United News of Bangladesh

In his will made public on Friday, fashion icon Giorgio Armani revealed his desire for a major luxury group to acquire a 15% stake in his multi-million-euro empire. Armani, who passed away on September 4 at the age of 91, named LVMH, L'Oreal, and EssilorLuxottica as his preferred buyers, though he was open to similar companies. Armani’s company spans high fashion to hospitality, and he had maintained strict control over it for decades. Should a sale not materialize, he requested the company be listed on the stock market, with his foundation retaining 30.1% of the shares. L’Oreal, which has collaborated with Armani on perfumes and cosmetics since 1988, expressed gratitude for being considered, while the designer's foundation will retain strong influence over strategic decisions. Armani’s will also outlined the future governance structure, with Leo Dell'Orco and family members overseeing the company’s day-to-day operations. Armani’s estimated $11.8 billion net worth was bequeathed to his foundation, which will hold 10% of the shares. His real estate assets were passed to his sister and other relatives. The designer’s final collections will be showcased at Milan Fashion Week later this month, marking 50 years of the Armani brand.   Source: NDTV

Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian designer who defined understated elegance and built a $10 billion global fashion empire, has died at 91, his fashion house confirmed. Armani passed away at home in Milan. Known for his timeless suits, soft fabrics, and muted tones, he revolutionized fashion in the 1970s with his relaxed yet sharp silhouettes, worn from Hollywood red carpets to Wall Street boardrooms. His designs became symbols of power and style, from the iconic “power suit” for women to Richard Gere’s look in American Gigolo. Over five decades, Armani expanded beyond clothing into accessories, perfumes, cosmetics, furniture, hotels, restaurants, and even sports, owning basketball team EA7 Emporio Armani Milan. By 2023, his empire employed more than 9,000 people with over 600 stores worldwide. Born in Piacenza in 1934, Armani co-founded his label in 1975 with Sergio Galeotti, starting with just $10,000. He never sold or merged his company, always remaining in control. Known as “Re Giorgio” (King George), Armani was celebrated not only for his fashion but also for philanthropy, including AIDS awareness and refugee support. Armani, who had no children, is survived by close family, including his niece Roberta, a key figure in his company. Plans to mark the 50th anniversary of his fashion house at Milan Fashion Week were underway at the time of his passing.   End/AP/UNB/SS

The WNBA All-Stars kicked off their All-Star Weekend in style, dazzling fans with glamorous outfits as they strutted down the Orange Carpet on Thursday. Held at the Indianapolis Convention Center, the event saw players take the stage to loud cheers from hundreds of enthusiastic supporters. It added a new dimension to the All-Star festivities, blending fashion with fan engagement. “This was so much fun,” said Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum, who turned heads in a sparkling red dress and heels. Indiana Fever’s Aliyah Boston, donning a sleek, dark gown, echoed Plum’s excitement. “I think it gets the fans more excited to see all the outfits,” she said. In recent seasons, WNBA players have elevated their off-court fashion, gaining widespread attention for their bold and expressive pregame looks. While “Tunnel Fits” have long been a part of the league, the trend has now evolved into a significant part of player branding and fan culture. Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese made a statement in a leopard print coat and trendy sunglasses. “I missed this last year due to flight delays, so I’m glad I made it this time,” said Reese. Singapore tops global list for costliest luxury spending, London overtakes Hong Kong Reigning MVP A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces stunned in a Di Petsa-designed maroon gown with a high slit, accessorized with striking gold Saint Laurent earrings. New York Liberty’s Natasha Cloud, who will take part in Friday’s skills competition, admitted she felt a bit out of her element. “It definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone,” she said, opting for a classic pants-and-shirt combo. Minnesota Lynx’s Napheesa Collier enjoyed the spotlight but said she would have chosen a less revealing outfit had she known children would be in the crowd. Source: Agency 

