and speaking after failed execution, lawyers say","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"
US death row inmate Christa Pike is �\"conscious and speaking” after surviving a failed execution attempt last week.<\/div>

<\/div>
In a statement on Tuesday,<\/span> her lawyers said Pike, 50,<\/span> continues to receive critical medical care while handcuffed in hospital.<\/div>

<\/div>
Pike, who was sentenced to death for the murder of Colleen Slemmer in 1995, survived two failed lethal injection attempts last Wednesday in Tennessee.<\/div>

<\/div>
She was taken to hospital, where she remained unconscious for days as medical staff worked to clear her body of the injected chemical.<\/div>

<\/div>
Experts and her legal team say her apparent recovery is unprecedented, and she is believed to be the only person to survive a lethal injection.<\/div>

<\/div>
Her lawyers called her progress �\"medically unprecedented”. While her prognosis remains unclear, they say they expect her to face a long recovery at a minimum.<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
Deborah Denno, a criminologist and professor at Fordham Law School, said she was �\"absolutely astonished” that Pike is conscious and speaking.<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
Denno told the BBC there were seven other cases in which prisoners survived scheduled executions, but in those cases, executioners were unable to inject any substance into the inmates’ veins.<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
She said Pike is the only person known to have survived after a lethal injection drug was successfully injected.<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>
Denno said authorities followed the procedures they were supposed to follow as part of the execution process, but it simply did not work, adding that this had never happened before.<\/span><\/div>
<\/div>

<\/div>
Authorities have not yet said whether they will attempt to execute Pike again. They have also not provided an explanation for what went wrong after she was injected with the chemical pentobarbital.<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has suspended all executions in the state for the rest of the year, while the head of the state’s prisons said over the weekend that he plans to resign.<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
Pike was 18 when she and her then-boyfriend, Tadaryl Shipp, beat, tortured and killed 19-year-old Slemmer, whom they had met at a job training camp for troubled teenagers.<\/div>

<\/div>
Pike’s attorneys are scheduled to appear in court in Nashville on Wednesday and also plan to hold a news conference outside the court.<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
Dr Joel Zivot, an anaesthesiologist advising Pike’s defence team, said on Tuesday that the likelihood of recovering from a lethal injection is low.<\/span><\/div><\/div>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":"","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/us-death-row-inmate-christa-pike-awake-and-speaking-after-failed-execution-lawyers-say-e4a531\/","ntype":"WorldNews","dt":"07\/10\/2026","byline":"Navitalai Naivalurua<\/a>","ntags":"World-News<\/a>"},"42":{"id":319397,"pic":"20261014074812_media_6ace8ae019fc61_62609033.jpg","picdesc":"Spain won their second men's World Cup this year","title":"Netflix secures broadcasting rights for 2030 FIFA World Cup in Spain and Andorra","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"
<\/div>

Streaming platform Netflix has secured the rights to broadcast the 2030 FIFA World Cup in Spain and Andorra, marking the first time the subscription-based service will show the men's tournament.<\/p>

Netflix says it will broadcast all 104 matches of the world's biggest football competition live.<\/p>

The 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay also hosting matches to mark the tournament's centenary.<\/span><\/p>

Netflix says one match per matchday will be available to watch for free in Spain.<\/p>

The company adds that all of Spain’s matches, along with the final, will also be shown on free-to-air television.<\/p>

Netflix has previously broadcast live sporting events, including WWE wrestling, NFL matches and boxing.<\/span><\/p>

The platform is also scheduled to broadcast the all-British heavyweight boxing contest between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in December.<\/p>

Netflix has also secured the broadcasting rights for the 2027 and 2031 editions of the FIFA Women's World Cup, w<\/span>hich will be held in Brazil and the United Kingdom respectively.<\/span><\/p><\/div>

Source: BBC Sports<\/span><\/p><\/div>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":"","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/netflix-secures-broadcasting-rights-for-2030-fifa-world-cup-in-spain-and-andorra-a82808\/","ntype":"Sports","dt":"14\/10\/2026","byline":"<\/a>","ntags":"World-News<\/a>"},"41":{"id":310987,"pic":"20260622112333_media_693f4d72cfece9_25514147.jpg","picdesc":"Photo: BBC Fashion","title":"Prada to launch $930 'Made in India' Kolhapuri sandals after backlash","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"

Global fashion brand Prada has announced a line of limited-edition footwear inspired by Indian-made Kolhapuri sandals, months after it faced backlash for allegedly appropriating the sandal's design.<\/p>

The Italian luxury brand will make 2,000 pairs of sandals in India's Maharashtra and Karnataka states, under a deal with two state-backed entities, Reuters news agency reports.<\/p>

\"We'll mix the original manufacturer's standard capabilities with our manufacturing techniques\", Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada's head of Corporate Social Responsibility, said.<\/p>

The collection is set to go on sale in February 2026, online and in 40 Prada stores across the world.<\/p>

A pair of sandals are reportedly set to be sold for $939, which amounts to around £800 and 84,000 rupees.<\/p>

The agreement was signed on Thursday during the Italy-India Business Forum 2025.

