Global Pulse

标签： Europe

欧洲

  • At Hermès, Nadège Vanhée turns Paris twilight into a state of mind

    At Hermès, Nadège Vanhée turns Paris twilight into a state of mind

    PARIS — Hermès transformed the prestigious Garde Républicaine barracks into an immersive olfactory experience during Paris Fashion Week, presenting its fall-winter collection through a multisensory showcase that redefined luxury fashion presentation.

    The venue’s floor was entirely carpeted with thick, damp moss that emitted the rich, earthy scent of humus, creating an atmospheric forest environment. Models emerged from luminous circular openings in the walls, resembling figures stepping through full moons, as they traversed a raised, winding catwalk above the vegetation.

    Creative Director Nadège Vanhée, who has helmed Hermès womenswear since 2014, titled the collection “Entre chien et loup” – a French expression referring to dusk’s ambiguous moment when distinguishing between dog and wolf becomes challenging. The presentation achieved Vanhée’s intended effect of disrupting conventional fashion show expectations without resorting to gimmicks.

    The collection itself presented muscular, body-conscious designs built for movement rather than mythological references. Leather dominated the lineup, featuring fluid overcoats with substantial Tuscan sheepskin collars and zip-front mini dresses in deep blue that revealed contrasting shirts beneath. A standout orange ostrich-leather jumpsuit combined biker attitude with Hermès’ signature refinement.

    The house’s equestrian heritage surfaced in jodhpurs and flat-heeled riding boots, while glossy lambskin cycling shorts paired with aviator jackets introduced urban elements. Vanhée’s color palette avoided conventional darkness, instead transitioning through sulfur yellow, oxblood red, forest green, and iridescent burgundy – surfaces that captured and transformed light dynamically.

    Functional zips appeared throughout the collection, slicing diagonally across jackets or running the full length of dresses, suggesting garments could be reconfigured and renewed. Double-breasted blazers and cigarette trousers provided tailored structure, while quilted silks printed with cloud-strewn skies offered moments of softness.

  • Townsend redeemed as Scotland ignite Six Nations title chase by stunning France

    Townsend redeemed as Scotland ignite Six Nations title chase by stunning France

    EDINBURGH, Scotland — In a remarkable turnaround that has electrified the rugby world, Scotland has catapulted itself into championship contention with a historic 50-40 triumph over France at Murrayfield. This spectacular performance marks Scotland’s highest score against France in their 116-year rivalry and represents one of the most dramatic mid-tournament reversals in recent Six Nations history.

    Just one month after suffering a disappointing opening defeat to Italy that placed head coach Gregor Townsend’s decade-long tenure under intense scrutiny, Scotland has engineered a stunning resurgence with three consecutive victories. The team’s impressive wins against England and Wales were merely precursors to Saturday’s extraordinary offensive showcase against the previously dominant French squad, who entered the match pursuing a Grand Slam.

    The victory has fundamentally reshaped the championship landscape, creating a tie at the top of the table between Scotland and France as the tournament approaches its final round. Scotland now prepares for a decisive away match against Ireland, another title contender, while France will host England in Paris. Although France remains the statistical favorite to retain the championship due to point differential advantages, Scotland’s unprecedented offensive performance has established them as legitimate title threats.

    Townsend, who faced significant pressure following autumn test series struggles, reflected on the team’s evolution: “It was a brilliant day for our supporters—not just the rugby we played but the mindset to keep attacking. Those painful moments and defeats were necessary for our development. Italy was part of our journey.”

    Team captain Sione Tuipulotu emphasized the squad’s collective resilience: “We’ve stuck together after a tough first round and difficult autumn period. We’ve now given ourselves one final job to complete next week—something a Scotland team hasn’t accomplished in the Six Nations era.”

    The victory was slightly tempered by the injury to standout performer Kyle Steyn, who required medical attention for a significant thigh laceration. However, initial assessments indicate his availability for the crucial Ireland match.

    French coach Fabien Galthié acknowledged Scotland’s superiority while maintaining confidence in his team’s championship prospects: “The Scots played magnificently and taught us fundamental rugby lessons. We remain in first position with the opportunity to win this competition—that is the reality we focus on.”

