Latest news with #LesInvalides
France 24
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- France 24
Anderson teases Dior debut with Mbappe, Basquiet and Marie Antoinette
In a virtual version of Hansel and Gretel, the 40-year-old Northern Irishman has been expertly teasing fashion fans with little peeks of what is in store for them when he finally lifts the curtain Friday. And even the invitation to the show in the 17th-century splendour of Les Invalides has gone viral. His eclectic clues started with him posting Andy Warhol's photographs of the American socialite Lee Radziwill -- the sister of Jackie Kennedy -- and artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Both New Yorkers are "for me the epitome of style", he said. While the trail of posts started in the Big Apple it seemed to be ending at the Palace of Versailles outside Paris, particularly in the cutesy hamlet Marie Antoinette had built in the grounds so she could play at being a peasant. There were also snaps of a gilt clock in the Queen's Bedchamber, a Dior ring set in one of the hamlet's apple trees and a brilliantly witty measuring tape in the shape of a snail perched on a leaf. Tied in knots Anderson also posted two rather endearing videos of French football star Killian Mbappe putting on a tie and trying -- and failing -- to knot a dickie bow. "It is not that bad, no?" the Real Madrid star and Dior ambassador asked, before admitting the fail with a laugh, "It is (that bad)?" Anderson -- a lover of literature -- also seems to have returned to his homeland for inspiration, with three new versions of the brand's Book Tote bags. The first has "Dracula" in blood-red letters in a nod to Dublin writer Bram Stoker while the "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" bag pays homage to French novelist Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. The enigmatic invitation to the show -- a porcelain plate adorned with three eggs -- has already gone viral on social media. Anderson's arrival at Dior had been flagged for months after he turned around the rather fusty Spanish label Loewe, which is also owned by the French luxury giant LVMH. Just weeks after he was named to head Dior Homme, he was also appointed creative director of the Dior's women's collections and its haute couture. The last person to have such a free rein at the brand was its founder Christian Dior. Tricky time With the luxury sector's once bumper profits plummeting, Anderson's appointment is an attempt to renew the fashion house after nine years under the Italian Maria Grazia Chiuri. Anderson, the son of former Irish rugby captain Willie Anderson, trained at the London School of Fashion after starting on the shop floor at a Dublin department store. His first big break was landing a job in Prada's marketing department before launching his own brand, JW Anderson, in 2008. "I think he is one of the most gifted talents of his generation," said Alice Feillard, men's buyer at Galeries Lafayette, Europe's biggest department store group. "We saw what he achieved at Loewe -- a really remarkable and brilliant body of work." "He is one of the most talented and undoubtedly prolific designers of recent years," Adrien Communier, fashion editor for GQ France, told AFP. "There is something childlike yet very intellectual" about his collections, he said, "very cheeky, very bold... and really intriguing". Feillard said bringing together Dior's three lines "makes sense. Dior Homme and Dior Femme are almost two different brands. I think now the real challenge for the brand is to establish a somewhat more coherent identity", she said. © 2025 AFP
Arab News
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Le Pen supporters rally in Paris, turning a protest into a populist show of force
PARIS: Convicted of embezzling public funds and banned from running for office, far-right politician Marine Le Pen stood unshaken before a sea of French flags in Paris on Sunday. 'For 30 years I have fought against injustice,' she told the crowd. 'And I will continue to fight.' Thousands of supporters gathered at Place Vauban, near the golden dome of Les Invalides and the tomb of Napoleon, for what was billed as a protest — but observers said it had all the markings of a campaign rally. The National Rally, Le Pen's party, organized the event in response to what it calls a politically motivated verdict. But with chants of 'Marine Présidente!' and 'They won't steal 2027 from us,' the message was clear: this was more than a protest. It was a show of populist defiance aimed squarely at France's institutions. Bardella sharpens the attack At the heart of that charge stood Jordan Bardella, Le Pen's 29-year-old protégé and president of the National Rally. His speech was fiery, accusing France's judges of trying to silence the opposition. 'March 29 was a dark day for France,' he said, referencing the date of Le Pen's conviction. 'The people must be free to choose their leaders — without interference from political judges.' Though he claimed the party would respect democracy, Bardella denounced magistrates' unions and warned of 'a system determined to crush dissent.' Supporters carried signs reading 'Justice taking orders' and 'Stop the judicial dictatorship.' Others wore 'Je suis Marine' ('I am Marine') shirts or compared Le Pen to US President Donald Trump, who was convicted of civil fraud: 'Trump can run — why not Marine?' 'The system's not broken — it's rigged,' said Alice Triquet, a 26-year-old bartender. 