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Paris Hosts First Modest Fashion Week Celebrating Inclusive Style

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Paris hosted its first-ever Modest Fashion Week, bringing together nearly 30 designers showcasing clothing that blends style with modesty, including long, flowing dresses and headscarves. Held at Hôtel Le Marois near the Champs-Élysées, the event highlighted floral patterns, soft tones, and nature-inspired designs from global creators, reflecting a growing demand for modest fashion.

Designers from across the world presented diverse interpretations of modest wear. From romantic floral gowns by Turkish label Miha to warm-toned collections by Australian brand Asiyam, the runway featured a mix of elegance and cultural identity. Meanwhile, French brands like Soutoura and Nour Turbans leaned into bold, boxy streetwear influenced by Gen Z trends, even pairing berets with headscarves for a distinctive Parisian touch.

The event carried added significance in France, where religious attire such as hijabs has often been at the center of public debate and restrictions. Attendees and designers described the show as a sign of increasing inclusivity, with many expressing hope that modest fashion is gaining broader acceptance. As the global modest fashion market continues to expand rapidly, the Paris showcase underscored its growing cultural and commercial influence.

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France Plans Spending Freeze to Offset Iran Crisis Costs

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The government of France has announced plans to offset the financial impact of the ongoing Iran crisis by freezing public spending. Rising energy prices and increased borrowing costs linked to the crisis are expected to cost the country between €4 billion and €6 billion. Authorities say the spending freeze will match these projected losses, helping stabilize public finances.

Finance Minister Roland Lescure stated that higher bond yields alone could add €3.6 billion to France’s borrowing costs. Meanwhile, the government is preparing targeted support measures to help households cope with surging energy prices. These measures are expected to prioritize workers who rely heavily on fuel, reflecting growing concerns over the cost-of-living impact.

Despite the planned response, the government faces mounting political pressure for broader relief measures. While some groups are calling for fuel tax cuts, others are pushing for caps on energy prices. However, with one of the largest budget deficits in the eurozone, officials insist that any support must remain limited and carefully targeted to avoid further straining public finances.

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WW2 Bomb Detonated After Paris Evacuations

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Thousands of residents were evacuated from a northern suburb of Paris after a World War Two-era bomb was discovered and safely detonated by authorities. The device, found in Colombes during construction work earlier this month, prompted officials to enforce a large evacuation zone, requiring residents within a 450-metre radius to leave their homes early Sunday.

Bomb disposal teams initially attempted to remove the detonator but were unsuccessful, leading to a controlled explosion carried out on-site. Authorities deployed hundreds of police officers to secure the area, while additional safety measures restricted movement in surrounding zones. Residents were directed to temporary reception centres and advised to take precautions before leaving their homes.

The operation was completed successfully by Sunday afternoon, and evacuation orders were lifted shortly after. Officials noted that unexploded World War Two munitions are still regularly discovered across Europe, particularly during construction projects, posing risks in densely populated urban areas.

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French Businesses Engage Far Right Ahead Of 2027 Vote

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France’s corporate elite is increasingly engaging with Marine Le Pen and her National Rally as the party gains momentum ahead of the 2027 presidential election. A recent dinner in Paris with top executives, including Bernard Arnault, highlighted growing efforts by business leaders to better understand—and potentially influence—the party’s economic agenda.

The meeting exposed clear divisions, particularly over Le Pen’s eurosceptic stance and her plans to reverse pension reforms. While she presented herself as pro-business, executives reportedly found her policy proposals lacking in detail, especially on trade and taxation. Despite past reluctance, major companies now see engagement as necessary given the party’s rising electoral prospects.

Business groups, including Medef, say dialogue does not imply support but reflects a need to prepare for possible political change. However, some executives warn that engaging with the far right risks legitimising a party whose economic plans remain unclear. Both sides appear to be testing boundaries, as companies seek to shape policy while the National Rally works to reassure markets.

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Europe Antisemitism Laws Spark Free Speech Row

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Lawmakers in France and Italy are moving forward with new laws to define and combat antisemitism, following a sharp rise in anti-Jewish incidents since 2023. The French proposal, set for parliamentary debate, seeks to penalize actions such as implicitly justifying terrorism or comparing Israel to Nazi Germany. Meanwhile, Italy is considering legislation that would formally adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism into law.

Supporters argue the measures are necessary to address evolving forms of antisemitism and protect Jewish communities amid growing hostility. In Italy, incidents have doubled since 2023, while France has also recorded historically high levels. Advocates say clearer legal definitions will help law enforcement tackle hate speech and discrimination more effectively in a tense global climate shaped by the Gaza conflict.

However, critics—including rights groups, academics, and some politicians—warn the laws could restrict free speech and silence legitimate criticism of Israel. They argue that equating criticism of Israeli policies with antisemitism risks conflating political expression with hate speech. The debate has intensified in France, where public opposition is growing, highlighting the challenge of balancing efforts to combat discrimination with the protection of freedom of expression.