In Senegal, elite sheep take center stage in a dazzling beauty contest where their elegance is met with cheers, music, and fireworks. These striking animals—especially the prized Ladoum breed—are symbols of prestige, paraded in an open arena to the excitement of an enthusiastic crowd. Known as the "Ferrari" of sheep, Ladoums are showcased in one of the country’s most celebrated annual events, competing across three categories: adult male, adult female, and young/promising. Judges score each sheep based on traits like size, beauty, horn shape, height, and skin texture. Winners take home cash and food prizes. This year’s top male, Prive, is just 19 months old but estimated to be worth over $100,000. “It feels amazing to be here,” said his breeder, Isaiah Cisse, as he lovingly prepared Prive for his moment in the spotlight. Unlike common sheep used for food and religious sacrifice, the Ladoum are luxury livestock—bred over years to represent wealth and social status. These animals can fetch prices as high as $70,000 or more, far surpassing the $250 typical for ordinary sheep, and they attract buyers globally. Weighing up to 400 pounds and standing about 4 feet tall, Ladoums are admired for their impressive size, spiraled horns, and gleaming coats. As the competition took place in Dakar, each sheep was guided onto a stage to be evaluated, accompanied by live Assiko music and chants praising the animals. “You won’t find sheep like these anywhere else,” said judge Elhadji Ndiaye. “Ladoum are truly unique.” Young breeders are also making their mark. Twenty-two-year-old Musa Faye named his sheep Diomaye, after the country’s president, and is already preparing for future competitions. “I play with him and spend a lot of time training,” Faye said. “I know he’ll win next time.” The event also showcased up-and-coming enthusiasts like 12-year-old Ibrahim Diagne, who dreams of entering the contest one day. “My parents love this, and now I do too,” he said. Sheep rearing in Senegal is a longstanding tradition passed down through families, often seen as more than just a livelihood—it's a cultural legacy. That legacy continues for breeders like Maniane Ndaw, whose young sheep Alou won Best Junior Male this year—following in the footsteps of his champion father. “It brings me so much joy,” Ndaw said. “It proves the strength of the bloodline.”  

The fashion industry, which has always been praised for its productive and cultural contributions, has turned into one of the most environmentally damaging sectors in the world. Its impact stretches across natural resources and climates. From piling up in masses in landfills, polluting and clogging water, and making air unbreathable to destroying the balance in the earth’s resources and atmospheres, fashion waste is making life impossible on the planet. What is Fashion Waste? The term fashion waste refers to the useless materials naturally produced during the manufacturing of textile products and thrown away afterwards. It also includes worn-out clothes and other materials like wastewater, plastic waste, and toxic dyes discarded or discharged after their use. Though the term fashion waste mostly highlights the wastage related to garments and fabrics, it has more branches. Any poisonous discharge of non-biodegradable waste that pollutes energy and natural elements like earth, water, and air during or after the manufacturing and use cycle of garment products falls under the definition of fashion waste. Read more: How to Declutter Your Wardrobe to Donate Some Clothes Key Environmental Impacts of Fashion Waste . Landfill Overflow Much of the fashion waste is synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic. These elements take about centuries to decompose and mix with soils or never decompose. There are many regions on the earth where miles after miles have been occupied by them. Massive piles of non-biodegradable materials are slowly eroding away, releasing poisons into the soil and air, making those regions unlivable. In 2018, the US single-handedly generated about 11.3 million tonnes of textile waste, about 66% of which ended up in landfills. Water Clog and Pollution Fashion waste contaminates water in two ways: chemically transforming its nature and clogging it with insoluble materials like plastic. Among chemical polluters, textile dyeing is the world's most common and second-largest water contaminant. Several rivers in Bangladesh and India, such as the Buriganga and Ganges, are carrying the mark of the devastating impact of textile waste. Synthetic and plastic materials cause water clogs, impeding usual flow and preventing water from passing. They are the primary reason for clogged drains and sewerage. Synthetic clothes are also known to release microplastics into water during washing or when dumped in a water body. These microplastics are invisible, insoluble fibres that travel with river currents and fall into oceans, where they accumulate in large amounts and are consumed by marine life.  Read more: How to Choose the Best Fabric for Your Suit Greenhouse Gas Emissions Dumped clothing waste in landfills doesn’t only pile up and occupy spaces; during decomposition, it releases methane, one of the primary catalysts of the global greenhouse effect and about 25 times more potent than CO2. Studies have found the fashion manufacturing industry to be highly energy-intensive. To manufacture a single shirt, about 2,700 litres of water are needed, and 2.1 kg of CO₂ is emitted. A pair of jeans produces 33.4 kg of CO₂ in their cotton cultivation and dyeing phases. At the current production acceleration rate in the fashion industry, the emission rate will increase by about 50% by 2030 without interference from regulatory bodies. Resource Depletion The fashion industry is one of the most resource-depleting sectors. For example, cotton covers around 2.5% of the world’s farmland and consumes about 24% of all insecticides and 11% of pesticides. That’s a huge environmental cost for a single crop. Then there’s polyester, the most common fabric in today’s clothing, found in about 60% of garments. It’s made from crude oil, tying fast fashion directly to fossil fuel depletion. Read more: Personal Grooming Tips and Tricks for Better Life and Career The impact doesn’t stop at raw materials. The dyeing and finishing stages of textile production are some of the most chemically intensive and responsible for nearly 20% of global industrial water pollution. Around 43 million tonnes of chemicals are poured into the process each year. 