'If they can do this to her, what stops them from coming after anyone who doesn't think like them?' One woman raised a handmade scale of justice, its arms bent and broken — a symbol of what Le Pen's supporters see as a justice system turned against the people. A nation divided over justice and power Le Pen was found guilty of using European Parliament funds to pay party staff in France — a scheme the court described as 'a democratic bypass.' She was sentenced to four years in prison, including two under house arrest and two suspended, and banned from public office for five years, effective immediately. Her appeal is expected next year. The reaction has been sharply divided. While National Rally supporters denounce the ruling as politically motivated, many outside the party see it as legitimate accountability. 'I challenge the notion that there is a tsunami of support for Le Pen on this issue,' said John Goodman, Ph.D., director of Syracuse University's flagship program in France. He also criticized the unusually rapid pace of Le Pen's appeal. 'Her appeal has been fast-tracked so it can be heard in the summer of 2026, well before the 2027 presidential election, and significantly faster than a typical criminal case,' Goodman said. Warnings of a 'Trumpist turn' On the other side of the Seine, hundreds gathered for a counter-rally led by left-wing parties, warning that France's far right is embracing US-style authoritarianism. 'This is bigger than Marine Le Pen,' said Green Party leader Marine Tondelier. 'It's about defending the rule of law from people who think justice is optional.' Placards read 'No Trumpism in France' and 'Anti-fascist response.' Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal addressed supporters at a meeting of the center-right Renaissance party in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis, calling the moment 'a test of the Republic.' Former PM Edouard Philippe stood by his side. Though police were out in force, only minor clashes were reported. The real message: trust the people, not the courts Beyond the legal battle, Sunday's gathering of the National Rally revealed a deeper strategy. Party leaders have spent the week accusing judges of plotting a 'judicial coup.' They've called the sentence a political 'execution.' The goal is not just to overturn the ruling — it's to convince voters the legal system itself can't be trusted. It's a page from the Trump playbook: paint the courts as biased, the system as broken, and frame any legal setback as an attack on democracy. The ballot box becomes the only authority that matters. 'The judges wear robes, but they're just politicians in disguise,' said Claude Morel, 68, a pensioner from the southern city of Marseille. 'Let the people decide.' What comes next Le Pen may be barred from running — for now — but her political machine is far from finished. Bardella, long seen as her polished understudy, is stepping into the spotlight with growing confidence and sharpened rhetoric. 'We will be here tomorrow,' he told the crowd. 'And we will be stronger.' Sunday's rally was more than a show of strength. It was a test: can the far right convince enough French voters that justice is no longer neutral, and that only they can return power to the people? How that question is answered may shape not only the 2027 presidential race — but the future of French democracy.
CBS News
06-04-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Le Pen supporters rally in Paris after embezzling conviction: "Trump can run — why not Marine?"
Convicted of embezzling public funds and banned from running for office, far-right politician Marine Le Pen stood unshaken before a sea of French flags in Paris on Sunday. "For 30 years I have fought against injustice," she told the crowd. "And I will continue to fight." Thousands of supporters gathered at Place Vauban, near the golden dome of Les Invalides and the tomb of Napoleon, for what was billed as a protest — but observers said it had all the markings of a campaign rally. Following the guilty verdict last week, Le Pen said the court should not have made her ineligible to run for office until all her chances at appeal had been exhausted. "If that's not a political decision, I don't know what is," she said. The National Rally, Le Pen's party, organized the event in response to what it calls a politically motivated verdict. But with chants of "Marine Présidente!" and "They won't steal 2027 from us," the message was clear: this was more than a protest. It was a show of populist defiance aimed squarely at France's institutions. At the heart of that charge stood Jordan Bardella, Le Pen's 29-year-old protégé and president of the National Rally. His speech was fiery, accusing France's judges of trying to silence the opposition. "March 29 was a dark day for France," he said, referencing the date of Le Pen's conviction. "The people must be free to choose their leaders — without interference from political judges." Though he claimed the party would respect democracy, Bardella denounced magistrates' unions and warned of "a system determined to crush dissent." Supporters carried signs reading "Justice taking orders" and "Stop the judicial dictatorship." Others wore "Je suis Marine" ("I am Marine") shirts or compared Le Pen to President Trump, who was convicted of civil fraud : "Trump can run — why not Marine?" "The system's not broken — it's rigged," said Alice Triquet, a 26-year-old bartender. "If they can do this to her, what stops them from coming after anyone who doesn't think like them?" One woman raised a handmade scale of justice, its arms bent and broken — a symbol of what Le Pen's supporters see as a justice system turned against the people. Le Pen was found guilty of using European Parliament funds to pay party staff in France — a scheme the court described as "a democratic bypass." She was sentenced to four years in prison, including two under house arrest and two suspended, and banned from public office for five years, effective