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Arab News
12 hours ago
- Arab News
French town withdraws pop festival funding over Kneecap appearance
NANTERRE, France: A town that hosts one of France's biggest pop festivals announced Wednesday that it was withdrawing its subsidy to the event because controversial Irish rappers Kneecap had been booked to play. British police are investigating Kneecap's lead singer under a terror offense after he was accused of displaying a Hezbollah flag at a concert last year. The Lebanese militant group is banned in Britain. Police said they are also investigating videos allegedly showing calls for the death of British lawmakers. The Paris suburb of Saint Cloud approved a 40,000 euro ($46,500) subsidy this year for the Rock En Seine festival that last year attracted 180,000 people over four days. The town council said the money had been agreed before the lineup was announced. Kneecap are to appear at the event on August 24. Saint Cloud said its council had now voted to withdraw the subsidy. A statement said the town 'finances, within its means, a cultural and artistic project. On the other hand it does not finance political action, nor demands, and even less calls to violence, such as calls to kill lawmakers, whatever their nationality.' The town said it respects the festival's 'freedom' to decide its lineup and had not sought 'any kind of negotiation with the aim of influencing the program.' Kneecap have been taken off the bill for festivals in Scotland and Germany this year because of the controversy. The group have said they are committed to the Palestinian cause but have denied any terrorism connection. Singer Liam O'Hanna, who appears under the name Mo Chara, has condemned the charges against him as political. O'Hanna is to appear in court again four days before the Rock En Seine show.
Arab News
4 days ago
- Arab News
Gisele Pelicot and Pharrell Williams get France's top honor
PARIS: Gisele Pelicot, who became a feminist icon by publicly testifying over the mass rapes she endured, and rapper-turned-fashion designer Pharrell Williams were among 589 people awarded France's top civic honor on 72, and Williams were both named knights of the Legion of Honour on a list announced ahead of France's July 14 national earned international tributes for her courage in testifying at a trial in 2024 against her former husband, who drugged her and arranged for her to be raped by dozens of men over a has since been named on lists of the world's most influential people by international media and the case helped forced a change in France's rape Pelicot has remained silent since the trial. Her lawyer says she is concentrating on writing a book giving her side of the mass rape story which is to be released in 52, made his name as a rapper and singer but earned a second fortune as a music producer and after designing clothes and accessories for several brands. He has been Louis Vuitton's men's creative director since recent Paris show attracted a host of international celebrities, including Jay Z and Beyonce, film directors Steve McQueen and Spike Lee and football and basketball Lea Drucker, veteran singer Sylvie Vartan, writer Marc Levy and Auschwitz deportee Yvette Levy, 99, were also among the figures awarded the Legion of Honour along with a host of former ministers, academics and top legal names.
Arab News
6 days ago
- Arab News
Rami Al-Ali makes Paris haute couture history with debut collection
DUBAI: Syrian designer Rami Al-Ali made history this week as the first couturier from his country to take part in the official Paris calendar, choking back tears at the end of his show of exquisitely tailored pieces. Working within a palette of soft neutrals, icy pastels and muted metallics, the designer explored volume, texture and structure with a distinct architectural approach. There were structured silhouettes featuring sharp tailoring and asymmetric cuts, softened by draped elements or delicate embellishments. A post shared by Rami Al Ali Official (@ramialaliofficial) Floor-grazing gowns crafted from layers of organza and chiffon created a sense of fluidity, with subtle transparency lending an ethereal quality. Hand embroidery, pleated tulle and intricate smocking added depth and visual interest across the collection. Several looks featured woven or lattice-like details, both in full panels and as accents, emphasizing artisanal technique. Other standout designs played with sculptural forms; one gown unfurled into fan-like pleats, while another used cascading layers. A post shared by Rami Al Ali Official (@ramialaliofficial) Al-Ali's inclusion in the Paris calendar marks a major milestone, signaling his entry into fashion's most elite circle. To qualify for the official haute couture, or 'high fashion,' designation, fashion houses meet rigorous standards, and the title is legally protected under French law. It is a 'historical milestone, celebrating a lifelong devotion to craftsmanship, culture, and creative expression, rooted in heritage and elevated by vision,' the fashion house posted on Instagram when it was first announced that Al-Ali would join the calendar. Originally from Damascus, Al-Ali honed his fashion skills in Dubai and Beirut before founding his label, Rami Al-Ali Couture, in 2001. A post shared by Rami Al Ali Official (@ramialaliofficial) His creations have been worn by a variety of celebrities, including Amal Clooney, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopez, and Jessica Chastain. Al-Ali's work has been praised for seamlessly blending his Middle Eastern heritage with Western sensibilities. He is known for designing flowing silhouettes adorned with intricate, playful embellishments — creations that are both timeless and runway-worthy. Al-Ali was one of a handful of Arab designers on the official haute couture calendar. The lineup also included Lebanese designers Georges Hobeika, Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad, as well as Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi.