In June, Prada courted controversy after it showcased sandals that had an open-toe braided pattern that closely resembled the traditional Kolhapuri sandals made in Maharashtra and Karnataka.<\/p>

Prada described the sandals as \"leather footwear\" but did not mention its Indian origins, prompting backlash and allegations of cultural appropriation in India.<\/p>

The brand later acknowledged the footwear design's Indian roots.<\/p>

A Prada spokesperson at that time told the BBC that the company has \"always celebrated craftsmanship, heritage and design traditions\", adding that it was \"in contact with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture on this topic\". This is a prominent industry trade body in the state.<\/p>

On Friday, Maharashtra's Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat told BBC Marathi that the new initiative will be called 'Prada Made in India â€\" Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals [sandals]'.<\/p>

\"Keeping in mind Prada's requirements and demand, some artisans will receive special training from Prada and LIDCOM [a state-backed entity supporting the leather industry in Maharashtra]. Additionally, around 200 Kolhapuri chappal artisans will be given three years of training in Italy,\" he said.<\/p>

Mr Shirsat said the agreement had been signed for five years, but expressed confidence that it would be extended further.<\/p>

\"The state government will also provide financial assistance to the artisans for this purpose,\" he added.<\/p>

Named after a city in Maharashtra where they are made, Kolhapuri sandals trace their roots back to the 12th Century.<\/p>

Made from leather and sometimes dyed in natural colours, the traditional handcrafted sandals are sturdy and well-suited to India's hot climate.<\/p>

Following the controversy, many artisans in Kolhapur said they were saddened by Prada's use of the design without giving due credit.

Original story linkÂ� https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/czxppe4q84do<\/a><\/p>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":"","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/prada-to-launch-930-made-in-india-kolhapuri-sandals-after-backlash-0aa62b\/","ntype":"Fashion","dt":"22\/06\/2026","byline":"fijivillage<\/a>","ntags":"Fashion<\/a>"},"40":{"id":311853,"pic":"20260622112733_media_69656caa0f27b4_98517064.jpg","picdesc":"","title":"Italian fashion giant Prada buys Versace â€\" at a discount","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"

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 (£1.04bn) 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 â€\" 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":"22\/06\/2026","byline":"fijivillage<\/a>","ntags":"Fashion<\/a>"},"39":{"id":311748,"pic":"20260622111935_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, diamantés 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":" ","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/five-of-queen-elizabeth-ii-s-most-iconic-outfits-from-new-royal-exhibit-0be481\/","ntype":"Fashion","dt":"22\/06\/2026","byline":"fijivillage<\/a>","ntags":"Fashion<\/a> <\/a>"},"38":{"id":318606,"pic":"20260914163425_media_6aa778ab47a3e4_14120234.jpg","picdesc":"Image: CNN","title":"Pamela Anderson, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Ben Affleck and more stars at the 2026 Venice Film Festival","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"

The Venice Film Festival, which typically sees Hollywood A-listers travel by boat to the little island of Lido every September, will draw to a close tomorrow.<\/span>� <\/span><\/p>


<\/p>

So far, much of the fashion at the 10-day event has been muted, elegant and pared-back. Black gowns have been abundant on the red carpet â€\" from the festival’s jury president Maggie Gyllenhaal to actors Chase Sui Wonders, Laura Dern, Vittoria Ceretti, Amal Clooney and Rooney Mara.<\/span><\/p>


<\/p>

Â� <\/span>There have been some bright spots, though â€\" such as Pamela Anderson’s sunshine yellow Carolina Herrera gown, Kendall Jenner’s Venice debut in golden archival Fall-Winter 1995 Armani, and John Malkovich’s joyfully irreverent Shakespearean-style frilly collar by Dior.<\/span><\/p>


<\/p>

Exemplary duo dressing has been everywhere, too. From the his-and-hers Tom Ford looks worn by George and Amal Clooney on opening night, to the monochromatic clashing of Rooney and Kate Mara, who arrived at the premiere of Werner Herzog’s �\"Bucking Fastard” in Louis Vuitton and Armani Privé respectively.<\/span>� <\/span><\/p>


<\/p>

It culminated on Saturday night when Britpop legends Noel and Liam Gallagher made a rare joint appearance on the red carpet, eschewing their trademark streetwear for low-key, all-black looks.<\/span><\/p>


<\/p>

The event has come to be seen as an early finger in the wind ahead of the Oscars. This year, the movies in the running for the Golden Lion prize are deep, dark and, politically charged.<\/span>� <\/span><\/p>


