Global Pulse

分类： entertainment

  • Dior couture debut for Anderson mixes wonder, wit, celebrity-wattage — and an occasional wobble

    Dior couture debut for Anderson mixes wonder, wit, celebrity-wattage — and an occasional wobble

    PARIS — The Musée Rodin transformed into an anticipatory stage for Dior’s haute couture spectacle, where celebrity guests including French First Lady Brigitte Macron, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, and Parker Posey awaited the arrival of pop icon Rihanna. As the lights dimmed, a suspended ceiling garden of delicate flowers set the tone—petals descending gracefully to the floor, embodying Jonathan Anderson’s thematic vision of beauty under tension.

    This marked the inaugural haute couture presentation by Anderson, the Northern Irish designer who simultaneously helms Dior’s menswear, womenswear, and couture divisions—a unprecedented triple role in the modern era of the fashion house. As a cornerstone of the LVMH luxury conglomerate, Dior utilizes couture to demonstrate artistic prowess and technical mastery.

    Titled ‘Nature in Motion,’ the collection reimagined historical fragments through a contemporary lens, employing a disciplined palette of black, white, and ecru punctuated by vibrant bursts of color and texture. Clean lines alternated with soft draping and structured silhouettes, showcasing Anderson’s signature crispness previously evident in his work at Loewe and Dior menswear.

    The show’s most provocative statements included pannier gowns reinterpreted as modern fanny pack silhouettes—a characteristically witty Anderson gesture that transformed historical volume into contemporary relevance. Micro-detailing ascended to macro-impact through intricate floral motifs crafted from silk, chiffon, and organza, layered to evoke feather-like textures.

    Notable touches included oversized hydrangea-inspired earrings, a decorative nod to Dior’s legacy that reflected creative dialogue with former director John Galliano. While the collection demonstrated formidable ambition and technical achievement, it occasionally revealed a designer still synthesizing his distinct vision for Dior’s couture identity—strong individual elements seeking cohesive harmony within the garden-inspired universe Anderson envisioned.

  • Zigong lantern festival lights up

    Zigong lantern festival lights up

    The 32nd Zigong International Dinosaur Lantern Festival commenced on January 23, 2026, transforming Sichuan province’s historic “salt capital” into a breathtaking panorama of light and innovation. This annual spectacle, renowned for blending ancient Chinese traditions with cutting-edge technology, unveiled its most ambitious installation to date: an awe-inspiring 210-meter-long depiction of the mythical kunpeng creature from Zhuangzi’s philosophical texts.

    Spanning ten meticulously curated thematic zones, the festival showcases eleven monumental lantern sets complemented by over 200 smaller displays. Each installation represents a masterful synthesis of traditional artisan craftsmanship, cultural narrative depth, and sophisticated modern illumination technologies. The kunpeng exhibit particularly captivates visitors with its dynamic representation of the legendary transformation from colossal fish to majestic bird, symbolizing boundless potential and metamorphosis.

    Beyond the Zhuangzi-inspired centerpiece, the festival incorporates interactive light installations, holographic projections, and environmentally sustainable lighting systems that reduce energy consumption by 40% compared to previous editions. Organizers have integrated augmented reality features allowing visitors to access cultural explanations through smartphone interactions with specific displays.

    This year’s event marks a significant evolution from purely traditional lantern exhibitions to immersive technological experiences while maintaining the authentic craftsmanship that earned Zigong its reputation as China’s lantern capital. The festival runs through March and is expected to attract over two million domestic and international visitors, contributing significantly to regional cultural tourism and nighttime economic development.

  • India’s Padma Awards: Dharmendra honoured with Padma Vibhushan

    India’s Padma Awards: Dharmendra honoured with Padma Vibhushan

    In a poignant tribute to cinematic excellence, the Indian government has posthumously awarded Bollywood icon Dharmendra with the Padma Vibhushan, the nation’s second-highest civilian honor. The announcement came on Republic Day Eve 2026 through an official release from the Ministry of Home Affairs, recognizing the legendary actor’s extraordinary contributions to Indian cinema spanning over six decades.

    Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24, 2025, left behind an unparalleled legacy that redefined stardom in Indian film history. His final cinematic appearance in the war drama ‘Ikkis,’ released December 25, 2025, served as a fitting culmination to a career marked by exceptional versatility across romantic, action, comedy, and social drama genres.

    Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol on December 8, 1935, in Punjab’s Ludhiana district, the actor’s journey from a small village to becoming one of Bollywood’s most enduring symbols remains legendary. After his 1960 debut in ‘Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere,’ Dharmendra achieved his first commercial success with ‘Shola Aur Shabnam’ (1961), followed by critically acclaimed performances in Bimal Roy’s ‘Bandini’ (1963) and numerous other classics.

    The actor’s career evolved through distinct phases—from the romantic heartthrob of the 1960s celebrated for his expressive eyes and charming screen presence to the action hero who delivered landmark blockbusters including ‘Sholay,’ ‘Seeta Aur Geeta,’ and ‘Charas.’ His remarkable comeback in 2007 with ‘Life in a… Metro,’ ‘Apne,’ and ‘Johnny Gaddaar’ demonstrated his enduring relevance, while his 2023 performance in ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,’ particularly his groundbreaking on-screen kiss with co-star Shabana Azmi, showcased his continued willingness to challenge cinematic conventions.

    The Padma Awards, among India’s highest civilian honors, are categorized into three distinctions—Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri—and recognize excellence across diverse fields including arts, literature, social service, and public service. The awards are traditionally conferred by the President of India during ceremonial functions at Rashtrapati Bhawan each spring.

  • Paris men’s fashion week in 5 trends: rebuilt tailoring, quiet craft and clothes built to last

    Paris men’s fashion week in 5 trends: rebuilt tailoring, quiet craft and clothes built to last

    PARIS — The conclusion of Paris Men’s Fashion Week delivered a powerful sartorial directive: invest in meticulously crafted garments designed for permanence rather than fleeting trends. The final showcases emphasized sophisticated dressing and durable construction, marking a significant shift toward sustainable luxury in menswear.

    Japanese design force Sacai, under Chitose Abe’s direction, revolutionized traditional silhouettes through deconstructed reassembly. The collection introduced geometric modifications to jackets and trousers with additional panels, pockets, and quilted inserts, maintaining wearability while fundamentally reengineering proportions.

    Hermès staged an emotionally charged farewell for veteran designer Véronique Nichanian after her 37-year tenure. The presentation championed minimalist elegance through precision-tailored pieces, including a standout finale piece: a sophisticated dark coat crafted from glossy crocodile leather. Nichanian’s inclusion of designs from previous decades demonstrated fashion’s timeless potential, complemented by her parting wisdom: “Slow down.”

    Five dominant trends emerged from the week’s culminating shows:

    1. Statement Outerwear: Coats dominated as the season’s definitive piece. Junya Watanabe centered his collection on classic camel and navy coats hybridized with sportswear elements—bomber backs, leather fronts, and technical quilting—creating formalwear with contemporary ruggedness.

    2. Architectural Tailoring: Designers reengineered traditional suiting through structural innovation. Comme des Garçons Homme Plus presented radically altered black suits with reconfigured lapels and hems, later transitioning to stark white iterations. The dramatic styling underscored tailoring’s foundational role in fashion experimentation.

    3. Hidden Complexity: Kiko Kostadinov exemplified the trend of surface-level minimalism concealing intricate construction. Clean coats and jackets featured folded panels, curved collars, and sophisticated draping in muted tones, with fasteners discreetly hidden to emphasize pure form and movement.

    4. Edged Formality: Collections balanced elegance with subversive elements. Watanabe’s serious presentation featured razor-sharp denim pieces styled as contemporary uniforms. Louis Gabriel Nouchi intensified this concept with provocative body-conscious garments mixed with precise tailoring, creating wearable yet charged ensembles.

    5. Longevity Focus: Multiple designers emphasized enduring design over rapid trend cycles. White Mountaineering’s final show presented technical outerwear and precise patterning as the culmination of a 20-year creative journey rather than seasonal statements.

    The week ultimately championed a philosophy of investment dressing—garments valued for their construction quality, material integrity, and timeless relevance rather than temporary novelty.

  • Musicians, creatives in Dubai to get support from Spotify with new agreement

    Musicians, creatives in Dubai to get support from Spotify with new agreement

    In a landmark move for Dubai’s creative sector, Spotify has entered into a strategic partnership with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority to provide unprecedented support for local musicians and artists. The memorandum of understanding, signed on January 25, 2026, establishes a pioneering public-private collaboration model that marks a significant advancement in the emirate’s cultural development strategy.

    The innovative alliance focuses on creating substantial opportunities for emerging talent through multiple strategic initiatives. The partnership will facilitate knowledge exchange between the entities, enabling the development of cultural programs aligned with international standards and current global music trends. This collaboration represents a concerted effort to bolster the creative economy by providing artists with essential tools for professional advancement.

