United News of Bangladesh

Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway is set to come alive Monday with steel drums, colorful floats draped in flags and the aroma of jerk chicken as hundreds of thousands of people gather for the West Indian Day Parade, one of the largest celebrations of Caribbean culture in the United States. For Haitians, however, this year’s parade carries a more serious tone. Federal immigration enforcement has increased pressure on Caribbean and other Black immigrant communities over the past year, while Haitians have lost a major immigration protection known as temporary protected status, or TPS. The program had allowed hundreds of thousands of Haitians to remain legally in the US. Organizers say the parade is therefore both a celebration of Haitian pride and a welcome moment of joy during a difficult year. “There’s a somber cloud over it with everything that has happened from last year to this year with TPS,” said Natalie Lafontant, a Brooklyn native who organizes Lespri Ayiti, or “Spirit of Haiti,” the largest Haitian marching community, known as a “mas,” in Monday’s parade. She pointed to conditions at detention centers and the deportation of Haitians who may have no reliable means of supporting themselves after returning home. Still, Lafontant said hardship has never stopped Caribbean people, particularly Haitians, from expressing themselves through culture. She said Haitians rely on music, dance and art to keep moving forward despite difficult circumstances. Keeping the parade alive amid immigration pressuresIn June, the US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in Mullin v. Doe that federal courts could not review the Trump administration’s decision to end TPS for Haitian and Syrian immigrants. The ruling cleared the way for about 350,000 Haitians to lose the protection. A federal judge finalized the order in early August, while work permits linked to Haitian TPS expired on July 27. Lafontant’s Lespri Ayiti group, which includes about 180 artists, designers, musicians and community members, is taking part in the parade for the second consecutive year. The group faced difficulties securing sponsors for its float this year. Organizing the parade is expensive, she said, with costs including insurance, costumes, designers and arrangements for participants. Despite the financial burden, the group continues because of its love for Haiti. Haitians have deep roots in New YorkLafontant is part of a Haitian community of about 163,000 people in the New York metropolitan area, according to the Migration Policy Institute. It is the second-largest Haitian population in the US after the Miami metropolitan area. Many Haitian immigrants settled in Brooklyn neighborhoods such as Flatbush, East Flatbush and Crown Heights. Haitian migration to New York grew in waves beginning during the dictatorship of Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier. Political repression and economic collapse pushed many Haitians to leave the country during the 1970s and 1980s. The migration continued after Duvalier was ousted in 1986. Haiti’s tradition of resistance goes back even further to the Haitian Revolution, when enslaved and free Black people defeated French colonial rule in what is widely considered the only successful slave revolt in modern history. The struggle culminated in the 1803 Battle of Vertières and paved the way for Haiti’s independence in 1804. That history remains an important source of pride for Haitians around the world, including generations who have established new lives outside the country. Edwina Paul, founder of SPM, or “Fanm Se Poto Mitan,” meaning “Women Are the Pillar of Society,” left Haiti in 1993 and moved with her husband to Brooklyn’s Canarsie neighborhood. Paul’s coalition of Haitian women leaders and organizers will also participate in Monday’s parade. She said insecurity and instability in Haiti have been major reasons people leave the country. “It's not safe there. Coming here is like an umbrella for us to be safe from that,” she said, referring to Haitians fleeing gang violence and instability. She stressed that Haitian migrants come to the US seeking work, education and a safer life, not to commit crimes. Haitian music and fashion take center stageSPM is highlighting Haitian resilience through its parade costumes this year. Fashion designer Clara Poteau, a Fashion Institute of Technology alumna, created royal blue emperor robes inspired by Jean-Jacques Dessalines, a leader of the Haitian Revolution and the first leader of independent Haiti. Six designers and one painter spent a month creating and hand-painting costumes celebrating Haitian achievements. Their work continued through the weekend before the parade. The costumes include dresses decorated with miniature Haitian flags and skirts featuring national football players Duckens Nazon and Emmanuel Sanon, who hold Haiti’s international scoring records with 44 and 47 goals, respectively. An orange T-shirt called the “Freedom” tee features the flags of countries whose independence Haitian revolutionary leaders supported with shelter, money, weapons and troops. The countries include Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Panama, Mexico and Greece. Music will also play a major role in the Haitian “mas.” Jesus Luc, a Harlem native and Lespri Ayiti’s band manager, organized a lineup featuring Raboday, a popular contemporary Haitian and Caribbean music style, along with Kompa, Haiti’s signature dance music. DJ Comix of Team Madada will headline the musical lineup. Luc described the group as one of the most popular in Haiti and said its sound represents a new generation of Haitian youth culture. “It’s electrifying. It’s music that will touch your soul,” Luc said, adding that the combination of music and costumes would bring the spirit and heart of the Haitian people to the parade.