On Thursday, the Prada Group announced an agreement to acquire Italian fashion label Versace from U.S.-based luxury conglomerate Capri Holdings in a deal valuing the brand at 1.25 billion euros (approximately $1.4 billion). Prada described Versace’s “highly recognizable aesthetic” as a “strongly complementary addition” to its existing portfolio, which includes its flagship Prada brand along with Miu Miu. The company also noted that Milan-based Versace holds “significant untapped growth potential.” The deal’s final value will be determined at closing, anticipated in the latter half of the year. It will be financed through 1.5 billion euros in new debt and has received approval from the boards of both Prada and Capri Holdings. In a statement, Prada said Versace would “retain its creative DNA and cultural authenticity” while also gaining from the Group’s “considerable consolidated platform,” including its manufacturing capabilities, retail operations, and overall business expertise. Versace, established in 1978 by the late Gianni Versace, has been under Capri Holdings’ ownership since 2018. Capri’s portfolio also includes the Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo brands. Although Capri Holdings acquired Versace for $2 billion, the company has faced challenges repositioning the iconic Italian label—renowned for its bold designs and provocative style—amid the trend toward “quiet luxury.” Last month, Capri appointed Dario Vitale as Versace’s new creative director, succeeding Donatella Versace, who had taken the role after her brother’s murder in 1997. Vitale previously worked at Miu Miu, the Prada Group’s youth-oriented brand. Donatella Versace was named chief brand ambassador in the leadership reshuffle, a move widely seen as paving the way for the much-speculated Prada acquisition. Miuccia Prada had hinted at the Group’s interest during Milan Fashion Week in February.

Just days after an unexploded World War II bomb near Paris’ Gare du Nord made headlines, a different kind of spectacle unfolded across the street: Louis Vuitton’s fashion show extravaganza on Monday evening. The only bursts of excitement at Paris Fashion Week came from fabric, form, and a whirlwind imagination. When designer Nicolas Ghesquière took his bow, the audience’s admiration reached a fever pitch, with French first lady Brigitte Macron, in a rare display of enthusiasm, leaping to her feet to kiss him. When should you eat? Before, after — or even while — exercising? A station full of mystery The show took place at "L’Étoile du Nord," described by Louis Vuitton as "a hidden station where past and future travelers converge, evoking the golden age of railway adventure." The event was held in the historic 1845 building, originally designed for the Compagnie du Nord railway company. Its atrium was meticulously transformed into a grand train station waiting room for the ready-to-wear show, reinforcing the themes of travel, anticipation, and adventure — central to Vuitton’s identity. From their front-row seats, Emma Stone, Jennifer Connelly, Ana de Armas, Chloë Grace Moretz, Lisa, Jaden Smith, Ava DuVernay, and Sophie Turner watched attentively as projected shadowy figures drifted across the upper windows, like ghostly travelers from another time. This evoked Vuitton’s origins at the dawn of the Orient Express and haute couture, when wealthy women needed to bring numerous cases to store their extensive traveling wardrobes. On the runway below, Ghesquière wove a story of train stations, both real and imagined, styling passengers for unknown journeys. There were detectives in trench coats, campers in chunky New Wave sweaters, and party girls rushing to catch the last train in ruched velvet. Ghesquière is renowned for his cinematic styling, drawing from a vast range of film influences—whodunnits, fantasies, and comedies. Aarong unveils world's largest craft store in Dhanmondi In other instances, a voluminous layered tulle skirt in deep fuchsia captured Ghesquière’s knack for blending different centuries, paired with a contemporary architectural knit top and sleek, futuristic hair. When the tracks got bumpy However, while the narrative was rich, some of the styling occasionally veered off course. One look, in particular, featured a hybrid fisherman’s hat so oversized it nearly obscured the model’s vision, paired with an enveloping scarf, shapeless dress, and a horizontally placed belt buckle above the bust, which made even seasoned fashion insiders raise an eyebrow. While some outfits were exciting, others felt like mismatched passengers on the wrong train. While fluid, translucent trenches and cleverly constructed jumpsuits stood out, some pieces seemed overcomplicated, leaning more toward hurried layering than artful disarray. Fashion on a synthesized beat A notable collaboration with electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk merged Vuitton’s travel legacy with the band’s vision of movement and modernity. 'Trans-Europe Express' was emblazoned on pinstriped jumpsuits and accessories, reinforcing the rhythm of the journey. Additionally, Vuitton revived its 1988 ceramic-bezel watch, nodding to precision in both travel and design. As the last model exited the train station set, a question lingered: Has Ghesquière lost his spark after 11 years at the helm? Perhaps not yet, but this season’s journey, while evocative, didn’t always have a clear final destination.

