Category Archives: culture

culture, defense, military, politics

Trump reveals plan to use US cities to train military and end ‘woke culture’

Leave a comment

President Donald Trump revealed that he wants to use American cities as training grounds for the armed forces and joined Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday in declaring an end to woke culture. This announcement was made before an unusual gathering of hundreds of top US military officials who were abruptly summoned to Virginia from around the world.

Mr. Hegseth announced new directives for troops that include gender-neutral or male-level standards for physical fitness. Meanwhile, Mr. Trump boasted about US nuclear capabilities and warned that America is under invasion from within.

“After spending trillions of dollars defending the borders of foreign countries, with your help we’re defending the borders of our country,” Mr. Trump said.

Mr. Hegseth had called military leaders to the Marine Corps base in Quantico, near Washington, without publicly revealing the reason until the morning of the event. His address largely focused on his long-used talking points, painting a picture of a military hampered by woke policies. He stated that military leaders should do the honorable thing and resign if they do not agree with his new approach.

Meetings between top military brass and civilian leaders are nothing new, but this gathering fueled speculation due to the haste of its call and the mystery surrounding its purpose. Admirals and generals from conflict zones in the Middle East and elsewhere were summoned for a lecture on race and gender in the military. This highlighted the extent to which the country’s culture wars have become a front-and-center agenda item for Mr. Hegseth’s Pentagon, even amid broad national security concerns worldwide.

Mr. Trump is accustomed to boisterous crowds of supporters who laugh at his jokes and applaud his boasts during speeches. However, he did not receive that kind of feedback from the generals and admirals in attendance. In keeping with the nonpartisan tradition of the armed services, the military leaders sat mostly stone-faced throughout Mr. Trump’s politicized remarks. This contrasted with the cheering rank-and-file soldiers during Mr. Trump’s speech at Fort Bragg earlier this summer.

During his nearly hour-long speech, Mr. Hegseth criticized the US military for promoting too many leaders for the wrong reasons, such as race, gender quotas, and historic firsts. “The era of politically correct, overly sensitive ‘don’t-hurt-anyone’s-feelings’ leadership ends right now at every level,” he declared.

Mr. Trump echoed this sentiment, stating, “The purpose of America’s military is not to protect anyone’s feelings. It’s to protect our republic. We will not be politically correct when it comes to defending American freedom.” He added, “And we will be a fighting and winning machine.”

Mr. Hegseth also announced that he is loosening disciplinary rules and weakening hazing protections. He emphasized removing many of the guardrails the military put in place after numerous scandals and investigations. He said he was ordering a review of the department’s definitions of so-called toxic leadership, bullying, and hazing to empower leaders to enforce standards without fear of retribution or second-guessing.

The Defense Secretary called for changes to how adverse information is retained in personnel records, allowing leaders with forgivable, earnest, or minor infractions not to be burdened by those records forever. “People make honest mistakes, and our mistakes should not define an entire career,” Mr. Hegseth said. “Otherwise, we only try not to make mistakes.”

This approach comes despite evidence that bullying and toxic leadership have been suspected and confirmed causes behind numerous military suicides in recent years, including the 2018 suicide of Brandon Caserta, a young sailor bullied into taking his own life. A Navy investigation found that Mr. Caserta’s supervisors’ belligerent, vulgar, and brash leadership likely contributed significantly to his decision.

Mr. Hegseth used the platform to criticize environmental policies and transgender troops while highlighting his and Mr. Trump’s focus on the warrior ethos and “peace through strength.” He stated that previous administrations told the military “our diversity is our strength,” which he called an “insane fallacy.”

“They had to put out dizzying DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) and LGBTQE+ statements,” he said. “They were told females and males are the same thing, or that males who think they’re females is totally normal.”

He also mentioned the use of electric tanks and COVID vaccine requirements as examples of mistaken policies. However, when it comes to any job that requires physical power to perform in combat, “those physical standards must be high and gender neutral,” he asserted. “If women can make it, excellent; if not, it is what it is. If that means no women qualify for some combat jobs, so be it. That is not the intent, but it could be the result.”

Mr. Hegseth’s speech came at a time when the country faces a potential government shutdown this week. He has also taken several unusual and unexplained actions, including ordering cuts to the number of general officers and firing other top military leaders.

