Latest news with #Paris-themed
The Hindu
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Sebastião Salgado: A life in images
In June 2022, I arrived in Paris for a conference. I landed a few days early and indulged in the usual delights — eating, walking, and visiting museums. A friend who lived and worked in the city was immensely generous in his hospitality and offered to show me around. One day, as I stepped out of the metro station, my attention was drawn to a bamboo structure in the middle of a fairly large public square, surrounded by towering buildings. The square was alive with activity — employees leaving work, travellers entering or exiting the metro station, families out for a stroll, and immigrants selling Paris-themed merchandise. The bamboo structure was an anomaly. When I went closer, I saw the name Sebastião Salgado written in bold. My questions were partially answered and I slowly realised where I had accidentally arrived. I had almost forgotten that Paris was, after all, Salgado's city, a place he called home after leaving Brazil in 1969 in protest against the military dictatorship. Economist turned photographer Born on February 8, 1944, in Aimorés, Salgado earned a Ph.D in economics in Paris before becoming a full-time photographer. Celebrated for his black-and-white images of humanity and nature, he died of leukaemia in Paris on May 23, 2025, at the age of 81. He developed the illness after contracting a particular type of malaria in 2010. Salgado is survived by his wife, Lélia, their two sons, Juliano and Rodrigo, and two grandchildren, Flavio and Nara. The story goes that Lélia gifted him his first camera. Salgado would later say that photography gradually 'invaded'' his life, eventually leading him to end his career in economics. I was thrilled at the chance to see Salgado's work up close. Until then, like many of his admirers in India, I had only seen his photographs in books or digital reproductions. In Paris, museum visits and exhibitions are usually booked months in advance. But here I was in the middle of nowhere, watching the work of one of the most well-known photographers in the world without any prior planning. Anybody who was interested could walk in. There were no long queues, just an entry ticket. It felt like a powerful example of art reaching out to people beyond the confines of elite institutions. And this is something that Salgado believed in. Documenting nature and humanity Lest we forget, it was his frequent trips to Africa and Latin America during his stint as an economist at the International Coffee Organisation in London that turned him into a full-time photographer. He began photo-documenting coffee production in Africa and Latin America, and this made him leave his job, and become a freelance photographer with the photo agency, Sygma. Social documentary was at the core of his practice. His largely black-and-white photographs captured a wide range of issues: economic adversities, the impact of climate change on mankind, shrinking natural habitats, among other socio-economic challenges plaguing the world. Critics often accused him of 'aestheticising misery'. In an interview with The Guardian last year, he said, 'Why should the poor world be uglier than the rich world?... I came from the third world... The pictures I took, I took from my side, from my world, from where I come.' As I moved through the exhibition, the intention behind its design and curation became increasingly clear. The bamboo structure housing Salgado's photographs had been designed by Colombian architects Simón Vélez and Stefana Simic, both renowned for their work in sustainable architecture. The exhibition itself was curated and designed by Salgado's wife and long-time collaborator, Lélia. Timeless monochromes The central theme of the exhibition was water. As with his previous work, all the photographs were in black and white. This aesthetic echoed his other major projects, including his Amazon series and the large-scale reforestation initiative in Brazil, where he and Lélia oversaw the planting of more than 2.5 million trees on degraded land. And there are many more — Workers (a series on manual labour), Migrations (on people displaced by socio-economic and environmental factors), Other Americas (lives of peasants in Latin America) and his photographs of gold mine workers in Brazil. Here was an artist who was a tireless commentator and documentarian. The Salt of the Earth (2014), a biographical documentary directed by Wim Wenders and Salgado's son, Juliano Ribeiro Salgado, offers a beautiful portrait of the artist and his work. The pavilion built to exhibit Salgado's work was directly conversant with the photographs on display, evoking the need for ecological balance and preservation. There were photos from across the globe, with water as the central metaphor. India was prominently represented too, with scenes from Mumbai, Varanasi, Kolkata, and parts of Rajasthan. Standing there, surrounded by these powerful images in the heart of a foreign city, felt like a profoundly special moment. I returned to the exhibition several times, lingering before each photograph to take in the intricate details — the people, the ecosystems, and the habitats that Salgado had so meticulously documented. His deep humanism radiated through every frame. With Salgado's passing, the world has lost a great chronicler of our turbulent times. The truest tribute to his legacy is to embrace his message — one of compassion, conservation, and co-existence. The writer is a critic and cultural commentator, and teaches at FLAME University, Pune.