Aarong, Bangladesh’s fashion and lifestyle brand, announced the grand opening of its newest flagship outlet in Dhanmondi—the world’s largest craft store. Spread across an awe-inspiring 60,000 square feet and encompassing eight spacious floors, this stunning architectural masterpiece is set to transform the nation’s retail landscape and cement Bangladesh’s standing as a global hub for artisanal excellence, according to a press release on Friday. How to Identify a Genuine Pashmina Shawl The press release claimed that the Dhanmondi flagship outlet is more than just a store; it’s a statement of magnificence and creativity. The building’s distinctive façade and meticulously crafted interior speak to Aarong’s unwavering commitment to uplifting local artistry. As guests journey through each floor, they will be treated to a series of monumental art installations, including A 4-Storey Nakshi Kantha: Towering at the heart of the store, this spectacular piece showcases the intricate embroidery tradition of Bangladesh, telling the story of Aarong. Clay Pottery Wall: A tactile tapestry of handcrafted clay pieces that showcases age-old pottery practices as a contemporary art piece, symbolising Aarong’s innovative spirit. Alchemy: Made from copper and repurposed glass, this luminous centrepiece cascades from above, casting a warm, enchanting glow throughout the space. From the widest selection of handcrafted textiles to exclusive artisanal décor, the store promises a truly world-class experience. The children’s wear section, in particular, features a magical, forest-themed playpen—an interactive wonderland that will captivate young imaginations while allowing parents to browse in comfort. At the pinnacle of this unprecedented retail adventure lies the Orange Parrot restaurant on the 7th floor, which will open by the end of the year. Serving mouthwatering Bangladeshi fusion cuisine, this unique dining destination will offer an unmatched culinary journey complete with sweeping views of Dhanmondi from its serene terrace. “This groundbreaking destination store is a proud testament to Bangladesh moving boldly into the future,” said Tamara Abed, Managing Director, BRAC Enterprises. “It embodies our mission to preserve and celebrate Bangladesh’s rich artisanal heritage while delivering a world-class shopping experience. Every product tells a story, connecting our customers to the hands that create them. This store marks a new era for Aarong and highlights this brand’s ambitions for the global stage.” Bata launches 2025 Eid-Ul-Fitr collection 'Starlight' Founded in 1978, the press release said, Aarong has grown into a household name, renowned for preserving and promoting the art and craft traditions of Bangladesh.