Actor Zendaya has launched the promotional tour for Christopher Nolan's upcoming film "The Odyssey", turning heads with a look inspired by her character in the movie. Widely regarded as one of Hollywood's leading fashion figures, the Emmy Award-winning actress is known for "method dressing" by choosing outfits that reflect the roles she plays. She appears to be continuing that trend for The Odyssey. For her first appearance promoting the film, Zendaya wore a flowing outfit from the Khaite Resort 2027 collection. The look featured an ivory draped blouse with a deep V-neckline, paired with a matching semi-sheer A-line midi skirt. A black leather cord belt with gold accents highlighted the waist. Zendaya plays Athena in the film, a character traditionally depicted in flowing white garments. Fashion observers said her outfit appeared to be a modern tribute to the Greek goddess's signature style. She completed the look with gold dangling earrings, her trademark pixie bob hairstyle and metallic python-print strappy sandals by Christian Louboutin, replacing her usual So Kate pumps. Her understated makeup kept the focus on the outfit's elegant silhouette. The appearance marks the beginning of what is expected to be a closely watched promotional tour for The Odyssey, with Zendaya once again blending fashion with her on-screen role. Earlier this year, Zendaya also drew attention for her bridal-inspired looks while promoting The Drama. Reports say she recently married longtime partner and fellow actor Tom Holland. She also earned praise for a series of character-inspired fashion choices during the promotional campaign for Spider-Man: Brand New Day. With The Odyssey, Zendaya appears to be entering a new goddess-inspired fashion phase that is already attracting attention.

Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas made a stylish appearance at Cannes Lions 2026, turning heads in a sophisticated designer outfit while sharing her views on storytelling and filmmaking at the global creativity festival. The actor attended the five-day international event, which celebrates achievements in creativity, marketing and entertainment, and took part in a discussion at the Debussy Theatre on storytelling, originality and maintaining a creative vision. For the occasion, Chopra wore a colour-block halter-neck maxi dress by designer Silvia Tcherassi. The outfit, crafted from Italian fabric and featuring a sleek column silhouette, was valued at around Rs 1.8 lakh. She paired the dress with leather thong sandals and kept her overall look understated yet elegant. Her accessories included a pink necklace and a Rolex Day-Date watch, while her makeup featured neutral brown tones and a matte finish. During the session, Chopra spoke about how she approaches storytelling and selecting film projects. “I think you follow your gut when it comes to storytelling. I try not to follow trends, because that's really hard. A trend is interesting right now, it might not be interesting next week. It takes a year for a movie to be made, and by the time next year comes around, will audiences still be interested?” she said. The actor emphasised that emotional impact matters more than following market trends. “So, I try not to think through trends, I try to think through how does this make someone feel? Because my favourite movies, and you can answer as well, but are the ones that you talk about later, you kind of revisit again. It makes you feel something, when you're leaving the movie theatre, you kind of have something to say about it. So I try to think about when I read scripts for films that I want to make, is how does it make me feel if I watch this movie?” she added. Chopra, who stars in the series Citadel, said she believes the most memorable films are those that leave a lasting emotional impression and continue to spark conversation long after audiences have watched them. Source: NDTV