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French Man Charged After Child Found Locked in Van

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A 43-year-old man in Hagenbach has been charged after his nine-year-old son was discovered locked inside a van for over a year. The child was found by authorities after neighbours reported hearing unusual sounds coming from the vehicle parked near their apartment block. Police said the boy was severely malnourished, unable to walk, and living in extremely unhygienic conditions.

According to prosecutors, the father admitted to confining the child since November 2024, claiming he was trying to protect him from his partner, who he alleged wanted to place the boy in psychiatric care. The child reportedly received limited food and water and had no access to basic sanitation, relying on bottles and bags for waste. Neighbours had earlier been told the boy was in care, despite occasionally hearing noises from the van.

The father has been charged with unlawful detention and neglect, and remains in custody. His partner faces charges of failing to assist a child in danger and not reporting abuse, though she has been released on conditional bail. All three children in the family have been placed in temporary care, with a court set to decide their future.

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French Court Allows Muslim Gathering to Proceed

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A major Muslim gathering in northern Paris will take place as scheduled after a French administrative court overturned a government order to ban it. Authorities had argued that the four-day Annual Encounter of Muslims of France posed a potential security risk, citing concerns that the event could become a target for terrorist attacks. However, organisers from the Muslims of France (MF) association challenged the decision, calling it a violation of fundamental freedoms, and secured a last-minute ruling in their favour just hours before the event’s planned opening.

In its decision, the court stated that the police had not provided sufficient evidence to justify the ban. Judges found no clear indication of threats such as counter-demonstrations or attacks by far-right groups, and they dismissed concerns about excessive strain on security forces. The organisers had already committed to implementing additional safety measures, further weakening the government’s argument. The event, which combines cultural, religious, and commercial activities, has historically attracted large crowds from across Europe but had not been held since 2019.

The controversy comes amid a broader political climate in France marked by heightened tensions and proposed new “anti-separatism” legislation targeting extremist ideologies. Officials argue that such measures are necessary to maintain public order and prevent radicalisation, while critics view them as restrictive and potentially discriminatory. The organisers’ legal team maintained that the attempted ban was unjustified and politically motivated, whereas government representatives insisted it was solely intended to ensure public safety.

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G7 Ministers Urge Immediate End to Civilian Attacks in Iran War

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Foreign ministers of the G7 nations have called for an immediate halt to attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure amid the ongoing Iran war, following a high-level meeting in France. In a joint statement, the ministers stressed the urgent need to reduce harm to civilian populations and protect critical infrastructure affected by the conflict.

The leaders highlighted the importance of coordination and global partnerships to limit the wider impact of the war, including disruptions to energy, trade, fertilizer supplies, and global supply chains. They warned that continued instability could trigger economic shocks and affect countries far beyond the conflict region.

The G7 also emphasized the need to ensure safe and uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route, while reaffirming their commitment to regional stability and international cooperation. The group includes the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the European Union.

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Paris Mayoral Race Puts Green Transformation to the Test

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The upcoming mayoral election in Paris is shaping up as a key test of public support for the city’s ambitious green transformation. Over the past decade, outgoing mayor Anne Hidalgo has pushed major changes, including around 1,000 km of cycle lanes, more trees and pedestrian-friendly streets. Supporters say the redesign has encouraged cycling and reduced pollution, while critics argue the changes have disrupted traffic and strained city finances.

Opinion polls suggest the race is mainly between Socialist candidate Emmanuel Grégoire, who supports continuing the environmental agenda, and conservative rival Rachida Dati, who says the city’s traditional character has been harmed by rapid changes. Meanwhile, far-right candidate Sarah Knafo is gaining ground in the polls and could complicate the race if she reaches the second round later this month.

While the green policies have led to more bike use, reduced car traffic and improved air quality, they have also drawn criticism over issues such as rising municipal debt and cleanliness in the city. As voters head to the polls, the election will determine whether Parisians want to continue the push toward a greener, car-free urban model or shift toward a more balanced approach to transportation and city management.

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France Returns Sacred Talking Drum to Ivory Coast

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France has repatriated a sacred talking drum, the Djidji Ayôkwé, to Ivory Coast more than a century after it was looted during colonial rule. Seized by French colonial authorities in 1916 and later displayed in Parisian museums, the drum was welcomed back by the Ebrié community at Abidjan International Airport, still in its protective crate. The 3-metre-long, 430kg drum is carved from iroko wood and holds deep cultural and ceremonial significance.

The return of the Djidji Ayôkwé is part of France’s broader effort to repatriate African cultural artefacts, a process initiated in 2017. Ivory Coast’s Culture Minister Françoise Remarck called it a historic moment of justice and remembrance, highlighting the drum’s central role in mobilizing communities, warning of danger, and summoning villagers for ceremonies.

This drum marks the first of 148 objects Ivory Coast is seeking to reclaim from France and other countries. The French government has previously returned Abomey royal treasures to Benin and a historic sabre to Senegal, and a new framework law aims to streamline the restitution of colonial-era artefacts from national collections.

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