  • Italy topple England for the first time in Six Nations history

    Italy topple England for the first time in Six Nations history

    In a seismic shift for European rugby, Italy achieved their first-ever victory against England in a monumental Six Nations clash at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on Saturday. The 23-18 triumph marked the culmination of Italy’s 33-year wait since both nations began capped test matches in 1991, finally overcoming the only Six Nations opponent they had never conquered since joining the tournament in 2000.

    The decisive moment arrived with eight minutes remaining as center Leonardo Marin crossed the try line following spectacular build-up play involving Monty Ioane and Tommaso Menoncello. Fly-half Paolo Garbisi delivered a flawless kicking performance, converting all five attempts including the crucial final conversion that sealed the historic victory.

    England’s discipline unraveled catastrophically in the final quarter, with flanker Sam Underhill and captain Maro Itoje receiving simultaneous yellow cards that left the visitors playing with 13 men against Italy’s full complement. This disciplinary collapse proved decisive as Garbisi capitalized with precision kicking before Italy produced the match-winning try.

    The victory continues Italy’s impressive tournament showing after their opening round win against Scotland, while England suffers their third consecutive defeat following a 12-match winning streak. The result elevates Italy to fourth position in the championship table, with England now facing the prospect of their worst Six Nations finish in half a century.

    England coach Steve Borthwick acknowledged the devastating impact of his team’s disciplinary breakdown, stating: ‘For 60 minutes, we were in control. Those two sin-bins hurt us significantly. Discipline is something we must improve urgently.’

    The defeat sets up a potentially disastrous final round for England, who face title-chasing France in Paris with the possibility of recording four championship losses for the first time since 1972. Mathematically, England could still receive the wooden spoon should they suffer a heavy defeat against France combined with a substantial Italian loss to Wales.

  • Scotland stuns France 50-40 and blows open the Six Nations title race

    Scotland stuns France 50-40 and blows open the Six Nations title race

    EDINBURGH, Scotland — In a spectacular display of attacking rugby, Scotland delivered a seismic shock to the Six Nations championship with a breathtaking 50-40 victory over France at Murrayfield Stadium on Saturday. The match, played before an estimated 15,000 traveling French supporters, completely reshaped the tournament landscape and dashed France’s Grand Slam aspirations.

    Scotland’s fearless approach produced their highest-ever score against France, crossing the try line seven times in a match that featured 13 total tries. The Scottish strategy of consistently opting for attacking plays over kickable penalties proved remarkably effective, with virtually every tactical gamble yielding positive results.

    France entered the match needing only a victory to secure the championship with one round remaining but found themselves systematically dismantled by Scotland’s relentless offense. The visitors appeared uncharacteristically vulnerable, struggling at the gainline and showing defensive frailty in wide channels.

    The victory propelled Scotland into a share of the championship lead with France on points, just two ahead of a resurgent Ireland team that remains in contention. The result sets up a dramatic final round next weekend where Scotland travels to face Ireland in Dublin, while France will host England in Paris knowing exactly what result they need to claim the title.

    Despite building a commanding 47-14 lead, Scotland allowed France to score four late tries, granting the visitors both a try bonus point and valuable points difference that could prove crucial in the final championship calculations. The late French resurgence, while impressive, could not overcome Scotland’s dominant performance through the first 65 minutes of play.

    The match began ominously for France as Scotland scored within five minutes through winger Darcy Graham, who became Scotland’s sole record try-scorer with his 36th international try. France briefly responded with scores from Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Theo Attissogbe, but Scotland’s relentless pressure through tries from Kyle Steyn (2), Pierre Schoeman, Ben White, and Graham’s second ultimately proved decisive.

    France finished strongly with consolation tries from captain Antoine Dupont, Thomas Ramos (2), and Oscar Jegou, but the late flourish couldn’t mask what was ultimately a disappointing performance from the pre-match favorites.

  • Ian Huntley, one of UK’s most notorious child killers, has died, days after being attacked in prison

    Ian Huntley, one of UK’s most notorious child killers, has died, days after being attacked in prison

    LONDON — Ian Huntley, one of Britain’s most infamous child murderers, has died following a violent assault by a fellow inmate at Frankland maximum-security prison. The 52-year-old former school caretaker had been on life support since February 26th when he was brutally attacked with a metal bar in the prison workshop.