    A key component of the agreement involves the co-creation of specialized programs that enhance accessibility to critical resources and platforms for Emirati and UAE-based creatives. These initiatives will include comprehensive data analytics support, audience engagement insights, and practical career development resources designed to foster sustainable artistic careers.

    The partnership will launch joint programs encouraging artistic innovation and cultural exchange within Dubai’s music landscape. Additionally, the collaboration will feature curated music projects highlighting Dubai’s vibrant creative community, aligning with the emirate’s vision to establish itself as a global cultural destination and talent incubator.

    This unprecedented agreement signifies a major step in strengthening Dubai’s position in the global creative economy while providing local artists with the necessary infrastructure to compete on international platforms.

  • K-pop star Cha Eun Woo faces 20-billion won tax evasion allegation

    K-pop star Cha Eun Woo faces 20-billion won tax evasion allegation

    South Korea’s entertainment industry faces its most significant tax evasion scandal as K-pop sensation Cha Eun Woo stands accused of evading approximately 20 billion won ($14 million) in income taxes. The National Tax Service alleges the singer-actor orchestrated an elaborate tax avoidance scheme involving multiple entities, including his agency Fantagio and a company registered under his mother’s name.

    The investigation reveals Cha allegedly established what authorities term a ‘paper company’—a business entity with no substantial operations—registered at the same address as his parents’ eel restaurant. This arrangement purportedly enabled the transfer of income to benefit from lower corporate tax rates instead of higher personal income tax brackets.

    Following Thursday’s revelations, major brands including Shinhan Bank and skincare company Abib have discreetly removed Cha’s promotional content from their social media platforms. The swift corporate response highlights the seriousness with which advertisers view the allegations against one of Korea’s most recognizable celebrities, previously celebrated for his clean public image.

    Fantagio, Cha’s management label, issued a formal statement emphasizing that the tax status of the mother’s company remains officially unconfirmed. “We plan to actively clarify the matter in accordance with lawful procedures,” the agency stated, adding that Cha and his tax representatives would “cooperate diligently” to resolve the situation promptly.

    The scandal has divided fans, with some defending the celebrity while others await judicial determination. Online discussions reveal significant criticism toward brands for distancing themselves before a formal verdict, with many arguing the allegations shouldn’t have been publicized prior to official confirmation.

    Notably, Cha is currently fulfilling mandatory military service that began July 28, 2025, with completion expected in January 2027. The timing adds complexity to legal proceedings and public relations management surrounding the case.

  • Odia music composer-singer Abhijit Majumdar dies

    Odia music composer-singer Abhijit Majumdar dies

    The cultural landscape of Odisha suffered a profound loss on January 25, 2026, with the passing of revered music composer and vocalist Abhijit Majumdar. The acclaimed artist, whose career spanned several decades, was celebrated for his soulful contributions to Odia cinema and music albums, establishing himself as an iconic figure within the state’s artistic community.

    Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi formally announced the tragic news through social media, characterizing Majumdar’s death as “an irreparable loss to our music, cinema, and culture.” The Chief Minister extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and offered prayers for eternal peace to the departed soul.

    Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan joined the chorus of tributes, acknowledging how Majumdar’s distinctive musical style had secured a permanent place in the hearts of Odia listeners over many decades. Pradhan emphasized that the artist’s untimely departure represents a significant void in Odia’s artistic heritage.

    The news triggered an outpouring of grief across both political and cultural spheres. Baijayant Jay Panda, Member of Parliament from Odisha, emotionally described the tragedy as marking “the end of an era” for the state’s music industry. Fans and colleagues alike expressed shock and sorrow, flooding social media platforms with personal memories and tributes to Majumdar’s enduring legacy.

    Majumdar’s extensive body of work, comprising numerous compositions for Odia films and independent albums, had earned him a substantial and devoted following throughout eastern India. His artistic contributions played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s contemporary musical identity, blending traditional Odia elements with modern arrangements that resonated across generations.

  • Drake seeks appeal after defamation lawsuit against ‘Not Like Us’ song dismissed

    Drake seeks appeal after defamation lawsuit against ‘Not Like Us’ song dismissed

    Canadian rap superstar Drake has initiated appellate proceedings following the dismissal of his defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) concerning Kendrick Lamar’s controversial 2024 track ‘Not Like Us.’ The legal battle stems from lyrical content within the song that labeled Drake a “certified pedophile” and suggested he be “placed on neighbourhood watch.”

    The dispute originated during the peak of a highly publicized musical feud between the two artists in May 2024. Drake’s legal team contended that UMG, his longtime label partner of over a decade, knowingly promoted and distributed material containing defamatory statements that endangered his safety and damaged his global reputation.

