The 47th Sao Paulo Fashion Week ended in controversy this weekend after organizers decided to continue the event despite the death of a male model who collapsed on the runway.

Sao Paulo Fashion Week ends in controversy with model's death and no mourning

Models wearing weapons on helmets and contrasting colourful prints strutted down the runway as Brazilian designer Ronaldo Fraga presented his collection on Friday (April 26) at Sao Paulo fashion week. Fraga was influenced by the painting "War and Peace" by Brazilian artist Candido Portinari.

Designer at Sao Paulo Fashion Week references oppression with creations

<p>Fashionable women, dark-haired&nbsp;Saudis and blonde Eastern Europeans alike, fill the gold-trimmed halls of Riyadh's Ritz-Carlton Hotel, marking the start of&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia's first-ever fashion week.</p>

<p>Models and makeup artists preparing for the inaugural&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;episode of Arab Fashion Week said they were surprised the event was taking place in the deeply conservative Muslim kingdom.</p>

<p>"We are so excited because this is the first fashion week in&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia, so we are making history," model Anita Dmycroska said.</p>

<p>Strict social restrictions have eased dramatically under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has reined in religious police, introduced public concerts and lifted bans on cinemas and women driving.</p>

<p>Yet, restrictions persist. Tuesday's reception was open to men and cameras, but only women are permitted at catwalk events and outside photography is barred.</p>

<p>Women in public places in&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, wear abayas -- loose-fitting, full-length robes symbolic of piety.</p>

<p>With recent reforms, women in some cities have begun to don more colourful abayas, sometimes trimmed with lace and velvet or left open to reveal long skirts or jeans.</p>

<p>No abayas will feature on the catwalk. The event hosts invitation-only fashion viewings and a Harvey Nichols pop-up store in a tent that was still being erected hours before the first show.</p>

<p>Another tent holds the catwalk, featuring designers from Brazil, Lebanon, Russia,&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia, the United States and the United Arab Emirates.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>MAKING THE KINGDOM FASHIONABLE</strong></p>

<p>The event, initially scheduled for last month, was postponed because of delays in issuing visas. Industry figures from Italy, Russia and Lebanon flocked to Riyadh, many for the first time, to admire the work of local and international designers.</p>

<p>Layla Issa Abouzeid,&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia&nbsp;country director for the Dubai-based Arab Fashion Council (AFC) organising the event, said 1,500 people were expected to attend, including 400 from abroad.</p>

<p>She hopes the event will bring revenue into the kingdom and highlight local talent.</p>

<p>"[When] people go to Paris on the Paris Fashion week, the hotels are completely fully booked," she said. "I want to create the same demand in&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia, twice a year. I want to create a platform for the local designers to go worldwide."</p>

<p>Lebanese designer Naja Saade came to Riyadh to display his couture collection.</p>

<p>"I'm very proud to participate in this first edition of Arab Fashion Week in&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia, because it's a part of the revolution of the women in this country," he said.</p>

<p>By bringing talent from Europe and placing international brands on the same catwalk as Arab brands, he hopes to elevate local fashion designers.</p>

<p>AFC wants to introduce fashion courses, internships and scholarships to&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia&nbsp;and develop a fashion district in Riyadh.</p>

<p>Jacob Abrian, AFC founder and chief executive, said many Arabs have had to leave their countries to have fashion careers, but this recurring event allows them to stay in the region.</p>

<p>"I was always asking myself, why do us Arabs have to travel abroad to find our future? Why can’t we find our future in our own countries?"</p>


Women in public places in Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, wear abayas -- loose-fitting, full-length robes symbolic of piety.

