The 20 Top Fashion Moments of 2020

The silver linings in one impactful year.

As New Year's Eve fast approaches, we tilt our heads, take a deep sigh, and thank the heavens that 2020 is almost over. No one needs a recap of all the bad news the past 10 months had to offer. But as we collect our breath and really look back, we realize that there were myriad silver linings. Yes, there were instances of resilience, artistry, and (if you can believe it) great joy. There can't be light if there is no darkness, after all. And in case you need a refresher, we've rounded up 20 of the best fashion moments of 2020. Here's hoping 2021 is clear skies ahead.

Gucci Rewires the Fashion Calendar

For the past decade the fashion merry-go-round has been spinning faster and faster, with fall collections shown in February/March, spring collections in September/October, plus two bonus seasons, pre-fall and resort, added to the calendar in June and December, respectively. (And for labels that do menswear, too, two more beyond that, with fall shown in January and spring in June.) There was a lot of hand-wringing about the frantic pace of output expected from designers, who, after all, are human beings. But nothing really changed until May, when Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele announced that the Italian brand would permanently limit its output to two coed collections a year.

Michele cited creative exhaustion, or a desire to “reconnect with the deepest reasons that inspired my entry into the fashion realm,” as the reason for the decision. In November, he delivered on his promise, debuting Ouverture of Something That Never Ended, a virtuoso Gus Van Sant–directed seven-part miniseries that showcased his collection of ’70s-style suits, bohemian dresses, and sportswear-inspired separates that will be in stores during the second half of 2021. It was also the headliner of fashion film festival titled, appropriately, GucciFest.

Fashion’s 2020 MVPs: Kerby Jean-Raymond and Aurora James

In a year marked by the global health crisis and racial equity protests, Pyer Moss designer Kerby Jean-Raymond and Brother Vellies designer Aurora James proved the power of community action.

Jean-Raymond formed Your Friends in New York, a network that raised funds to source PPE for frontline workers at health facilities across the United States and provided emergency grants to minority and female-owned small businesses. With the backing of Kering, the initiative developed into a creative platform that aims to empower the next generation of BIPOC innovators. During New York Fashion Week in September, Jean-Raymond won American Menswear Designer of the Year at the 2020 CFDA Awards and Designer of the Year by Harlem’s Fashion Row. And to round out his reign over 2020, Reebok named him vice president of creative direction, where he is tasked with bringing a fresh, more inclusive perspective to the activewear giant.

Meanwhile, James became a driver of systemic change in the retail industry this year through her 15 Percent Pledge. According to the United States Census Bureau, nearly 15 percent of Americans identify as Black, so in June, James challenged retailers to devote 15 percent of their shelf space to Black-owned brands. Heading her call to action were major companies-including Sephora, Bloomingdale’s, and West Elm-that promised to allot representative portions of their stock to Black-owned businesses.

Fashion Supports COVID-19 Relief

Fashion labels, both big and small, committed to helping stop the spread of COVID-19 and provided monetary assistance to those most impacted by the global health crisis. Prada financed three new ICU units at hospitals in Milan, while Ralph Lauren pledged $10 million to the WHO’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, the Emergency Assistance Foundation, and the company’s own Pink Pony Fund. And Tory Burch partnered with 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East to provide $5 million worth of PPE. Luxury conglomerates, including Capri Holdings, Kering, and LVMH, donated sizable funds to health organizations and NGOs, while independent labels such as Prabal Gurung and Christian Siriano converted their facilities into face mask-making outlets.

Beyoncé Creates Visual Poetry

Beyoncé is an icon in every sense of the word. And with her magnificent visual album, Black Is King, Queen Bey used her tremendous influence to showcase the best that the fashion industry has to offer and spotlight designers from Africa and the African diaspora. The costumes, masterminded by stylist Zerina Akers, included bespoke looks by Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing, Burberry’s Riccardo Tisci, and Alexander McQueen’s Sarah Burton; and a slew of pieces created by burgeoning global talents, including Côte d'Ivoire–based Loza Maléombho and Israel-born Alon Livné. Each of these designers helped bring Beyoncé’s incredible, poetic vision to the screen.

Marc Jacobs Becomes a Model

“Gendered clothing is over,” said Marc Jacobs in our April issue, where he modeled some of spring 2020’s most eye-catching looks, including a Balenciaga Dalmatian-print coat and Hello Kitty bag. “When people say a ‘woman’s bag,’ I’m like, ‘It’s just a bag!’ A bag is not gendered.” Jacobs also modeled in Givenchy’s spring 2020 campaign and Christian Cowan’s spring 2021 look book. And though some of us struggled to get dressed this year as we had to spend most of our time at home, Jacobs kept posting all his good fits on his Instagram account, offering all the inspiration we needed.

Valentino Takes Couture to New Heights

The couture collections ushered audiences into a fantasy realm, displaying larger-than-life runway extravaganzas. And even though the fall 2020 Couture Fashion Week could not be held in person this year, Valentino’s Pierpaolo Piccioli found an innovative way to take his show to-literal-new heights. In collaboration with Nick Knight, he presented his new collection via a fashion film titled Of Grace and Light, which was streamed live from Rome’s famed Cinecittà Studios. Models wearing super-long gowns fit for Amazons stood on hidden plinths or swung from trapezes. From a cape made of panels of effervescent feathers over a sequined bodysuit to a crêpe de chine gown with voluminous shoulders, Piccioli proved that he is not only a great designer, but also a master showman.