immediately. Her appeal is expected next year. The far-right politician would remain ineligible to be a candidate until the appeal is decided, but the house arrest and fine would be suspended during the appeals process. Le Pen said she would ask that the court proceedings take place before the 2027 campaign. Only an appellate ruling that overturns the ban on public office could restore her hopes of running. But, there's no guarantee that an appeals court would rule more favorably, and appeals in France can take several years to conclude. The reaction has been sharply divided. While National Rally supporters denounce the ruling as politically motivated, many outside the party see it as legitimate accountability. "I challenge the notion that there is a tsunami of support for Le Pen on this issue," said John Goodman, Ph.D., director of Syracuse University's flagship program in France. He also criticized the unusually rapid pace of Le Pen's appeal. "Her appeal has been fast-tracked so it can be heard in the summer of 2026, well before the 2027 presidential election, and significantly faster than a typical criminal case," Goodman said. On the other side of the Seine, hundreds gathered for a counter-rally led by left-wing parties, warning that France's far-right is embracing U.S.-style authoritarianism. Recent polling had shown Le Pen likely would have won at least a first round in France's next national election, though it is much less clear how she would have fared in a second round against a more moderate candidate. "This is bigger than Marine Le Pen," said Green Party leader Marine Tondelier. "It's about defending the rule of law from people who think justice is optional." Placards read "No Trumpism in France" and "Anti-fascist response." Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal addressed supporters at a meeting of the center-right Renaissance party in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis, calling the moment "a test of the Republic." Former PM Edouard Philippe stood by his side. Though police were out in force, only minor clashes were reported. Beyond the legal battle, Sunday's gathering of the National Rally revealed a deeper strategy. Party leaders have spent the week accusing judges of plotting a "judicial coup." They've called the sentence a political "execution." The goal is not just to overturn the ruling — it's to convince voters the legal system itself can't be trusted. It's a page from the Trump playbook: paint the courts as biased, the system as broken, and frame any legal setback as an attack on democracy. The ballot box becomes the only authority that matters. "The judges wear robes, but they're just politicians in disguise," said Claude Morel, 68, a pensioner from the southern city of Marseille. "Let the people decide." Le Pen may be barred from running — for now — but her political machine is far from finished. Bardella, long seen as her polished understudy, is stepping into the spotlight with growing confidence and sharpened rhetoric. "We will be here tomorrow," he told the crowd. "And we will be stronger." Sunday's rally was more than a show of strength. It was a test: can the far right convince enough French voters that justice is no longer neutral and that only they can return power to the people? How that question is answered may shape not only the 2027 presidential race — but the future of French democracy.
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Le Pen supporters rally in Paris
Far-right French politician Marine Le Pen, who was convicted last week of embezzling public funds and banned from running for office, delivered a speech to supporters on Sunday, saying 'I will continue to fight'. Le Pen, who is appealing against the verdict, stood unshaken before a sea of French flags, telling the crowd: 'For 30 years I have fought against injustice.' Thousands of supporters gathered at Place Vauban, near the golden dome of Les Invalides and the tomb of Napoleon, for what was billed as a protest — but observers said it had all the markings of a campaign rally. The National Rally, Le Pen's party, organised the event in response to what it calls a politically motivated verdict. Jordan Bardella, Le Pen's 29-year-old protege and president of the National Rally, gave a speech, accusing France's judges of trying to silence the opposition. 'March 29 was a dark day for France,' he said, referencing the date of Le Pen's conviction. 'The people must be free to choose their leaders — without interference from political judges.' Though he claimed the party would respect democracy, Mr Bardella denounced magistrates' unions and warned of 'a system determined to crush dissent'. Supporters carried signs reading 'Justice taking orders' and 'Stop the judicial dictatorship'. Le Pen was found guilty of using European Parliament funds meant for aides to pay party staff in France. The court called it 'a democratic bypass'. She was sentenced to four years in prison, including two under house arrest, and a five-year ban, effective immediately, from public office. She is appealing, with a ruling expected just months before the 2027 election. On the other side of the Seine, hundreds gathered for a counter-rally led by left-wing parties. 'This is bigger than Marine Le Pen,' said Green Party leader Marine Tondelier. 'It's about defending the rule of law from people who think justice is optional.' Meanwhile, former prime minister Gabriel Attal addressed supporters at a meeting of the centre-right Renaissance party in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis, calling the moment 'a test of the Republic'. Former prime minister Edouard Philippe stood by his side. Though police were out in force, only minor clashes were reported.