Fashionable women, dark-haired Saudis and blonde Eastern Europeans alike, fill the gold-trimmed halls of Riyadh's Ritz-Carlton Hotel, marking the start of Saudi Arabia's first-ever fashion week. Models and makeup artists preparing for the inaugural Saudi episode of Arab Fashion Week said they were surprised the event was taking place in the deeply conservative Muslim kingdom. "We are so excited because this is the first fashion week in Saudi Arabia, so we are making history," model Anita Dmycroska said. Strict social restrictions have eased dramatically under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has reined in religious police, introduced public concerts and lifted bans on cinemas and women driving. Yet, restrictions persist. Tuesday's reception was open to men and cameras, but only women are permitted at catwalk events and outside photography is barred. Women in public places in Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, wear abayas -- loose-fitting, full-length robes symbolic of piety. With recent reforms, women in some cities have begun to don more colourful abayas, sometimes trimmed with lace and velvet or left open to reveal long skirts or jeans. No abayas will feature on the catwalk. The event hosts invitation-only fashion viewings and a Harvey Nichols pop-up store in a tent that was still being erected hours before the first show. Another tent holds the catwalk, featuring designers from Brazil, Lebanon, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United States and the United Arab Emirates. MAKING THE KINGDOM FASHIONABLE The event, initially scheduled for last month, was postponed because of delays in issuing visas. Industry figures from Italy, Russia and Lebanon flocked to Riyadh, many for the first time, to admire the work of local and international designers. Layla Issa Abouzeid, Saudi Arabia country director for the Dubai-based Arab Fashion Council (AFC) organising the event, said 1,500 people were expected to attend, including 400 from abroad. She hopes the event will bring revenue into the kingdom and highlight local talent. "[When] people go to Paris on the Paris Fashion week, the hotels are completely fully booked," she said. "I want to create the same demand in Saudi Arabia, twice a year. I want to create a platform for the local designers to go worldwide." Lebanese designer Naja Saade came to Riyadh to display his couture collection. "I'm very proud to participate in this first edition of Arab Fashion Week in Saudi Arabia, because it's a part of the revolution of the women in this country," he said. By bringing talent from Europe and placing international brands on the same catwalk as Arab brands, he hopes to elevate local fashion designers. AFC wants to introduce fashion courses, internships and scholarships to Saudi Arabia and develop a fashion district in Riyadh. Jacob Abrian, AFC founder and chief executive, said many Arabs have had to leave their countries to have fashion careers, but this recurring event allows them to stay in the region. "I was always asking myself, why do us Arabs have to travel abroad to find our future? Why can’t we find our future in our own countries?"

Fashionably late: Saudi Arabia hosts its first-ever fashion week

<p>Mukhtaran Mai was gangraped&nbsp;and was paraded naked by a group of men in her village in Pakistan&#39;s Punjab&nbsp;in 2002.</p>

<p>This, on the orders of her tribe&rsquo;s elders, was a punishment for her brother&rsquo;s sins. Fourteen years later, in 2016, Mukhtaran walked the ramp as a showstopper for Pakistani designer Rozina Munib at Pakistan Fashion Week.</p>

<p>The country&rsquo;s annual fashion show saw Mukhtaran making her fashion debut in a show titled &lsquo;Zindagi Ke Rang&rsquo; meaning Colours of Life.</p>

<p>Her message after the show was: &ldquo;I want to be the voice of those women who face circumstances similar to what I did. My message for my sisters is that we aren&#39;t weak. We have a heart and a brain, we also think.&rdquo;</p>

<p>A symbol of courage and inspiring women around the world, the 44-year-old never lost hope throughout the ordeal. Speaking with The Associated Press on the occasion, Mukhtaran said, &ldquo;If one step I take, if that helps even one woman, I would be very happy to do that. I ask my sisters to not lose hope in the face of injustice, as we will get justice one day for sure.&rdquo;</p>

<p>Adopting the role of an advocate for women&rsquo;s rights, she founded a charity for helpless women in the country. The charity currently runs a women&rsquo;s shelter for those, who like her, are survivors of violence and abuse. The home helps them to sustain themselves and become self-dependent by learning new skills. Mukhtaran has also opened a school that offers free education for girls in her rural hometown of Meerwala.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan ranks as low as 121 out of 155 countries in the UNDP&rsquo;s 2014 Gender Inequality Index. The index is a measure of women&rsquo;s empowerment, reproductive health and economic activity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BMRrUwoDmIP/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">#RozinaMunib with her showstopper Mukhtara Mai at #FPW2016 @rozinamunibofficial</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Fashion Pakistan Official (@fashion_pakistan) on <time datetime="2016-11-01T17:38:38+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Nov 1, 2016 at 10:38am PDT</time></p>
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BMRqNFTjKCQ/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Mukhtara Mai walks for #RozinaMunib at #FPW2016 @rozinamunibofficial</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Fashion Pakistan Official (@fashion_pakistan) on <time datetime="2016-11-01T17:28:51+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Nov 1, 2016 at 10:28am PDT</time></p>
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<p>(Contributed by: Zeba Khan)</p>