Hegseth has championed the military’s role in securing the US-Mexico border, deploying to American cities as part of Mr. Trump’s law enforcement surges, and carrying out strikes on boats in the Caribbean that the administration says targeted drug traffickers.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/trump-reveals-plan-to-use-us-cities-to-train-military-and-end-woke-culture-1813111.html

community, culture, education, human rights, indigenous

Through the Eyes of a 6-Year-old Child, Orange Became a Symbol of an Indigenous Movement

Leave a comment

The color orange was chosen because of something that happened to Phyllis Webstad when she was only six years old.

It was September 30, 1973, the first day she attended St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School in British Columbia. Her grandmother had bought Webstad a brand-new shiny orange shirt to wear, adding to the young student’s first-day-of-school excitement.

“I didn’t understand why they wouldn’t give it back to me; it was mine!” Webstad recalls. The color orange has always reminded her of that moment — how her feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared, and how she felt like she was worth nothing.

“All of us little children were crying, and no one cared,” she said.

She never forgot the loss that turned into a hurt to her heart.

### The Birth of the Orange Shirt Society

In 2013, Webstad was invited to return to St. Joseph’s as an Indian residential school survivor. She convinced other survivors to buy orange t-shirts as a way to remember those who attended residential schools in Canada. This movement led to the formation of the Orange Shirt Society.

Wearing orange shirts has become a symbol of defiance against those things that undermine children’s self-esteem, and a commitment to anti-racism and anti-bullying in general, Webstad explains.

However, the Orange Shirt Society is not only about defiance. Orange Shirt Day has become an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools, and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come.

### Why September 30?

September 30 was chosen as the primary day of remembrance because it is around that time of year that Indigenous children were taken from their homes and sent to residential schools.

It also serves as an opportunity to set the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying policies for the coming school year, Webstad notes.

### Growth of Orange Shirt Day

Since 2013, Orange Shirt Day has evolved into days of reflection throughout Canada and the United States. Orange has also become a color embraced by women jingle dress dancers.

Today, Orange Shirt Day carries a more serious tone, especially following the revelation in late May of the discovery of the remains of 215 children in a mass grave at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. Since then, thousands of other bodies have been found at residential schools throughout Canada.

“Every child matters” has become a mantra seen on t-shirts and rally signs nationwide.

In 2021, for the first time, Canada officially celebrated Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30. However, to many, September 30 will always be known as Orange Shirt Day, a lasting legacy of the difference Phyllis Webstad made in creating an Indigenous movement.

—

### Help Us Tell Stories That Could Save Native Languages and Food Traditions

At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is launching its most ambitious reporting project yet: **”Cultivating Culture.”** This three-year investigation focuses on two vital forces shaping Native community survival — food sovereignty and language revitalization.

The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and, with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back — reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages.

These aren’t just cultural preservation efforts; they are powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.

Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices.

We’ll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness, while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.

This isn’t corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story — this is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It’s “Warrior Journalism”: fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.

### We Need Your Help

While we have secured partial funding, we are still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is to raise $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward: funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.

Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it’s $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope do not disappear into silence.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging — and these stories need to be told.

Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.

*Levi Rickert (Potawatomi)*
Editor & Publisher
Native News Online
https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/through-the-eyes-of-a-6-year-old-child-orange-became-a-symbol-of-an-indigenous-movement-4

culture, entertainment, media, television

’13th’ review: SonyLIV series suffers from bland execution

Leave a comment

**By Isha Sharma | Oct 01, 2025, 12:02 am**

—

**What’s the Story?**

*13th*, out on SonyLIV, is produced by Abhishek Dhandharia, who also serves as the showrunner. Created and written by Sameer Mishra and directed by Nishil Sheth, the show instantly reminds you of The Viral Fever (TVF) projects due to its rawness and theme. Alas, the similarities end there. Despite an interesting premise, this series—drawing inspiration from the life of Competishun founder Mohit Tyagi—never quite soars.