Designers Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons showcased a collection inspired by everyday wardrobe essentials during Milan Fashion Week, presenting a modern interpretation of jeans-based fashion through premium leather and innovative technical materials. For the Spring/Summer season, Prada introduced a streamlined silhouette featuring cropped jackets and slim-cut five-pocket trousers, complemented by classic blazers and leather outerwear. The designers said their goal was to create clothing that resonates with ordinary people rather than catering solely to the fashion elite. Ahead of the show, Simons compared the collection to a simple plate of pasta pomodoro, suggesting that fashion, like food, sometimes benefits from returning to timeless basics. Although denim served as the collection’s inspiration, Prada revealed she has never worn jeans, while Simons said he only recently resumed wearing them after decades of favoring wool trousers. Nevertheless, the classic five-pocket pant became the foundation of the new Prada look. Most outfits were crafted from soft leather in muted shades such as ivory, gray, burgundy, and turquoise, accompanied by energetic rock music on the runway. Some designs featured lightweight, semi-transparent technical fabrics suited to the recent European heatwave, while only a small number of looks incorporated actual denim. The collection also included cropped shirts, knitted vests with geometric motifs, and silk scarves tied around the waist for contrast. Accessories were kept minimal, with colorful waist pouches and bold belts serving as the primary additions. Distinctive pointed shoes fastened with multiple Velcro straps completed the ensembles. Prada emphasized the importance of creating versatile, functional clothing and avoiding excessive or unnecessary design elements. Simons echoed that sentiment, noting that fashion often draws its strongest inspiration from real-life street style rather than luxury runways. Describing the collection, Simons highlighted its clean, vertical lines and understated elegance, saying it reflected a sense of calm, optimism, and renewal while challenging conventional ideas of luxury fashion. The presentation itself mirrored the collection’s minimalist philosophy. Models walked through a simple showroom furnished with transparent benches, ensuring every guest had an unobstructed view. Among the notable attendees were Anthony Edwards, Troye Sivan, ENHYPEN, and Louis Partridge. Outside the venue, enthusiastic fans braved the summer heat to catch a glimpse of the stars.   

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton and actor Colman Domingo led a celebrity-filled front row at a menswear show by the Ralph Lauren during Milan Fashion Week on Friday evening. The American fashion house presented its latest menswear collection at its Milan palazzo for the second consecutive season, attracting a host of stars, including Henry Golding, Tom Hiddleston and Scott Eastwood. Outside the venue, fans gathered despite soaring temperatures to catch a glimpse of the celebrities. Thai actor Nichakoon Khajornborirak and South Korean actor Kim Woo-bin greeted the crowd, posing for photographs and waving to admirers. The collection showcased a wide range of styles, from formal pinstripe suits to more relaxed festival-inspired outfits. Domingo described the show as having a strong 1920s influence, blending classic and contemporary elements. The luxury Purple Label featured tailored suits that evolved into eveningwear, including tuxedo shirts and bow ties paired with distressed patchwork denim coats. Accessories included berets, aviator glasses and pocket-watch chains. The more casual Polo collection highlighted colourful madras plaids, layered knitwear, rugby shirts and lightweight outerwear. Several looks reflected traditional preppy fashion, combining bright colours and featuring the iconic Polo Bear motif dressed in runway-inspired outfits. "I saw beautiful cravats and vests mixed in with workwear, all the things I love about Ralph," Domingo said after the show, praising the collection's ability to blend urban and upscale influences. Formal and casual styles gradually merged throughout the presentation, while the runway also featured an age- and race-inclusive cast. Accessories played a key role in the collection, with silk scarves, colourful bandanas and ties repurposed as belts and bags, reflecting the growing trend toward reusability and upcycling. Footwear ranged from leather fisherman sandals and velvet slippers to espadrilles and weather-resistant duck boots, while handbags included canvas totes and luxury snakeskin portfolios. Eastwood said he was particularly drawn to one of the snakeskin bags and described Ralph Lauren as "a classy brand that's timeless." Golding, meanwhile, said the fashion house had supported him throughout his career and described the Purple Label as his preferred choice for sophisticated attire.