<\/p>

Danny Boyle’s â€�\"Ink” â€\" an adaptation of the acclaimed play about the early years of Rupert Murdoch (Guy Pearce) and his acquisition of London tabloid paper â€�\"The Sun” â€\" kicked off the festival.<\/span>Â� <\/span><\/p>


<\/p>

Then there was �\"Primetime,” the thriller biopic about Dateline NBC’s �\"To Catch a Predator” presenter Chris Hansen, starring Robert Pattinson and musician Phoebe Bridgers, and Florian Zeller’s �\"Bunker,” in which real-life partners Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem play a couple whose marriage becomes strained after the husband agrees to build a survivalist bunker for a tech billionaire.<\/span>� <\/span><\/p>


<\/p>

However, the lineup has drawn criticism for its lack of female directors â€\" this year just two films, May el-Toukhy’s â€�\"Woman Unknown” and Rachel Szor’s â€�\"NAZA,” directed by women are in the main competition for the grand prize.<\/span><\/p>


<\/p>

�\"There’s a systemic problem. It’s much harder for women to get their films financed,” said Gyllenhaal, �\"Who decides what’s good and valuable?” The director is also screening a short Marilyn Monroe biopic starring Dakota Johnson and Ellen Burstyn, though it’s not competing.<\/span><\/p>


<\/p>

Source: CNN<\/span><\/p>


<\/p>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":"","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/pamela-anderson-maggie-gyllenhaal-ben-affleck-and-more-stars-at-the-2026-venice-film-festival-de8d7b\/","ntype":"Fashion","dt":"14\/09\/2026","byline":"fijivillage<\/a>","ntags":"Fashion<\/a>"},"37":{"id":318866,"pic":"6839571046ab9e735048f8bc3846a0.jpg","picdesc":"","title":"CFL signs as principal media partner for Style Fiji 2026","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"

Communications Fiji Limited, the parent company of LegendFM, FM96, VITIFM, Navtarang, Radio Sargam and fijivillage, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Style Fiji, becoming a principal media partner for the charity fashion gala as it marks its 15th year.<\/div>

<\/div>
The agreement was signed during a press conference today, with CFL to promote Style Fiji 2026 across its radio station network, digital and news platforms in the lead-up to the event.<\/span><\/div>

<\/div>
Style Fiji 2026, A Midsummer Night Dream, will be held on Saturday, 7th November at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort in Denarau.<\/div>

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The event is expected to bring together around eight leading and emerging Fijian designers in front of approximately 400 guests while raising funds for two charity partners.<\/div>

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Style Fiji Chairperson Samson Lee, who is currently overseas for work commitments,<\/span> says the partnership with CFL will allow the event and the cause it supports to reach people beyond those attending the gala.<\/div>

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Lee says Style Fiji is one night, but the conversation around it needs to run for weeks and reach people in the languages and on the radio stations they already listen to<\/span>.<\/div>
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He says CFL is lending its reach and credibility to the event while putting its name behind causes that matter to the country<\/span>.<\/div>

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Style Fiji will again support the Fiji Mobility Alliance, formerly known as the Spinal Injury Association of Fiji.<\/span><\/div>

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Lee says the organisation was also supported by Style Fiji i<\/span>n 2025, when the event raised approximately $50,000 while the <\/span>second charity partner involved in Fiji's HIV response will be announced shortly.<\/span><\/div>

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The Style Fiji committee says it had decided to support an HIV charity partner before the Government declared HIV a national emergency earlier this month.<\/span><\/div>

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Lee says a national emergency cannot be solved by one gala, but it cannot be solved in silence either.<\/span><\/div>

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He says the event can help put the conversation about HIV in front of 400 people at the gala and, through CFL, reach thousands more around the country.<\/div>

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Tickets and tables for Style Fiji 2026 are now on sale, with tickets starting from $300<\/span>.<\/div>
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Tickets are available in Suva from Samson Lee's on Butt Street and in Nadi from Rosie Tours at Martintar.<\/span><\/div>

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Businesses and individuals who cannot attend the event are also being encouraged to make direct pledges or donations, while the committee is seeking prizes and experiences for the auction and raffle on the night.<\/span><\/div>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":"","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/cfl-signs-as-principal-media-partner-for-style-fiji-2026-7a20bc\/","ntype":"Fashion","dt":"25\/09\/2026","byline":"Karishma Kumari<\/a>","ntags":"<\/a>"},"36":{"id":318975,"pic":"20260928153820_media_6ab9e0a1205f24_18539463.jpg","picdesc":"","title":"London designers are putting the human touch behind fashion back in focus.","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"

London â€\" This season at London Fashion Week, a number of designers appeared determined to put the people and craftsmanship behind their creations in the spotlight.<\/p>