—

**Plot: A Student Helps His Teacher Realize His Dream**

The story follows Ritesh (Paresh Pahuja), a rising venture capitalist who gives up his high-paying job to help his mentor, MT Sir (Gagan Dev Riar). MT Sir taught Ritesh during his “13th year”—the drop year after the 12th grade—when he was preparing for the IIT entrance exam.

Now, years later, Ritesh decides to assist him in building a visionary ed-tech startup. Will this guru-shishya duo succeed?

—

### 1. The Protagonist Is Always at a Distance

*13th* fails to hit the right spot due to its extremely heavy-handed storytelling. From the very first frame, the show positions Ritesh as an aggressive, hot-headed man who marches to his own beat. Early on, he delivers a fiery speech about his dissatisfaction with his job, setting in motion the chain of events that lead him back to MT Sir.

—

### 2. Too Filmy, Too Theatrical

While the show is conversation-heavy and features some sharp dialogues, most characters deliver full-fledged sermons! The exchanges between MT Sir and Ritesh quickly become tiresome, as they come across like filmy, cardboard characters rather than genuine, relatable people.

Interestingly enough, during flashbacks of Ritesh’s JEE preparation, we see MT Sir going to great lengths to mentor him—but what about the other students?

—

### 3. Supporting Characters Remain Underdeveloped

The show is so obsessed with the two leads that it largely forgets to develop the supporting characters. The most successful shows, like *Panchayat* and *The Family Man*, give well-rounded arcs to all characters to make the narrative more believable. Sadly, *13th* doesn’t bother to do the same.

Girija Oak, who plays MT Sir’s wife, gets some nice scenes, but that’s hardly enough to enrich the story.

—

### 4. Pahuja and Dev Riar Try to Keep the Series Afloat

The watchable moments in *13th* largely come from Paresh Pahuja and Gagan Dev Riar’s camaraderie and craft. The show pays tribute to the teacher-student relationship, especially as Ritesh’s life comes full circle when he helps MT Sir with his business.

“I owe my life to him,” Ritesh says, and in return, he becomes his mentor’s teacher.

—

**Verdict: Can Skip This SonyLIV Original**

*13th*’s biggest undoing is that it takes itself too seriously, making it hard to have fun with what ends up being a tedious show. We meet Ritesh’s friends in the initial scenes, but their arcs are never properly developed.

The series aspires to capture the ache and angst of IIT aspirants and almost succeeds, but ultimately fails to capitalize fully on its theme.

**Rating: 2/5 stars**
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/gagan-dev-riar-sonyliv-s-13th-review/story

communication, culture, language, psychology, society

You cannot say words like that

Leave a comment

I really feel that no matter what the complaints and grievances are, or how strong the feelings run, there’s some value in being civil. Words like **assh-le** don’t belong in a chat like this.

There was a whiplash reaction to being told not to swear. In civil, smiling Thailand, where I live, you won’t hear much scatology. But to English-speaking expatriates, being asked to communicate without swearing feels like a violation of a fundamental freedom.

With swear words suddenly in the spotlight, I began paying attention to casual references to faeces, genitals, and other private parts in daily conversation. Fair warning: the rest of this column may be peppered with words that make some queasy. Out of respect, I will misspell the really gross ones. If I write *fcuk*, please don’t be baffled—or offended.

A beloved favourite is **shit**, a Swiss Army knife of a four-letter word that can stand in for just about any other word you choose.

– If you’re the boss man, you’re a big shit.
– If you’re a celebrity, you’re hot shit.
– Be authentic, genuine, and you’ll be the real shit.
– If you care for someone, you give a shit.
– Be a unicorn, and they’ll say you’re doing next-level shit.
– “Have you seen my shit anywhere?” will be correctly understood as “Where did I leave my things?”
– If things are not looking good, it’s a shitshow.
– If it’s dire, it’s a shitstorm.
– If they’ve called the police, then the shit has hit the fan.

The world swears, and the words are always intimate and crude. I’d expect India to lead, as it does in every other sphere. We are the country that has made a science out of defiling mothers and sisters when we swear.

However, just like **shit** in English, India’s *ma-bahen* variants are offensive, signal an escalation of emotions, and can lead to war. Of course, that’s what makes them useful.