    Huntley was convicted in 2003 for the murders of 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, a case that profoundly shocked the British nation. The two best friends vanished from the village of Soham in eastern England on August 4, 2002, after leaving a family barbecue to purchase candy. Their disappearance triggered one of the largest manhunts in UK history, with thousands of volunteers joining police in the search effort.

    The investigation captivated the nation for 13 agonizing days, during which a photograph of the girls wearing matching red Manchester United football shirts became symbolic of the search. The massive public concern manifested in hundreds of bouquets left outside Soham’s local church by grieving visitors. The search concluded when hikers discovered the girls’ remains in a wooded area near the village.

    The UK Ministry of Justice acknowledged the case as “one of the most shocking and devastating in our nation’s history” and extended condolences to the families of the victims. Despite maintaining his innocence throughout trial proceedings at London’s Central Criminal Court, Huntley received a life sentence with a minimum term of 40 years.

    During his incarceration, Huntley survived multiple assassination attempts, including a 2010 incident where another inmate slashed his throat. These repeated threats necessitated his placement under close protection alongside other high-profile offenders.

    British media outlets have identified Anthony Russell, a 43-year-old convicted murderer and rapist, as the suspected perpetrator of the fatal assault. Durham Constabulary has launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Huntley’s death, with evidence being prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service to consider potential charges.

    At the time of the 2002 murders, Huntley resided with Maxine Carr, a teaching assistant at the victims’ elementary school. Carr provided Huntley with a false alibi during the investigation and served 21 months in prison for perverting the course of justice. She currently lives under a new identity as part of her release conditions.

  • Ukraine’s low-cost Shahed killers draw US and Gulf interest, but a wartime ban blocks sales

    Ukraine’s low-cost Shahed killers draw US and Gulf interest, but a wartime ban blocks sales

    KYIV, Ukraine — As Middle Eastern conflicts deplete U.S. missile inventories, Ukraine is strategically positioning its battlefield innovation—cost-effective interceptor drones—as diplomatic currency in global defense negotiations. Having evolved into a world leader in interceptor production since Russia’s full-scale invasion began four years ago, Ukraine now offers its combat-tested expertise to the United States and Gulf partners while seeking advanced weaponry it cannot domestically manufacture.

    Ukraine’s defense sector, initially underdeveloped at the war’s onset, has undergone rapid transformation through necessity-driven innovation. The industry now specializes in countering Iranian-designed Shahed drones, which Russia launches by the hundreds, with interceptors costing merely $1,000-$2,000 compared to million-dollar Patriot missiles. This technological advancement has attracted significant international interest, particularly after the U.S. recently requested ‘specific support’ against Shahed drones in the Middle East, prompting President Zelenskyy to deploy Ukrainian equipment and experts—though operational details remain classified.

    The emerging opportunity comes as Gulf nations exhaust their Patriot missile stocks against inexpensive Iranian drones, creating what defense experts call an unsustainable cost imbalance. Lockheed Martin produced a record 600 PAC-3 MSE interceptors throughout 2025, yet Zelenskyy revealed that Middle Eastern nations expended over 800 such missiles in just three days—more than Ukraine’s entire reserve throughout its four-year conflict.

    Ukrainian manufacturers report receiving repeated requests from the U.S. and Gulf states including UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar for their domestically produced interceptors. Companies like General Cherry, creator of the ‘Bullet’ interceptor that has downed hundreds of Shaheds, and Skyfall, producer of the 3D-printed P1-Sun capable of reaching 300 km/h, assert they can manufacture tens of thousands of units monthly without compromising Ukraine’s defenses.

    However, analysts caution that global arms trading involves complex diplomatic considerations beyond technical capability. Yevhen Mahda of Kyiv’s Institute of World Policy notes that weapon trading is ‘an incredibly subtle and sensitive issue’ dominated by the U.S., requiring more than compelling narratives to access international markets.