Mukhtaran Mai has been working for women's rights in Pakistan for more than a decade

Mukhtaran Mai was gangraped and was paraded naked by a group of men in her village in Pakistan's Punjab in 2002. This, on the orders of her tribe’s elders, was a punishment for her brother’s sins. Fourteen years later, in 2016, Mukhtaran walked the ramp as a showstopper for Pakistani designer Rozina Munib at Pakistan Fashion Week. The country’s annual fashion show saw Mukhtaran making her fashion debut in a show titled ‘Zindagi Ke Rang’ meaning Colours of Life. Her message after the show was: “I want to be the voice of those women who face circumstances similar to what I did. My message for my sisters is that we aren't weak. We have a heart and a brain, we also think.” A symbol of courage and inspiring women around the world, the 44-year-old never lost hope throughout the ordeal. Speaking with The Associated Press on the occasion, Mukhtaran said, “If one step I take, if that helps even one woman, I would be very happy to do that. I ask my sisters to not lose hope in the face of injustice, as we will get justice one day for sure.” Adopting the role of an advocate for women’s rights, she founded a charity for helpless women in the country. The charity currently runs a women’s shelter for those, who like her, are survivors of violence and abuse. The home helps them to sustain themselves and become self-dependent by learning new skills. Mukhtaran has also opened a school that offers free education for girls in her rural hometown of Meerwala. Pakistan ranks as low as 121 out of 155 countries in the UNDP’s 2014 Gender Inequality Index. The index is a measure of women’s empowerment, reproductive health and economic activity. #RozinaMunib with her showstopper Mukhtara Mai at #FPW2016 @rozinamunibofficial A photo posted by Fashion Pakistan Official (@fashion_pakistan) on Nov 1, 2016 at 10:38am PDT Mukhtara Mai walks for #RozinaMunib at #FPW2016 @rozinamunibofficial A photo posted by Fashion Pakistan Official (@fashion_pakistan) on Nov 1, 2016 at 10:28am PDT (Contributed by: Zeba Khan)

#BeTheChange: This gangrape-survivor walks the ramp shaming the 'culture of shame'

<p>Mukhtaran Mai was gangraped &nbsp;and made to parade naked by a group of men in her village in the region of Punjab, Pakistan in 2002. This, on the orders of her tribe&rsquo;s elders, was a punishment for her brother&rsquo;s sins. 14 years later, in 2016, Mukhtaran walked the ramp as a showstopper for Pakistani designer, Rozina Munib, at Pakistan Fashion Week.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BMRrUwoDmIP/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">#RozinaMunib with her showstopper Mukhtara Mai at #FPW2016 @rozinamunibofficial</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Fashion Pakistan Official (@fashion_pakistan) on <time datetime="2016-11-01T17:38:38+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Nov 1, 2016 at 10:38am PDT</time></p>
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<p>The country&rsquo;s annual fashion show saw Mukhtaran making her fashion debut in a show titled &lsquo;Zindagi Ke Rang&rsquo; meaning Colours of Life. Her message after the show was: &ldquo;I want to be the voice of those women who face circumstances similar to what I did. My message for my sisters is that we aren&#39;t weak. We have a heart and a brain, we also think.&rdquo;</p>

<p>A symbol of courage and inspiring women around the world, the 44-year-old never lost hope throughout the ordeal. Speaking with The Associated Press on the occasion, Mukhtaran said, &ldquo;If one step I take, if that helps even one woman, I would be very happy to do that. I ask my sisters to not lose hope in the face of injustice, as we will get justice one day for sure.&rdquo;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BMWFfDXA21k/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">#Repost @dawn_images with @repostapp ??? Politician #SherryRehman dined with #MukhtaranMai to help support her cause to find shelter for women.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Catwalk Event Management (@catwalk_events) on <time datetime="2016-11-03T10:44:12+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Nov 3, 2016 at 3:44am PDT</time></p>
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<p>Adopting the role of an advocate for women&rsquo;s rights, she found a charity for helpless women in the country. The charity currently runs a women&rsquo;s shelter for those, who like her, are survivors of violence and abuse. The home helps them to sustain themselves and become self dependent by learning new skills. Mukhtaran has also opened a school that offers free education for girls in her rural hometown of Meerwala.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The South Asian nation ranks as low as 121 out of 155 countries in the UNDP&rsquo;s 2014 Gender Inequality Index. The index is a measure of women&rsquo;s empowerment, reproductive health and economic activity.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(Contributed by: Zeba Khan)</em></p>