In July, I came upon a scholarly dissertation on filthy words used in chit-chat, called *Vulgarity in Online Discourse around the English-speaking World*. The authors looked at 20 English-speaking countries, including an inner circle (e.g., the US, UK, Australia) and an outer circle (India, Nigeria, Singapore).

They labelled a word as vulgar if it had more acceptable variants. For example, *fcuk* has alternatives like “sleep with someone” or “make love.” Similarly, words like *butt* and *arse* have more circumspect cousins like *behind* and *bottom*.

Vulgar language, they noted, is the natural playground for unleashing our linguistic creativity. Consider colourful juxtapositions like *dcikhead*. The study analysed more than 1.7 billion words of online language, identifying 597 different swear word forms, including creative spellings like *4rseholes* and acronyms like *wtf*.

The top three most vulgar countries in the list were the USA, UK, Australia—and a surprise: Singapore.

The US is thrice as vulgar online as India in English, with vulgar words making up 0.36 per cent of all the words from their dataset. The most frequent word was *fcuk*, with a stunning 201 variants.

So why even discuss the cuss culture?

Because swearing requires becoming numb to the real meaning of a word. A person who says, “Hey, I’m in a restaurant eating shit right now, but I’ll see you soon,” has blocked what that word stands for in reality—or else he would have barfed.

We are able to throw around words like *shitstorm* and *hot shit* only because we have stopped paying attention to what they actually mean. It’s like saying, “Love you too,” without remembering what love means when your significant other says, “I love you.”

I taught a 10-year-old child with Asperger’s Syndrome for six months. He was clever to the point of brilliance, but every third word he said was a *fcuk*. I told him that, IMHO, people who used just one or two words for everything they wanted to say were probably not very intelligent.

This riled him, and he agreed to think of alternatives to *fcuk*. The following day, however, he came empty-handed.

“I fcuking forgot,” he told me cheekily. “I was fcuking playing video games all fcuking evening.”

“In that case,” I said, “I’d like you to spend the next two hours creating alternatives to that word.”

He gave me a broad, definitely devilish smile.

“No wucking furries,” he said.

—

You can reach C Y Gopinath at **cygopi@gmail.com**
Send your feedback to **mailbag@mid-day.com**.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/opinion/article/you-cannot-say-words-like-that-23596425

culture, diversity, entertainment, film, hollywood

Ryan Coogler’s secret to telling stories that truly connect

Leave a comment

**Ryan Coogler’s Secret to Telling Stories That Truly Connect**
*By Vinita Jain | Sep 29, 2025, 10:21 AM*

Ryan Coogler, the visionary director behind *Black Panther*, has redefined cultural storytelling in Hollywood. His work stands as a powerful testament to the impact of narrative in shaping perceptions and celebrating diversity. Coogler’s approach transcends traditional storytelling by weaving rich cultural tapestries that resonate with audiences around the world.

Through his films, he has not only entertained but also educated viewers about the complexities and beauty of different cultures. Here are the key elements behind Coogler’s storytelling magic:

### Embracing Cultural Authenticity

One of Coogler’s hallmarks is his unwavering commitment to cultural authenticity. He digs deep into the cultures he portrays, ensuring every detail is accurate and respectful. This dedication allows viewers to form a stronger connection with the story and its characters.

By prioritizing cultural accuracy, Coogler sets a high standard for filmmakers aiming to tell stories that genuinely honor their roots.

### Empowering Diverse Narratives

Coogler’s films highlight the power of diverse narratives. By focusing on stories often overlooked in mainstream media, he opens doors for underrepresented voices in Hollywood. His work inspires fellow filmmakers to explore perspectives outside the conventional, enriching cinema with a broader range of experiences.

### Collaborating with Cultural Experts

A key part of Coogler’s storytelling process is his collaboration with cultural experts. By working closely with historians, artists, and community leaders, he ensures his films are not only entertaining but also educational.

This collaborative effort adds layers of depth and authenticity, helping stories resonate with audiences on multiple levels.

### Fostering Global Connections Through Film

Coogler’s films excel at forging global connections by addressing universal themes while remaining true to their cultural roots. His storytelling brings people from diverse backgrounds together, fostering empathy and understanding through shared human experiences.

It is this unique ability to connect across borders that makes Ryan Coogler’s work so impactful on a global scale.