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
49ers fans uneasy after Olivia Culpo humiliates Christian McCaffrey in bizarre TikTok skit
Olivia Culpo made 49ers and Christian McCaffrey fans nervous with a video (Image via her IG) Olivia Culpo and Christian McCaffrey, who married in June 2024 and are expecting their first child in March 2025, recently shared a humorous video. Olivia, flaunting her baby bump, quipped their child was "the size of a pineapple," a claim McCaffrey playfully disputed. The skit, ending with Olivia comically subduing Christian, delighted fans and showcased their joyful journey towards parenthood. Olivia Culpo's viral joke about Christian McCaffrey sparks outrage Olivia Culpo and Christian McCaffrey are openly and humorously sharing their path to becoming parents. Having tied the knot in June 2024, the couple delighted their followers in March 2025 by announcing their impending arrival, offering a peek into their growing family life. Recently, Olivia posted a lighthearted video on TikTok that quickly gained widespread attention. Dressed in a form-fitting maxi dress that accentuated her pregnancy, she jested that their unborn child was "the size of a pineapple." Christian McCaffrey, the standout running back for the San Francisco 49ers, playfully challenged her assertion, stating, "No way. Your belly is way bigger than the size of a pineapple." The cheerful exchange concluded with Olivia comically pulling Christian across the floor, while he feigned unconsciousness under a paper bag—an obvious comedic act. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 새로 나온 '실비보험' 최적가 가입추천! "개인별 맞춤설계+할인혜택"… 굿리치 보험대리점 (등록번호:제2006038313호) 가격 받기 Undo Olivia Culpo (Getty Images) Fans reacted with amusement, with some playfully suggesting that Olivia had "taken down" her husband for his cheeky remark. This entertaining episode occurs as Christian prepares to recover from a challenging 2024 season marked by a knee injury. Meanwhile, Olivia continues to navigate the highs and lows of pregnancy with her characteristic honesty. The couple's enthusiasm was evident last month during a chic Paris-themed baby shower, celebrating the forthcoming birth of their little one. Olivia, celebrated for her impeccable fashion sense, orchestrated a memorable event that mirrored her style and excitement for motherhood. However, Olivia has also candidly shared the more challenging aspects of pregnancy. In another TikTok post, she humorously depicted the less glamorous moments of expectant life. Lounging comfortably in a chair, she joked about missing "hot girl summer" while Browse online for answers to peculiar pregnancy queries such as, "can ankles explode?" The accompanying caption read, "She's beauty, she's grace, she's Googling ankle explosion rates." Also Read: Ana de Armas' surprise Jaguars message raises eyebrows: Genuine support for Travis Hunter or calculated PR stunt for her upcoming movie? As Olivia and Christian excitedly await their first child, their open and sincere updates invite fans to share in the joyful and real aspects of this new chapter. Their fun and heartfelt social media posts show a couple embracing parenthood with warmth and laughter, all while juggling their busy professional lives. With Christian aiming for a strong return to the NFL and Olivia preparing for motherhood, their journey promises to be both inspiring and easy for fans worldwide to connect with.
Mint
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Jeff Bezos's would-be wife Lauren Sanchez celebrates bachelorette party in Paris: Check exclusive details
Former news anchor Lauren Sanchez, 55, celebrated her bachelorette party in Paris on May 15 before marrying Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, 61. The relaxed, Paris-themed party was held at Lafayette's and included 13 women. Guests included celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Katy Perry and Eva Longoria, PEOPLE reported. Sanchez and Bezos both have children from their previous relationships. "The atmosphere was very relaxed and very Parisian. It was a pre-wedding all-girl party for 13," the insider told the publication. The women enjoyed espresso martinis and danced to the song 'Earth, Wind and Fire'. The evening ended with a surprise vanilla meringue cake. Sanchez wore a white coat with gold buttons, Kardashian wore a bronze lace outfit, and Perry wore a pink dress. Lauren Sanchez shared black and white rooftop photos on Instagram and wrote a heartfelt message about the strong women in her life who supported her in tough times. 'Forever starts with friendship, surrounded by the women who've lifted me up, illuminated my path in dark times, and shaped my heart along the way,' she wrote. Singer Katy Perry replied, 'Queen of all of our hearts.' American actress Zoe Saldana wrote, 'Congrats beautiful lady!!! Sending blessings your way!' 'I genuinely love what a girls girl you are! It's so refreshing to see women empowering others!' came from another user. Sanchez later posted a picture of the evening's menu on her Instagram Story. According to PEOPLE, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is all set to marry Lauren Sanchez in June on their $500 million yacht, Koru. It will be held near Venice, Italy. Invitations have already been sent for the grand wedding, expected to include many celebrities. The couple began dating in 2019 and got engaged in May 2023 during a trip to the South of France. After the proposal, Sanchez was seen happily showing off her large engagement ring. They are 'madly in love', according to an insider. Recently, she wrote her first children's book, The Fly Who Flew to Space. In March, Lauren Sánchez led an all-women Space trip that lasted 11 minutes. The capsule took six women more than 100km above Earth. They experienced zero-gravity weightlessness for a short time. As they returned, cheers were heard inside the capsule. Jeff Bezos opened the door, and Sanchez came out first. "I looked out of the window and we got to see the moon. Earth looked so quiet. It was quiet but really alive," she said. Katy Perry stepped out next, kissed the ground and lifted a daisy to the sky. It was a sweet nod to her daughter, Daisy.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