    Ukraine’s most valuable export may be its human expertise. While hardware exports remain legally complicated under wartime restrictions, Zelenskyy has repeatedly offered to send instructors abroad—a significant strategic sacrifice given Ukraine’s own personnel shortages. Effective interceptor systems require integration with radar networks and trained operators, with Oleh Katkov of Defense Express emphasizing that ‘the real, proven expertise—not just on paper—exists only in Ukraine.’

    The proposed arms exchange represents a potential geopolitical realignment, where Ukraine could emerge as a new player in modern warfare if it can navigate diplomatic challenges and scale production while maintaining its defensive capabilities.

  • Pope names veteran Vatican diplomat as ambassador to the US to manage relations with Trump

    Pope names veteran Vatican diplomat as ambassador to the US to manage relations with Trump

    ROME — In a significant diplomatic move, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, a seasoned Vatican diplomat, as the new apostolic nuncio to the United States. The 68-year-old Italian prelate, currently serving as the Holy See’s ambassador to the United Nations in New York, will assume one of the Vatican’s most crucial diplomatic posts, replacing Cardinal Christophe Pierre who is retiring at age 80.

    Archbishop Caccia brings extensive diplomatic experience to the position, having previously served as the Holy See’s ambassador to Lebanon and the Philippines before his 2019 UN posting. Ordained in Milan in 1983, he later held the key administrative position of “assessor” in the Vatican secretariat of state, the Holy See’s most important office.

    The appointment comes at a delicate time in Vatican-US relations, which have experienced strain during both Trump administrations. Significant tensions have emerged over immigration policies and the ongoing military engagement in Iran. Pope Leo, the first US-born pontiff in history, has repeatedly emphasized the need to respect human dignity in migration policies while acknowledging national border rights.

    The new ambassador inherits a complex portfolio that includes managing relations with both the US government and the American Catholic hierarchy. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops, which has traditionally leaned conservative, has shown notable friction with the more progressive priorities of Pope Francis’ pontificate, a dynamic that continued into Pope Leo’s leadership.

    Beyond immigration issues, Pope Leo has expressed “profound concern” about the U.S.-Israeli military campaign in Iran, urging both sides to “stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss.” In recent comments, the pontiff called for renewed diplomatic efforts, stating that weapons only sow “destruction, pain and death.”

    The Holy See maintains its tradition of diplomatic neutrality despite these concerns, though Pope Leo has been vocal about humanitarian crises in Gaza and Ukraine. The relationship with the United States remains vitally important for the Vatican, particularly as American Catholics represent the most significant source of donations to the Holy See’s coffers.

    Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, current president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has already welcomed Caccia’s appointment, offering the hierarchy’s “warmest welcome and our prayerful support.”

  • Russian strike on Kharkiv apartment block kills seven

    Russian strike on Kharkiv apartment block kills seven

    A devastating Russian missile assault struck a residential district in Kharkiv, Ukraine, resulting in a significant loss of life and injuries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that at least seven individuals, including children, perished in the attack, with a minimum of ten others sustaining injuries.

    The offensive, which occurred on Saturday morning, targeted a five-story apartment building, causing extensive structural damage. Regional Governor Oleg Synegubov reported that rescue teams are actively conducting search and recovery operations amidst the rubble, with concerns that additional victims may be trapped beneath the debris.

    Among the fatalities were a 65-year-old woman, a 40-year-old man, and a 13-year-old girl. Subsequent reports from Synegubov indicated the discovery of four additional bodies, including a nine-year-old boy. The assault also damaged seven apartment complexes, power infrastructure, and an administrative building in the city.

    In a broader context, President Zelensky disclosed that overnight Russian aggression involved 29 missiles and 480 drones targeting critical energy facilities across Kyiv, Khmelnytskyi, and Chernivtsi regions, alongside railway infrastructure in Zhytomyr. The Ukrainian leader urgently appealed for enhanced international support and a decisive response from allied nations.

    Concurrently, the Polish Air Force activated protective measures, scrambling military jets to safeguard its airspace along the Ukrainian border, a standard protocol during large-scale Russian offensive operations.

    Additional regional impacts were reported in the Nikopol district, where one individual was killed and another wounded following approximately twenty separate attacks utilizing drones, artillery, and rockets. Further casualties included an infant injured in Zaporizhzhia and two individuals wounded in a drone attack on a residential property in Chuguiv.