—

Ryan Coogler’s approach to storytelling reminds us of the profound role cinema plays in bridging cultures and creating meaningful conversations. His dedication to authentic, diverse, and collaborative narratives continues to shape a more inclusive future in Hollywood and beyond.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/ryan-coogler-s-influence-on-cultural-storytelling/story

celebrity, culture, entertainment, music, sports

Bad Bunny announced as Super Bowl LX halftime performer

Leave a comment

LOS ANGELES – Bad Bunny will bring his Latin trap and reggaeton swagger to the NFL’s biggest stage next year. The Grammy winner has been announced as the headliner for the Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show in Northern California.

The NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation revealed on Sunday that Bad Bunny will lead the halftime festivities at Levi’s Stadium on February 8 in Santa Clara, California. The Puerto Rican superstar’s selection comes amid another career-defining run. He recently completed a historic residency in Puerto Rico that drew more than half a million fans and is currently the leading nominee at the Latin Grammys this November.

Bad Bunny has become one of the world’s most streamed artists with albums such as Un Verano Sin Ti, an all-Spanish-language LP that has reached global acclaim.

Speaking about the opportunity, Bad Bunny said in a statement, “What I’m feeling goes beyond myself. It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown. This is for my people, my culture, and our history. Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL.”

Jay-Z, founder of Roc Nation, expressed his admiration for Bad Bunny’s achievements: “What Bad Bunny has done and continues to do for Puerto Rico is truly inspiring. We are honored to have him on the world’s biggest stage.”

Born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, the 31-year-old artist boasts three Grammy wins and 12 Latin Grammys. Beyond music, he has become a global ambassador for Latin culture, starring in films such as Bullet Train, Caught Stealing, and Happy Gilmore 2, while also collaborating with prominent fashion houses.

At the upcoming Latin Grammys, Bad Bunny leads the nominations with 12 nods, overtaking producer and songwriter Edgar Barrera.

The Super Bowl halftime show will be co-executive produced by Roc Nation and Emmy-winning producer Jesse Collins, with Hamish Hamilton serving as director.

Last year’s halftime show featured Kendrick Lamar and guest SZA in New Orleans, breaking records with 133.5 million viewers—the most-watched performance to date—surpassing even Michael Jackson’s iconic 1993 appearance.

https://abc7.com/post/bad-bunny-announced-super-bowl-lx-halftime-performer/17900968/

community, conflict, culture, peace, religion

Faith, friendship and quiet harmony

Leave a comment

At dawn, when the first rays of sunlight hit the snow-capped peaks of Speen Ghar [trans: The White Mountain], the valley below glows in soft gold. Parachinar, the only Shiite-majority city among the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa tribal districts, lies cradled in this rugged frontier along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. For decades, these hills were known for sectarian clashes and roadblocks, not peace.

Yet, beneath the towering ridges of Speen Ghar, a quieter story unfolds; one of faith, friendship, and lasting coexistence.

Near Parachinar, in the village of Malana, tucked amid walnut groves and spring-fed streams, an Imambargah and a Sikh Gurdwara stand right next to each other. Their shared wall tells a story older than the conflicts that have scarred this borderland.

“This is Baba Nanak House,” says Barkat Ali, aged 60, the caretaker of the Gurdwara, pointing to the modest building marked by an orange Sikh flag. Inside, a green cloth drapes the Takht, where ceremonial kirpans [daggers] gleam softly in the morning light.

“Sikhs are our brothers. During their festivals, we open our Imambargah doors for them and offer them accommodation. We even provide wood for their cooking,” he adds.

Centuries ago, the Turi tribe, a Shiite Pashtun community in Kurram, donated this very land to the Sikhs and helped build their Gurdwara—a gesture of solidarity that continues to resonate through the village’s stone courtyards and narrow alleys.

Though no Sikh families remain in Malana today, devotees travel from across Pakistan to visit Baba Nanak House, where tradition holds that Guru Nanak, the early 16th-century founder of Sikhism, once stayed.

In nearby Parachinar’s bustling Turi Market, the Singh brothers Mukesh and Rakesh carry that legacy into the present. In their early thirties, the twins run a family spice shop and speak fluent Pashto, dressed in the same shalwar kameez as their Muslim neighbours.