4 Outdated Home Features That Are Easy to Fix—and 1 That's a Major Red Flag
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Remember sunken living rooms, wood paneling, and brass bathroom fixtures? Home design trends come and go like the fashion runway, and can taint your view of a property when you are in the market for a new home. 'I've been in real estate long enough to see home trends rise and fall,' says Eric Bramlett, realtor and owner of Bramlett Real Estate in Austin, Texas. 'What was once the must-have feature can quickly become the thing buyers want to rip out first. The good news is that a lot of outdated design choices are easy to fix and shouldn't stop you from buying a house.' However, some old features that go beyond aesthetics can be both expensive and dangerous to remedy, says Bramlett. 'Structural problems, outdated electrical, and hazardous materials are a different story. When you're buying a house, focus on what actually matters long-term. If it's something you can change with a little time and money, don't let it scare you away, but if it's a major safety or structural issue, that's when you need to think twice,' he advises. We spoke with homebuyers and real estate professionals to determine which outdated home features top their list. Here are four outdated home trends once in vogue that have fallen out of favor, but are fairly easy to change or update, along with one trend that is a total deal-breaker. Back in the day, before every family member had a cell phone and smart home systems were invented, bulky plastic intercoms were used to communicate with family members throughout the home. When touring a possible new home, these antiquated devices that were popular in the 1980s might catch your eye and make you wonder if you can live with them. The good news is that they are easy to remove or cover up with a bookshelf, piece of artwork, or hutch. Many of the people we spoke with mentioned outdated, unattractive walls, such as bold paint colors, loud wallpaper, decorative wallpaper borders, and stenciling on the walls. Writer Gary Wollenhaupt recently moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, and dealt with old-fashioned walls. 'We were able to overlook accent walls and stencils because we've repainted many times,' he says. 'Apparently, the previous owners went to Paris on vacation and there are several Paris-themed stencils in the house, like one for a historic perfume shop in the primary bedroom and one for a patisserie on the kitchen pantry door.' Although Wollenhaupt has yet to address the Paris theme in his new home, he knows that these are easy fixes. They're the type of outdated home feature that shouldn't turn you away if you otherwise love the house. 'Some people see a house stuck in the 1990s and assume it's a bigger issue than it is, but a weekend project with a paint roller changes everything,' says Bramlett. Sheldon Sutherland, retail expert and owner of Epoxy Werx in Surprise, Arizona, recently purchased his first home and looked up to see unappealing popcorn ceilings. 'I came across a beautiful house from the 1990s, which had popcorn ceilings,' he says. 'Initially, this out-of-trend characteristic turned me off, but then I realized this cosmetic problem could be solved with a little effort and money,' he says. Dealing with the ceilings helped Sutherland understand home features in the market that are mostly cosmetic and easy to fix vs. structural changes 'that can completely ruin the deal.' Note: If popcorn ceilings were installed in 1980 or before, the texture may contain asbestos that requires professional removal for safety. While outdated lights are an eyesore, they are relatively easy and inexpensive to replace and shouldn't deter someone from buying a property. Content marketing and brand specialist Jasmine Charbonier recently bought a home in Tampa, Florida. She was turned off by its awful Hollywood-style vanity lights, shiny brass bathroom fixtures, and fluorescent box lighting. However, she said they are all easy to swap out as a quick DIY project. Bramlett agrees: 'They might look bad, but replacing light fixtures is quick and cheap. These kinds of updates don't cost much and shouldn't be a dealbreaker if the bones of the house are good,' he says. While some outdated home trends are easy to address, there are others that raise a red flag since they could end up being a major expense to update or fix due to heavy construction or health and safety issues. Sutherland faced the shock of discovering old wiring that was a big turnoff. 'A seemingly perfect house revealed its true colors when the inspector uncovered extensive knob-and-tube wiring hidden behind freshly painted walls, a potentially hazardous and budget-busting issue that immediately crossed it off my list,' he says. This experience taught him to look beyond surface-level eyesores, like the examples mentioned above, and focus on critical systems like electrical, plumbing, and foundation integrity. It's critical to hire a professional to do a thorough home inspection. 'In today's competitive market, where move-in ready homes command premium prices, savvy buyers can find value in properties with outdated aesthetics but solid bones, allowing for personalization without breaking the bank on essential repairs,' says Sutherland.