That message was particularly evident in Steve O Smith’s presentation, which departed from the traditional runway format. Instead, Smith hosted an intimate seminar for around 20 fashion editors and journalists in a drawing room at the Royal Academy of Arts.<\/p>


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Rather than models quickly passing by on a runway, Smith took time to explain each outfit in detail, covering both the inspiration behind the designs and the techniques used to create them. These included appliqué stitched onto tulle, intricate beadwork, panniers and ties fashioned from shirts.<\/p>

At the end of the presentation, Smith paid tribute to the small team responsible for bringing the collection to life. He became emotional while acknowledging seamstress Joanna, who he said made every piece presented, as well as beading artist Saskia and his assistant designer Thomas.<\/p>

Backstage at Pauline Dujancourt’s fourth London runway presentation, the designer highlighted the extensive handwork behind her collection.<\/p>

Dujancourt, who is part of the Paul Smith’s Foundation fashion residency programme, said one of her delicate gowns featured 700 flowers individually crocheted by hand. Each flower took around 10 to 15 minutes to complete, with many produced in Peru by women she was able to employ using funds from her Andam Prize win earlier this summer.<\/p>

She says her clients are particularly interested in understanding the amount of time and craftsmanship that goes into producing individual pieces.<\/p>

Labrum also placed the people behind its clothing firmly in the spotlight. Before guests entered the runway, they encountered two members of the brand’s design team working at desks, with one hand-beading fabric while another used a sewing machine to work on denim.<\/p>

The display formed part of the presentation and offered guests a glimpse of the labour involved before the finished garments appeared on the runway.<\/p>

Labrum’s collection included hand-woven raffia trousers produced in India, alongside shirts, shorts and skirts featuring hand-embroidered scenes inspired by Sierra Leone.<\/p>

Founder Foday Dumbuya says many people have little understanding of how their clothes are produced or where they come from, which is why the label wanted craftsmanship to become a central part of its presentation.<\/p>

The focus also comes as artificial intelligence and automation play a growing role in fashion. While AI has already entered parts of the design process, robotics companies are developing technology capable of carrying out physical production tasks such as cutting patterns, sewing and inspecting garments.<\/p>


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Dumbuya says he is conscious of the potential impact of AI on fashion but remains firmly committed to preserving human involvement, warning that the industry risks losing something fundamental if personal interaction disappears.<\/p>

Liberowe founder and designer Talia Loubaton took a similarly people-focused approach by inviting journalists, editors, buyers and customers into the creative process itself.<\/p>

Instead of keeping the normally hectic backstage operation hidden, Loubaton used her Sunday presentation to simultaneously produce campaign imagery, allowing guests to watch stylists and photographers work around the models and track which outfits had been photographed.<\/p>

Loubaton says the immersive approach allowed people to experience how the collection and its imagery were created while giving designers, customers and industry professionals an opportunity to interact directly.<\/p>

Across the presentations, the attention given to designers, seamstresses, stylists, photographers and other creative workers became a statement in itself. Whether it represented a conscious pushback against technology or simply renewed appreciation for traditional craftsmanship in an increasingly AI-driven industry, London Fashion Week placed the human hands behind fashion firmly back in view.<\/p>


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Story Credit:CNN Style.<\/p>","stitle2":"no","ssubtitle":"no","tagicons":"","url":"https:\/\/www.fijivillage.com\/news\/london-designers-are-putting-the-human-touch-behind-fashion-back-in-focus-b40a22\/","ntype":"Fashion","dt":"28\/09\/2026","byline":"<\/a>","ntags":"Fashion<\/a>"},"35":{"id":319234,"pic":"20261007164614_media_6ac5c97fc58f92_40196316.jpg","picdesc":"","title":"More than 50 leaders, Ministers and negotiators gather in Nadi for Pre-COP31","title2":"","subtitle":"","body":"

Fiji is putting Pacific priorities and solutions at the centre of global climate discussions as more than 50 countries gather in the country from today for the 2026 Pacific Pre-COP meeting.<\/p>\n\n

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says we know the science have spoken, our own eyes have seen and he says he knows, doing nothing is no longer neutral, it is a choice.<\/p>\n\n

The Prime Minister is asking the leaders who come to our shores to see, and listen with an open heart to those of us on the front line and to come ready to accelerate and deliver the effort needed to keep our promise, to honour our shared moral and legal obligation to limit global average temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.<\/p>\n\n

He says every fraction of a degree of human-driven warming moves us beyond the balance set by God's creation and inflicts further harm on homes and villages and livelihoods.<\/p>\n\n

Rabuka is asking world leaders and Ministers to come with the courage to face down the forest-filled addictions and greed that continues to fuel this crisis, for we cannot, in good faith, allow it to unfold and grow any further.<\/p>


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