NBC News
06-04-2025
- Politics
- NBC News
Le Pen supporters rally in Paris, turning a protest into a populist show of force
Convicted of embezzling public funds and banned from running for office, far-right politician Marine Le Pen stood unshaken before a sea of French flags in Paris on Sunday. 'For 30 years I have fought against injustice,' she told the crowd. 'And I will continue to fight.' Thousands of supporters gathered at Place Vauban, near the golden dome of Les Invalides and the tomb of Napoleon, for what was billed as a protest — but observers said it had all the markings of a campaign rally. The National Rally, Le Pen's party, organized the event in response to what it calls a politically motivated verdict. But with chants of 'Marine Présidente!' and 'They won't steal 2027 from us,' the message was clear: this was more than a protest. It was a show of populist defiance aimed squarely at France's institutions. Bardella sharpens the attack At the heart of that charge stood Jordan Bardella, Le Pen's 29-year-old protégé and president of the National Rally. His speech was fiery, accusing France's judges of trying to silence the opposition. 'March 29 was a dark day for France,' he said, referencing the date of Le Pen's conviction. 'The people must be free to choose their leaders — without interference from political judges.' Though he claimed the party would respect democracy, Bardella denounced magistrates' unions and warned of 'a system determined to crush dissent.' Supporters carried signs reading 'Justice taking orders' and 'Stop the judicial dictatorship.' Others wore 'Je suis Marine' ('I am Marine') shirts or compared Le Pen to U.S. President Donald Trump, who was convicted of civil fraud: 'Trump can run — why not Marine?' 'The system's not broken — it's rigged,' said Alice Triquet, a 26-year-old bartender. 'If they can do this to her, what stops them from coming after anyone who doesn't think like them?' One woman raised a handmade scale of justice, its arms bent and broken — a symbol of what Le Pen's supporters see as a justice system turned against the people. A nation divided over justice and power Le Pen was found guilty of using European Parliament funds meant for aides to pay party staff in France. The court called it 'a democratic bypass.' Her sentence: four years in prison, including two under house arrest, and a five-year ban, effective immediately, from public office. She is appealing, with a ruling expected just months before the 2027 election. The verdict has split the country. Polls show Le Pen and Bardella still leading in first-round scenarios. But they also show that most French voters view the ruling as fair. While National Rally voters see her as a victim of a rigged system, much of the wider public sees it as justice served. Warnings of a 'Trumpist turn' On the other side of the Seine, hundreds gathered for a counter-rally led by left-wing parties, warning that France's far right is embracing U.S.-style authoritarianism. 'This is bigger than Marine Le Pen,' said Green Party leader Marine Tondelier. 'It's about defending the rule of law from people who think justice is optional.' Placards read 'No Trumpism in France' and 'Anti-fascist response.' Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal addressed supporters at a meeting of the center-right Renaissance party in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis, calling the moment 'a test of the Republic.' Former PM Edouard Philippe stood by his side. Though police were out in force, only minor clashes were reported. The real message: trust the people, not the courts Beyond the legal battle, Sunday's gathering of the National Rally revealed a deeper strategy. Party leaders have spent the week accusing judges of plotting a 'judicial coup.' They've called the sentence a political 'execution.' The goal is not just to overturn the ruling — it's to convince voters the legal system itself can't be trusted. It's a page from the Trump playbook: paint the courts as biased, the system as broken, and frame any legal setback as an attack on democracy. The ballot box becomes the only authority that matters. 'The judges wear robes, but they're just politicians in disguise,' said Claude Morel, 68, a pensioner from the southern city of Marseille. 'Let the people decide.' What comes next Le Pen may be barred from running — for now — but her political machine is far from finished. Bardella, long seen as her polished understudy, is stepping into the spotlight with growing confidence and sharpened rhetoric. 'We will be here tomorrow,' he told the crowd. 'And we will be stronger.' Sunday's rally was more than a show of strength. It was a test: can the far right convince enough French voters that justice is no longer neutral, and that only they can return power to the people? How that question is answered may shape not only the 2027 presidential race — but the future of French democracy.