New York Times
30-01-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
At Quinceañeros, a Changing Culture Emerges
Long before I reached 15, my Cuban American relatives were asking if I had set a date for my quinceañera, a coming-of-age celebration for girls in many Latino cultures. I disappointed some of my aunts when, instead of having a party, I decided to take a trip to New York City. At the time, I didn't understand how important the quinceañera was to many families. Then I attended my cousin's celebration. She wore a fluffy white dress and a sparkling tiara. Her friends and I wore hot pink dresses for a choreographed dance, which we had practiced beforehand. I also danced with my grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and cousins. I realized that occasions like this, which bring families together, are foundational to our culture. Since I became a journalist, I've wanted to write about the meaning of quinceañeras, and how the celebrations have changed over the years. I got my chance in the fall, after I was assigned to The New York Times's National desk to report on Latino communities in the United States. And yet instead of writing about the traditional quinceañera (from the Spanish word quince, which means 15), I decided to cover a modern twist on the festivities: the quinceañero, a version of the party for boys. Quinceañeros are a surprising development in a centuries-old tradition that started as a way of presenting a young woman who was 'ready for marriage' to the world. In the modern United States, the parties became akin to a sweet 16. Growing up, I knew that most Latino families generally maintained strict gender roles. Quinceañeras were viewed as girlie and dainty, characteristics boys and men were taught to avoid. My cousin's party in Miami more than a decade ago had been exactly that: It was a Paris-themed party, with Eiffel Tower decorations and hot pink table cloths. So when I saw all the TikTok videos and Facebook posts from mothers showing off the parties they were hosting for their teenage boys, I knew that there was an interesting change happening. I contacted mothers who had posted questions about quinceañeros in Facebook groups. I called dance halls, D.J.s and photographers throughout Texas, where the trend appeared to be strongest, and asked if they were handling any upcoming parties for boys. My editor and I decided to focus on four teenagers whose families would be hosting celebrations in the fall. That's how the photographer Christopher Lee and I ended up in a ballroom in Corpus Christi, Texas, as guests at Javier Calderon's ornate 15th birthday party. Javier is Mexican American, and his party included some traditions that were similar to those I've seen at Cuban American celebrations. I watched as he danced with his mother to classical music, played by a string quartet. I saw his stepfather get emotional during a video dedication. I interviewed guests by the bar as relatives and friends with balloons danced nearby, beneath a towering robot. I spoke with all of the boys and their mothers. I wanted to understand why they were hosting these parties, and why some families were spending more than $70,000 to do so. I also talked to fathers, stepfathers and grandfathers about their ideas of masculinity. (Most family members who attended the parties were supportive, though some of the friends of the families we met did not approve of the celebration for teenage boys.) Through my reporting, it became clear to me that some Latino teenagers were adopting more open views of gender, much like other young people in America. Quinceañeros seemed to exemplify how traditions can change as more and more Latinos settle into the United States, the essence of what I'm assigned to cover for the National desk. Searching for subjects, I often look inward at the dynamics that have influenced my life as a second-generation Cuban American. But I also try to tap into what new immigrants are experiencing by putting myself in the shoes of my parents and grandparents when they were first living in the United States. I speak Spanish, which has opened up my coverage to include more sources and stories. The work is not all parties. I've written about recent immigrants targeted in armed robberies in Montgomery, Ala., and reported on Latino hurricane recovery workers bracing for Hurricane Milton in Florida while helping residents recover from Hurricane Helene. I have explored how the deported spouses of American citizens try to keep their families together, and years ago, I called many of the Latino families whose children died in a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. But it's articles like the one about quinceañeros that are among my favorites to write. With these stories, I know I'm telling a fuller story of my culture.