Designed to add elegance and charm to Eid celebrations of its consumers and enthusiasts, popular footwear brand Bata launches its 2025 Eid-Ul-Fitr collection 'Bata Starlight' at its Jamuna Future Park outlet on Thursday. This latest collection showcases a stunning range of new arrivals, featuring trendsetting heels in captivating colours with crystal accents, stylish mules with modern uppers, and shimmering, technology-infused Comfit sandals designed for ultimate comfort and elegance for the ladies. The launching event at Jamuna Future Park was joined by Nusrat Hasan, Head of Marketing, and Md Jobayer Islam, Senior Manager, Brand Communication at Bata Bangladesh, alongside a number of popular social media influencers.  For men, the collection offers a variety of dress shoes, moccasins, fisherman sandals, and other fashionable summer styles, complemented by an exclusive leather range that perfectly captures the spirit of Eid celebrations. The price range for Starlight men’s shoes are within BDT 499–16,999; women’s shoes range from BDT 499 to 5,999; and children’s shoes range from BDT 499 to 3,999. Bata is also offering cashback and coupons for consumers in different payment gateways/platforms like bank cards and mobile wallets. Each pair of Bata shoes is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using only the finest materials and the latest technology to ensure maximum comfort and durability.  Bata offers trendy shoes with modern technologies, including memory foam, ortholite cushioning, and life anti-bacterial properties with a lightweight feature, making these shoes the ultimate fashion choice. Besides 2500+ unique designs and a selection of 1000+ newly dropped styles, especially for this Eid, Bata’s online platform, Batabd.com, now boasts exciting weekly flash deals and free shipping catering to the increasing demands of online customers. Over 250 Bata outlets across the country are also awaiting their consumers' footfall, according to the brand authority. 

With winter approaching, quality shawls become a wardrobe essential for those seeking warmth and style. Among luxury winterwear, the Pashmina shawl stands out for its timeless elegance, crafted from the ultra-fine fibers of the Changthangi Mountain Goat. Originating in Ladakh in northern India, these shawls carry a rich cultural heritage and are highly sought after worldwide. However, the market is flooded with imitations, making it crucial to know how to distinguish a true Pashmina. Here’s a guide on identifying an authentic Pashmina shawl and ensuring your investment reflects its genuine beauty and craftsmanship. 5 Effective Ways to Spot A Real Pashmina Shawl Feel the Softness  The hallmark of genuine Pashmina is its uniquely fine softness without compromising warmth. A gentle stroke over Pashmina feels feather-light, with an even smoothness across its entire surface. In contrast, synthetic or blended shawls often feel coarse, stiff, and less flexible, lacking the delicate texture of authentic Pashmina. Read more: How to Declutter Your Wardrobe to Donate Some Clothes Observe the Weave Original Pashmina fabrics are handwoven with traditional techniques. It results in a distinctive, slightly uneven weave that reflects the artisanal craftsmanship behind each piece.  Machine-made shawls, on the contrary, have a uniform, flawless weave, lacking this character. Holding the fabric reveals subtle differences, with these irregularities highlighting the skill and heritage embedded in pure Pashmina, all without compromising its flexibility or warmth. Sunlight Test Authentic Pashmina doesn’t shine when exposed to sunlight, as its natural fibers absorb light rather than reflect it. If a shawl glitters in direct light, it likely contains silk, nylon, or other synthetic materials. Read more: How to Choose the Best Fabric for Your Suit Though finely woven, this fabric is not transparent, meaning sunlight does not pass or refract through it; instead, it effectively blocks light. Static Check To test for synthetic content, gently rub the edge of the shawl between two fingers. Synthetic fibers generate static electricity through friction, causing the fibers to stand upright. Since the original Pashmina is made from natural wool, friction does not generate static electricity. As a result, the fine wool fibers remain in place without standing up when rubbed. Read more: How to Identify an Authentic Bangladeshi Jamdani Saree? Flame Test This test should only be used when other methods leave doubts, as it is best avoided unless necessary. It remains a highly effective technique for verifying authentic Pashmina, but caution is essential. Gently pull a small thread from the shawl and burn it. Genuine Pashmina will emit a scent similar to burning hair and turn to fine, powdery ash. In contrast, synthetic fibers will begin to melt, releasing a plastic-like odor and leaving a hardened residue as they burn. In a Nutshell Spotting a real Pashmina shawl requires attention to key characteristics that distinguish it from its synthetic counterparts. Texture, weave patterns, and burn tests offer physical indicators, while sunlight transparency and friction behavior further help identify natural versus synthetic fibers. Each method ensures an investment in a genuine piece of luxury crafted from Changthangi goat wool, embodying traditional craftsmanship. These five steps provide a reliable approach, enabling the selection of a true, high-quality shawl suited for warmth in winter and elegance. Read more: Personal Grooming Tips and Tricks for Better Life and Career