She has been working for women's rights in Pakistan for more than a decade

Mukhtaran Mai was gangraped and made to parade naked by a group of men in her village in the region of Punjab, Pakistan in 2002. This, on the orders of her tribe’s elders, was a punishment for her brother’s sins. 14 years later, in 2016, Mukhtaran walked the ramp as a showstopper for Pakistani designer, Rozina Munib, at Pakistan Fashion Week. #RozinaMunib with her showstopper Mukhtara Mai at #FPW2016 @rozinamunibofficial A photo posted by Fashion Pakistan Official (@fashion_pakistan) on Nov 1, 2016 at 10:38am PDT The country’s annual fashion show saw Mukhtaran making her fashion debut in a show titled ‘Zindagi Ke Rang’ meaning Colours of Life. Her message after the show was: “I want to be the voice of those women who face circumstances similar to what I did. My message for my sisters is that we aren't weak. We have a heart and a brain, we also think.” A symbol of courage and inspiring women around the world, the 44-year-old never lost hope throughout the ordeal. Speaking with The Associated Press on the occasion, Mukhtaran said, “If one step I take, if that helps even one woman, I would be very happy to do that. I ask my sisters to not lose hope in the face of injustice, as we will get justice one day for sure.” #Repost @dawn_images with @repostapp ??? Politician #SherryRehman dined with #MukhtaranMai to help support her cause to find shelter for women. A photo posted by Catwalk Event Management (@catwalk_events) on Nov 3, 2016 at 3:44am PDT Adopting the role of an advocate for women’s rights, she found a charity for helpless women in the country. The charity currently runs a women’s shelter for those, who like her, are survivors of violence and abuse. The home helps them to sustain themselves and become self dependent by learning new skills. Mukhtaran has also opened a school that offers free education for girls in her rural hometown of Meerwala. The South Asian nation ranks as low as 121 out of 155 countries in the UNDP’s 2014 Gender Inequality Index. The index is a measure of women’s empowerment, reproductive health and economic activity. (Contributed by: Zeba Khan)

#BeTheChange: This gangrape-survivor shames 'culture of shame', walking the ramp at Fashion Week