    In October 2025, U.S. District Judge Ada E. Vargas dismissed the case, ruling that the lyrics constituted artistic expression within the context of a “heated rap battle” where reasonable listeners would recognize hyperbolic rhetoric rather than factual assertions. The court emphasized the established tradition of exaggerated insults within hip-hop diss tracks.

    Drake’s attorneys now argue this ruling establishes a “dangerous” precedent that effectively creates immunity for defamatory content in musical disputes. Legal representative Michael J. Gottlieb asserted that the decision implies “rap diss tracks cannot contain statements of fact,” thereby insulating them from defamation liability regardless of their damaging nature.

    The appeal documents stress the particular severity of pedophilia accusations and their potential to incite violence against the accused. Drake’s team maintains that many listeners interpreted Lamar’s lyrics as factual claims rather than artistic hyperbole.

    UMG’s legal counsel has until March 27 to formally respond to the appellate filing. This case continues to highlight the complex intersection of artistic expression, defamation law, and the competitive traditions of hip-hop culture.

  • ‘Border 2’ India collection: War drama starring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan mints Dh12.9 million

    ‘Border 2’ India collection: War drama starring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan mints Dh12.9 million

    The Bollywood war epic ‘Border 2’ has stormed Indian theaters with unprecedented commercial success, establishing itself as the highest-grossing opening of 2026. Starring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, and Diljit Dosanjh, the military drama generated approximately Dh12.9 million (₹321 million) in domestic revenue during its inaugural screening day on January 23rd.

    According to prominent trade analyst Taran Adarsh, these remarkable figures position the film just slightly behind 2025’s blockbuster ‘Chhaava,’ which accumulated ₹331 million on its debut. Notably, ‘Border 2’ achieved this milestone despite premiering on a standard working day rather than during a holiday period.

    The production has demonstrated exceptional performance across both multiplex venues and traditional single-screen theaters, with particularly strong attendance in urban centers. While inclement weather in Northern regions temporarily affected initial turnout, industry experts anticipate substantial growth during the upcoming weekend and Republic Day holiday (January 26) due to overwhelmingly positive audience reactions.

    Early screenings in Mumbai witnessed capacity crowds, with viewers emerging from theaters visibly impressed. Many attendees have characterized the film as an essential cinematic experience, praising its powerful combination of intense action sequences, emotional depth, and compelling performances.

    Directed by Anurag Singh and produced through a collaboration between Gulshan Kumar’s T-Series and JP Dutta’s JP Films, ‘Border 2’ draws inspiration from actual historical events. The project marks Sunny Deol’s return to military attire, revisiting themes that previously resonated strongly with Indian audiences.

    The film’s immediate commercial triumph reinforces Bollywood’s continuing evolution toward large-scale production values and heightened audience engagement, setting new benchmarks for theatrical performance in the contemporary cinematic landscape.

  • Mouni Roy vents frustration at being harassed by ‘uncles’ at event in north India

    Mouni Roy vents frustration at being harassed by ‘uncles’ at event in north India

    Prominent Bollywood actress Mouni Roy has publicly denounced what she describes as severe harassment during a recent performance in Karnal, Haryana. The actress, celebrated for her roles in ‘Naagin’ and ‘Devon Ke Dev…Mahadev,’ took to Instagram to detail multiple disturbing incidents that occurred throughout the event.

    Roy expressed particular disgust with the behavior of several older male attendees, whom she referred to as ‘uncles.’ The uncomfortable encounters began even before she took the stage, with multiple men allegedly placing their hands on her waist without consent while attempting to take photographs. When she verbally objected to this physical contact, her protests were reportedly ignored.

    The situation escalated during her performance when two specific individuals positioned themselves directly in front of the stage. According to Roy’s account, these men made lewd remarks, employed inappropriate hand gestures, and engaged in name-calling. The harassment intensified when they began throwing roses at her during her performance, creating a hostile environment that nearly caused her to exit the stage prematurely.

    Adding to the distress, Roy highlighted that these individuals recorded videos from low angles despite being asked to stop, responding with verbal abuse when confronted. The actress expressed disappointment that neither event organizers nor family members of the harassers intervened to stop the behavior.

    Roy emphasized the broader implications of such incidents, noting that if an established performer like herself faces such treatment, emerging artists likely encounter even greater challenges. She called for authorities to take action against what she described as ‘intolerable behavior’ while reaffirming her love for her country and its traditions, but condemning the sense of male entitlement that enables such harassment.