Winning the Miss Universe Kerala 2026 title may have brought her recognition, but for 19-year-old law student Kaziah Liz Mejo, her greatest achievement is overcoming years of self-doubt and insecurity. Speaking to The New Indian Express, Kaziah said she struggled with confidence for years and was unhappy with many aspects of herself. “For years, I didn't have a single unfiltered picture of myself. I was insecure about my looks, my personality and almost everything else,” she said. The beauty queen said building confidence was a gradual process that involved working on her communication skills, personality, appearance and overall self-development. According to her, one idea played a major role in changing her mindset: “fake it till you make it.” “The biggest change came when I started intentionally working on myself. I convinced myself that I was the most confident person in the room and walked onto stages with that belief. At first, others believed it, and eventually I believed it too,” she said. Kaziah, who hails from Mavelikkara in India's Kerala state, said her interest in beauty pageants began after watching Harnaaz Sandhu win the Miss Universe crown in 2021. “That was the first Miss Universe competition I watched. I didn’t know much about pageants at the time, but seeing India win after so many years inspired me,” she said. Harnaaz Sandhu ended India’s 21-year wait for the Miss Universe title in 2021. Before her, India’s previous winners were Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta. Responding to the perception that beauty pageants focus only on physical appearance, Kaziah said the experience offers valuable life lessons. “Pageantry is often misunderstood. It is not only about beauty. Whether you win or lose, it helps you discover yourself, find your voice and build confidence. It has taught me resilience, discipline and personal growth,” she said. Kaziah is now preparing to compete in the Miss Universe India competition, hoping to take the next step in her pageant journey.

Celebrated Indian fashion designer Manish Malhotra has reached a new milestone in his career with his upcoming debut at Paris Haute Couture Week on July 8, 2026, marking a significant step in showcasing Indian textiles and craftsmanship on the global stage. The designer announced the development on Instagram, with a press release confirming that this will be the first official appearance of the Manish Malhotra brand on the prestigious Paris couture calendar. The showcase will feature the house’s artistry, innovation and glamour, highlighting Indian couture on an international platform. At the Haute Couture Week, designers are set to present their fall/winter 2026–27 collections, bringing together leading names from global fashion. Over the years, Malhotra has been credited with redefining Bollywood costume design and elevating Indian craftsmanship into a global luxury language. His creations are widely known for intricate detailing and traditional techniques such as zardozi and chikankari. From red carpets to weddings, his designs have become a preferred choice among celebrities for their craftsmanship and exclusivity. The designer previously showcased Indian heritage on global platforms, including the Met Gala 2025 themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” where he presented a black sherwani with a cape featuring glass beadwork and gilded motifs. For his 2026 Met Gala appearance, he created a design inspired by Mumbai, describing it as a tribute to the city that shaped his artistic journey. The outfit reportedly took over 960 hours to complete and involved more than 50 artisans across Mumbai and Delhi. Fashion observers say anticipation is high for his Paris debut, which is expected to further highlight Indian design on the global couture stage. #From NDTV