With what seems like half of Europe&#39;s male population in football shirts for the Euro 2016 championships, Paris designers will try to lift the tone Wednesday with the start of men&#39;s fashion week.<br />
<br />
Nearly 50 fashion houses will unveil their spring and summer collections for 2017 in the French capital, which is also hosting some of the championships&#39; top matches.<br />
<br />
Here are the shows and trends to watch out for:<br />
<br />
<strong>Balenciaga first</strong><br />
<br />
Balenciaga is staging a men&#39;s fashion show for the first time in the history of the aristocratic label which dressed the queens of Spain, Belgium and Wallis Simpson, the divorcee who dreamed of being Queen of England.<br />
<br />
Such is the buzz surrounding Demna Gvasalia, the young Georgian-born designer now at the head of the house founded by Cristobal Balenciaga in 1917, that it is prepared to put its traditions to one side.<br />
<br />
Gvasalia caused a stir with his first women&#39;s show for the brand in March, taking the spirit of the remastered streetwear look he pioneered with his label Vetements, and giving some of Balenciaga&#39;s classics an almighty yank.<br />
<br />
His own oversized Vetements hoodies beloved of rappers Rihanna and Kanye West sell for up to $1,000 a pop.<br />
<br />
His reworked Puffer coats - a far cry from Balenciaga&#39;s typically upper-crust look - have also become a must-have for American singers as well as Parisian fashionistas.<br />
<br />
Having first made his name with his big, unisex, refunctioned combinations in 2014, Gvasalia and Vetements are going still further upmarket in July when they will be admitted into the rarefied world of haute couture.<br />
<br />
<strong>Five new players</strong><br />
<br />
Five other labels are also making their official Paris men&#39;s fashion show debuts, including Off White, the US label run by Virgil Abloh, Kanye West&#39;s fashion advisor.<br />
<br />
Facetasm, a brand founded by Japanese creator Hiromichi Ochiai - a finalist for this year&#39;s prestigious LVMH prize - will be the first of the newcomers to show on Wednesday.<br />
<br />
Chinese designer Sean Suen will also be making his first Paris appearance, as will French labels Carven, under artistic director Barnabe Hardy, and Stephane Ashpool&#39;s Pigalle.<br />
<br />
<strong>Saint Laurent, Raf Simons</strong><br />
<br />
Having only parted company with Hedi Slimane in April, the French fashion house Saint Laurent will not be showing this season.<br />
<br />
Instead Slimane&#39;s Belgian-Italian replacement Anthony Vaccarello will present his first collection for the label during October&#39;s fashion week.<br />
<br />
The other notable absentee is the former Dior director Raf Simons, who instead showed his latest collection inspired by the American photographer Robert Mapplethorpe at the Pitti Uomo in Florence last week.<br />
<br />
<strong>Unisex</strong><br />
<br />
More and more labels are mixing up male and female silhouettes in their shows as Gucci and Vivienne Westwood did during Milan week, which has just finished. That trend is likely to continue in Paris and do not be surprised also if there is more than one nod to football and sportswear given the soccer-mania gripping France.<br />
<br />
(AFP)

Five labels are making their official Paris men's fashion show debuts, including 'Off White'

With what seems like half of Europe's male population in football shirts for the Euro 2016 championships, Paris designers will try to lift the tone Wednesday with the start of men's fashion week. Nearly 50 fashion houses will unveil their spring and summer collections for 2017 in the French capital, which is also hosting some of the championships' top matches. Here are the shows and trends to watch out for: Balenciaga first Balenciaga is staging a men's fashion show for the first time in the history of the aristocratic label which dressed the queens of Spain, Belgium and Wallis Simpson, the divorcee who dreamed of being Queen of England. Such is the buzz surrounding Demna Gvasalia, the young Georgian-born designer now at the head of the house founded by Cristobal Balenciaga in 1917, that it is prepared to put its traditions to one side. Gvasalia caused a stir with his first women's show for the brand in March, taking the spirit of the remastered streetwear look he pioneered with his label Vetements, and giving some of Balenciaga's classics an almighty yank. His own oversized Vetements hoodies beloved of rappers Rihanna and Kanye West sell for up to $1,000 a pop. His reworked Puffer coats - a far cry from Balenciaga's typically upper-crust look - have also become a must-have for American singers as well as Parisian fashionistas. Having first made his name with his big, unisex, refunctioned combinations in 2014, Gvasalia and Vetements are going still further upmarket in July when they will be admitted into the rarefied world of haute couture. Five new players Five other labels are also making their official Paris men's fashion show debuts, including Off White, the US label run by Virgil Abloh, Kanye West's fashion advisor. Facetasm, a brand founded by Japanese creator Hiromichi Ochiai - a finalist for this year's prestigious LVMH prize - will be the first of the newcomers to show on Wednesday. Chinese designer Sean Suen will also be making his first Paris appearance, as will French labels Carven, under artistic director Barnabe Hardy, and Stephane Ashpool's Pigalle. Saint Laurent, Raf Simons Having only parted company with Hedi Slimane in April, the French fashion house Saint Laurent will not be showing this season. Instead Slimane's Belgian-Italian replacement Anthony Vaccarello will present his first collection for the label during October's fashion week. The other notable absentee is the former Dior director Raf Simons, who instead showed his latest collection inspired by the American photographer Robert Mapplethorpe at the Pitti Uomo in Florence last week. Unisex More and more labels are mixing up male and female silhouettes in their shows as Gucci and Vivienne Westwood did during Milan week, which has just finished. That trend is likely to continue in Paris and do not be surprised also if there is more than one nod to football and sportswear given the soccer-mania gripping France. (AFP)

What to look out for at Paris men's fashion week

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