Every Muharram, as Shiite mourners mark the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the Singhs serve tea, sweet drinks, and baskets of candies to participants.

“This is our way of honouring our friends,” Rakesh says. “Our fathers and grandfathers did it and we will pass it on to our children.”

“Before 2007, Shiite, Sunni, Sikh, Hindu, and Christian neighbours celebrated each other’s festivals,” he continues. “We danced the Attan together at weddings. Those were beautiful days.”

Their Muslim neighbours return the affection. Gul Hassan, a dry fruit vendor, recalls attending the brothers’ weddings and gifting them a traditional sehra, a bridal headdress.

“We share tea, lunch, and life,” he says with a smile.

Kurram once had a thriving Sikh community, with three functioning Gurdwaras and nearly 80 families, before sectarian violence erupted in 2007. Today, only seven families, around 45 people, remain. Many left for larger cities such as Peshawar, Lahore, and Hasan Abdal, seeking safety during years when the main Parachinar-Tal Road remained sealed by conflict.

Yet even in those violent times, Sikh lives were spared. Local Muslim elders ensured safe passage for those who chose to leave.

“During the conflict, the roads were opened and security provided so Sikh families could leave safely,” recalls Mukesh Singh.

Santokh Singh, who migrated to Peshawar, remembers the Parachinar of his youth with fondness.

“Before 2007, Shiite, Sunni, Sikh, Hindu, and Christian neighbours celebrated each other’s festivals,” he says. “We danced the Attan together at weddings. Those were beautiful days.”

Despite the shrinking population, acts of generosity continue to knit the communities together. During Ramadan, Mukesh discreetly distributes food to poor Muslim families, fulfilling the Sikh tradition of charity without seeking recognition.

Local Muslim leaders, too, step forward in times of need. Nazir Hussain, secretary of the Parachinar Shopkeepers Union, often donates to Sikh religious events.

“Whenever the Sikh community asks for help, we provide every possible support,” he says.

Farther west in Tirah Valley, near central Kurram, Bhagat Singh, a shopkeeper with a long white beard wrapped in a dark blue turban, reflects on three centuries of shared history.

“Our families have lived here for 300 years,” he says softly. “These valleys are my home. I was born here and here I will die.”

In a region once synonymous with bloodshed, the quiet companionship of an Imambargah and a Gurdwara offers a different narrative. As the golden light of Speen Ghar falls over Parachinar, it illuminates not just mountains, but a truth often overlooked: that faith, when rooted in respect, can build bridges where politics too often builds walls.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1346828-faith-friendship-and-quiet-harmony

culture, design, fashion, heritage, music

Burberry’s Festival Beat

Leave a comment

Daniel Lee, Chief Creative Officer of Burberry Group, used the Burberry Spring 2026 collection to connect music with fashion in clear, direct ways. The runway was set under a sky-patterned tent in Perks Field at Kensington Palace, creating a setting that felt like a festival backstage. The floor was covered in dirt, while guests laughed and moved like a crowd eagerly waiting for a headline act.

The clothes maintained British tailoring but offered a music lover’s wardrobe with polish for the stage and durability in the mud. The collection balanced heritage with hedonism, featuring utility pieces built for both performance and weather. Lee referenced decades of British music culture—from the Mod period to folk rock and the current indie revival—filtering these influences through Burberry’s practical design to give each reference a modern shape.

“Musicians have always had incredible style, and together with fashion, they form a really strong culture,” Lee explained. The clothes embodied this idea with cropped A-line coats in Pop-Art checks and tartans in vibrant apple green and acid yellow. Classic camel coats kept their traditional structure while allowing a swinging hem.

The front row added to the festival atmosphere. British cultural icon Twiggy (Dame Lesley Lawson) arrived ahead of a group of musicians, joking, “I want to get in before the boy band arrives.” Also present were Elton John, Vanessa Williams, Skepta, Central Cee, and Naomi Campbell. Anna Wintour attended alongside US tennis star Jack Draper. Benji B, one of the world’s most respected music curators, mixed Black Sabbath tracks into the soundtrack, underlining the connection between rock heritage and new audiences.