A growing number of young people in China are embracing traditional culture by dressing up as ancient emperors, empresses and princesses while visiting Beijing’s historic landmarks, creating a booming business for costume and makeup studios around the Forbidden City. Among those benefiting from the trend is makeup artist Chen Jiao, whose job is to transform visitors into figures from imperial China. She is one of hundreds of stylists working near the Forbidden City, the former home of Chinese emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Every day, visitors arrive at studios to wear elaborate traditional outfits decorated with phoenix patterns and accessorized with jade, pearls and other ornaments inspired by royal fashion. Their makeup is carefully applied and their hairstyles recreated to match the period. The experience typically costs around 300 yuan (about $45), although premium packages can cost more than 1,000 yuan ($150). After getting dressed, many visitors head to the walls, gates and moat surrounding the Forbidden City to take photos and videos for social media. While some fully embrace the historical look, others mix traditional costumes with modern accessories such as sneakers, sunglasses and bubble tea. Chen said demand is especially high during public holidays and weekends. She recently started work at 6 a.m. and styled around 24 customers in a single day. "There is hardly an off-season," she said, noting that business only slows briefly when the Forbidden City is closed. The trend reflects a broader interest among Chinese youth in immersive cultural experiences and traditional clothing inspired by the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Ming dynasty ruled China for more than 270 years and built the Forbidden City, while the Qing dynasty, China's last imperial dynasty, ended in 1912, bringing more than 2,000 years of imperial rule to a close. Many tourists say wearing period costumes enhances their experience at historical sites. Chen Xiao, a university student from Shandong province, travelled overnight to Beijing during the recent Qingming holiday and chose to wear a pink outfit associated with a Qing dynasty princess. "I feel that when you visit a historical place, it's nice to wear something that matches the setting," she said. The popularity of the trend has fueled rapid growth in the costume-styling industry. Local media reports that a building housing Chen Jiao’s studio had only a few such businesses in 2020, but now hosts more than 100. Cai Zehong, founder of Hanfu Beijing, said many young people are becoming interested in traditional Chinese clothing as they learn more about the country's cultural heritage. He said historical costume dramas, which have long been popular in China, have also helped drive interest in traditional fashion. Chen Xiao acknowledged that television dramas influenced her interest. "I've watched many historical dramas, and they've definitely shaped my interest. Recently, I've become particularly fascinated by Qing dynasty history," she said. Another visitor, Liu Ruitong from Hebei province, selected a black Ming-style outfit for her photoshoot. She said she liked the costume's elegant appearance and felt its dark color complemented both the Forbidden City and traditional Chinese scenery.

Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai made a striking appearance at the closing ceremony of the 79th Cannes Film Festival, wearing an elegant all-white outfit designed by Chinese designer Chene Chan. The festival, which ran from May 12 to May 23, concluded after nearly two weeks of film screenings, celebrity appearances and red-carpet events. Aishwarya’s outfit featured a tailored white pantsuit with embellished lapels, lace-detailed trousers and a feather boa draped over her shoulders, creating a dramatic yet refined look. The ensemble also included a white asymmetrical top with lace accents that complemented the detailing on the trousers.  

Fast-fashion giant Shein is set to acquire sustainable clothing brand Everlane in a surprise deal that brings together two companies with very different business models. Everlane CEO Alfred Chang confirmed the acquisition in a letter to employees obtained by The Associated Press on Friday. San Francisco-based Everlane did not disclose the financial details of the deal, while Shein declined to comment publicly. Everlane was founded in 2011 by Michael Preysman and Jesse Farmer with a focus on affordable, environmentally friendly and ethically sourced clothing. The company became known for promoting transparency about factory conditions, worker pay and environmental impact. The brand opened its first physical store in 2017 and gained popularity among shoppers looking for sustainable fashion alternatives. However, the company later faced criticism over worker treatment and struggled to maintain strong sales as consumers increasingly looked for cheaper clothing options. Retail analyst Bruce Winder said many eco-friendly brands, including Allbirds, found it difficult to keep consumer interest over time as affordability became a bigger concern for shoppers. Investment firm L Catterton became Everlane’s majority owner in 2020. The firm also has stakes in brands including Birkenstock and Etro. Meanwhile, Shein has grown rapidly since its founding in 2012 by selling low-cost trendy fashion popular with teenagers and young consumers. Most of its products are manufactured through a large network of factories in China, though the company later moved its headquarters to Singapore. In his letter to staff, Chang said the partnership would give Everlane greater financial stability and allow it to continue operating independently while investing more in products, innovation and employees. He stressed that Everlane would continue its commitment to sustainability and ethical standards, adding that the company’s leadership team would remain unchanged. Industry experts say the deal comes at a difficult time for Everlane, which has reportedly faced falling sales and growing debt. Retail analyst Neil Saunders said the acquisition could help Everlane survive financially, while also giving Shein an opportunity to expand beyond traditional fast fashion. Saunders noted that new tariffs and trade restrictions under US President Donald Trump have created challenges for fast-fashion imports in the United States. Analysts, however, say the partnership may confuse some loyal Everlane customers because of Shein’s reputation for mass-produced low-cost fashion. “Ultimately, the deal likely saves Everlane, but that salvation comes at a price,” Saunders said. Chang also acknowledged criticism surrounding the deal, saying recent media attention and social media reactions had been difficult for the company and its employees.