  • At least 7 killed in Ukraine’s Kharkiv as Russian missile hits apartment building

    At least 7 killed in Ukraine’s Kharkiv as Russian missile hits apartment building

    KHARKIV, Ukraine — A Russian missile strike devastated a residential building in Ukraine’s second-largest city on Saturday, killing at least seven civilians and injuring ten others, including three children, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack on the five-story apartment complex in Kharkiv represents one of the deadliest recent assaults on civilian infrastructure.

    President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned what he described as ‘savage strikes against life’ and urgently called for enhanced international support. Ukrainian defense systems intercepted the majority of an extensive overnight barrage that included 29 missiles and 480 drones targeting energy facilities across multiple regions. Preliminary data indicates air defenses successfully downed 19 missiles and 453 drones, though nine missiles and 26 strike drones reached their targets at 22 locations nationwide.

    Emergency crews in Kharkiv continued search and rescue operations through the day, meticulously combing through rubble for potential survivors. The attack caused widespread infrastructure damage, with regional authorities reporting significant impacts on transportation networks. Ukraine’s state rail operator confirmed damage to central-western rail infrastructure forced route modifications across the country.

    The southern Odesa region witnessed massive fires at critical infrastructure facilities following drone attacks, requiring deployment of 80 firefighters to contain the blazes. Zelenskyy emphasized Russia’s continued targeting of residential and critical infrastructure necessitates sustained international military support, particularly enhanced air defense capabilities.

    The conflict’s dynamics have evolved with Russia’s domestic production of Iranian-designed Shahed drones, enabling attacks numbering in the hundreds per night—a significant escalation from earlier patterns. Meanwhile, Ukraine has responded to U.S. requests for assistance in Middle East defense against similar drone technology, deploying equipment and experts to support regional security efforts.

    The expanding Middle East conflict has diverted international attention from Ukraine while postponing planned U.S.-brokered negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv, further complicating diplomatic resolution efforts.

  • Schwarber homers and Henderson gets 4 hits to lead United States over Britain 9-1 at WBC

    Schwarber homers and Henderson gets 4 hits to lead United States over Britain 9-1 at WBC

    The World Baseball Classic delivered a spectacle of international competition on Saturday, highlighted by dominant performances and dramatic late-game heroics across multiple venues.

    In Houston’s Pool B action, the United States secured a commanding 9-1 victory over Great Britain, improving to a perfect 2-0 record. Despite Britain’s early lead from Nate Eaton’s first-pitch home run off Tarik Skubal, Team USA’s offense exploded in the fifth inning. The turnaround began when Ernie Clement reached on an error, followed by Pete Crow-Armstrong’s double. Kyle Schwarber then unleashed a monumental 427-foot, two-run homer to right field, shifting momentum permanently in America’s favor. Gunnar Henderson contributed significantly with four hits and two RBIs, while Aaron Judge continued his powerful showing with a scorching RBI single that damaged the scoreboard.

    Meanwhile in Tokyo, defending champion Japan remained undefeated in Pool C with an intense 8-6 victory over South Korea. Shohei Ohtani homered for the second consecutive day, while Seiya Suzuki delivered two home runs and four RBIs. Despite falling behind 3-0 in the first inning, Japan mounted a relentless comeback, with Masataka Yoshida adding a homer and three RBIs to secure the hard-fought win.

    The Netherlands provided the day’s most dramatic moment with Ozzie Albies’ walk-off, three-run homer in the ninth inning to stun Nicaragua 4-3. With two outs and runners on base, Albies connected on the first pitch from reliever Angel Obando, completing an improbable comeback after Nicaragua had taken the lead in the eighth inning on Jeter Downs’ two-run homer.

    Other tournament action saw Puerto Rico remain unbeaten with a 4-3, 10-inning victory over Panama courtesy of Darell Hernaiz’s game-winning homer. Venezuela dominated Israel 11-3 behind Luis Arraez’s two homers, two doubles, and five RBIs. Taiwan recorded a mercy-rule 14-0 win over the Czech Republic, Canada defeated Colombia 8-2, and Italy blanked Brazil 8-0 behind Dante Nori’s two home runs.