Shine and weather protection remained central themes throughout the collection. Sequinned mini kilts flashed Burberry checks in pink and green, while glossy bomber jackets and wet-look leathers reflected light. Trench-inspired pieces appeared in denim, raffia, and waterproof cotton, proving that Burberry still designs with the elements in mind. Crochet and chainmail dresses were paired with fringe and flat lace-up shoes, perfect for festival grounds.

Suits stayed slim and short in silhouette, often featuring a Canadian-denim twist. Other looks were accented with hot pink polish or brown coatings featuring 1960s edges. Accessories included oversized fringe bags, skinny crochet scarves, and belts with prominent buckles—each serving a practical purpose while adding visual impact.

Daniel Lee delivered a focused vision: rock and roll style works when adapted for a modern mindset. In this latest collection, heritage pieces met a festival mood, and England felt ready to swing again.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1346803-burberrys-festival-beat

culture, design, fashion, heritage, music

Burberry’s Festival Beat

Leave a comment

Daniel Lee, Chief Creative Officer of Burberry Group, used the Burberry Spring 2026 collection to connect music with fashion in clear, direct ways. The runway was set under a sky-patterned tent in Perks Field at Kensington Palace, creating a setting that felt like a festival backstage. The floor showed dirt while guests laughed and moved like a crowd waiting for a headline act.

The clothes maintained British tailoring while offering a music lover’s wardrobe polished enough for the stage and durable enough for the mud. The result was a balance of heritage with hedonism, featuring utility pieces built for both performance and weather. Lee referenced decades of British music culture—from the Mod period to folk rock and the current indie revival—filtering these influences through Burberry’s practical design to give each reference a modern shape.

“Musicians have always had incredible style, and together with fashion, they form a really strong culture,” Lee said. The clothes followed this idea, showcasing cropped A-line coats in Pop-Art checks and tartans in apple green and acid yellow. Classic camel coats retained their structure while allowing a swinging hem.

The front row added to the festival vibe. Twiggy (Dame Lesley Lawson), a British cultural icon, arrived ahead of a group of musicians. “I want to get in before the boy band arrives,” she said playfully. Elton John, Vanessa Williams, Skepta, Central Cee, and Naomi Campbell were also present. Anna Wintour attended alongside US tennis star Jack Draper.

Music curator Benji B, one of the world’s most respected in his field, mixed Black Sabbath into the soundtrack to highlight the connection between rock heritage and new audiences.

Shine and weather protection remained central themes throughout the collection. Sequinned mini kilts flashed Burberry checks in pink and green, while glossy bomber jackets and wet-look leathers reflected light. Trench-inspired pieces appeared in denim, raffia, and waterproof cotton, reminding guests that Burberry still designs for the elements.

Crochet and chainmail dresses came with fringe and flat lace-up shoes suitable for festival grounds. Suits stayed slim and short in silhouette, often with a Canadian denim twist. Others featured hot pink polish or brown coatings with 1960s edges.

Accessories included oversized fringe bags, skinny crochet scarves, and belts with prominent buckles. Each piece served a practical purpose while adding visual impact.

Daniel Lee delivered a focused concept: rock and roll style works when adapted for a modern mindset. In this latest collection, heritage pieces met a festival mood, and England felt ready to swing again.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1346803-burberrys-festival-beat

celebration, culture, religion, spirituality, tradition

Symbols of offering

Leave a comment

Every year, during the Islamic month of Rabi al-Thani, devotees of Abdul Qadir Gilani gather on the banks of the Ravi River to participate in a unique and heartfelt tradition. They launch paper boats carrying lighted clay lamps and other symbolic offerings into the river.

This ritual serves as a means for devotees to make wishes or to express gratitude after their wishes have been fulfilled. It is a deeply spiritual practice that reflects devotion and hope.

The event is part of the celebrations commemorating the urs, or death anniversary, of the revered Sufi saint Abdul Qadir Gilani. This occasion, known as Gyarwin Shareef, falls on the 11th of Rabi al-Thani each year.

Through this beautiful custom, followers come together to honor the saint’s memory and seek blessings, creating a serene and meaningful atmosphere along the riverbanks.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1346831-symbols-of-offering