The Red Carpet Goes Virtual

Red-carpet dressing in the time of COVID often looked a lot like stars on Zoom in their pajamas, but there were a few who dared to, well, get dressed. In September, Regina King took “home” the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series for her role in Watchmen in two standout looks by Schiaparelli-a double-breasted wool suit worn over a Breonna Taylor T-shirt and an electric-blue asymmetrical embroidered silk falle gown-which were later auctioned at Christie’s to support the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance. And in October, Anne Hathaway didn’t need a red carpet to wow: She made the premiere for her new HBO Max film, The Witches, a fully virtual affair by posing in a dreamy ruffled gown on the dusk-lit rooftop of London department store Harrods, posting the images to Instagram.

Arguably the Biggest Fashion News Reveal of the Year Happens on YouTube

If when you first heard that Raf Simons was going to Prada felt like it happened in another world, it’s probably because it was another world last February. Nevertheless, we collectively watched this monumental fashion collaboration debut on a YouTube livestream-how very 2020 of us. The first collection by co-creative directors Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons centered on the idea of uniform and a dialogue, what the brand calls, “a creative conversation in progress.”

In the spirt of dialogue, the two powerhouses sat down to answer crowd-sourced questions about everything from their personal uniforms to working together and utilizing the collective unconscious in their designs. “You have to be connected to people-from what you read, from what you learn, from what you discuss,” Prada said. “The more you are connected in reality with the world, the more your job is interesting.” As cool as this convo was to witness, let’s hope that reality becomes more tactile for fall 2021.

Let’s Talk About Emily in Paris

Leave a bunch of discerning fashion people at home for months on end with very little to critique, then drop a binge-worthy Netflix show starring a clueless American in Paris with a penchant for mixing luxury labels and a lot of accessories, and watch the sparks fly. BAZAAR.com queried if Emily in Paris is fashion’s most polarizing figure. And we’d venture that the simple answer, for 2020 at least, was a resounding yes. But Emily came along at just the right time.

Another show from Sex and the City creator Darren Star, Emily in Paris follows a Chicago marketing exec to the City of Light, outfitted in a dizzying array of Off-White, Alice and Olivia, Dior, Chanel, rare Paris-print Christian Louboutin Gorgona boots, and Dope Tavio. Her lack of understanding of the native language seems to match her neglect of subtlety when mixing print and color-read: utterly hopeless. But when you’re stuck at home wanting to vent on social media about something other than what’s reported on CNN, what’s the harm in watching a show where the protagonist isn’t a fashion victim?

It’s a Sweatpants World, and We Just Live in It

When The New York Times boldly pronounced “Sweatpants Forever” in reference to COVID-era shopping habits, it was correct, of course; people have been really into sweatpants. But the deeper truth is that sweatpants were already a thing way before we stopped leaving our houses (BAZAAR.com actually called the trend in February). Further, there were brands that clearly had crystal balls glimpsing the cozy revolution-from purveyors of classic sweat suits, including Universal Standard, Les Tien, Iise, Aarmy, and Pangaia-and brands that luxed up the idea in cashmere and knitwear like Olivia von Halle, Frankie Shop, NakedCashmere, and Madeleine Thompson. Luxury labels like Louis Vuitton also put sweats in their seasonal look books.

In short, brands hawking coordinating sets built for full Tiger King viewings going into 2020 enjoyed a retail moment with an 80 percent increase in sales as of August, even as the rest of ready-to-wear was in a steady decline. So, maybe it is sweatpants forever, but even if it’s not, these brands clearly have a pulse on emerging trends.

Hey, Upper East Siders, There’s a New Gossip Girl Coming

While this news will inevitably be a 2021 sensation, word of a reboot of the hit 2000s show launching on HBO Max in the New Year with 10 hour-long episodes, showing a new generation of rich and famous prep-school teens, is making waves right now-and was met with a resounding, “Yes, please.” In the age of Instagram stars, bloggers, and influencers, it’s the perfect time to revive the sensory pleasures of watching New York City’s young, wealthy elite implode among themselves.

As the tagline reads, “Eight years after the original website went dark, a new generation of New York private school teens are introduced to the social surveillance of Gossip Girl. The prestige series will address just how much social media-and the landscape of New York itself-has changed in the intervening years.” Those who care about such things (read: everyone we know) will soon be well acquainted with the cast, including Emily Alyn Lind, Evan Mock, Eli Brown, Zión Moreno, Jordan Alexander, Tavi Gevinson, Savannah Smith, Thomas Doherty, and Whitney Peak.

What's a Runway, Anyway?

Though there have been in-person, socially distant, or sparsely attended shows everywhere from Paris to Connecticut, fashion has had to exercise some serious creative energy in introducing new collections. For those IRL presentations, there was extra attention to making at-home viewers feel included: Balmain’s virtual American front row filmed themselves on webcams and were “seated” on individual screens at the show. In the realm of runway-not-included releases, Loewe sent a show in a box, complete with wallpaper, glue, and scissors for a little DIY. Moschino created puppets, and Dior sent Couture dolls to clients, both partly inspired by Théâtre de la Mode.

Entire films were made by Nick Knight for Maison Margiela in the form of a documentary and Gus Van Sant, who shot an seven-part miniseries for Gucci. We watched Virtual Reality headsets for Viktor & Rolf, and got acquainted with a virtual Bella Hadid at Mugler. Empowered by a national obsession with Minecraft, Balenciaga designed a video game to release its collection, and by chance, so did Collina Strada. Among other smaller brands, Anifa Mvuemba leveraged Instagram for a “Live” show with invisible models. The list goes on, but the message is clear: When faced with extenuating circumstances, fashion believes the show must go on and will always put on a good one.

We Have a Love Affair with Diana’s Style, Again

The Crown isn’t exactly new, but the entrance of the Princess of Wales in Season 4 brought about a Diana Spencer style frenzy and newfound admiration for the Netflix show. The casting of actress Emma Corrin, her spot-on Diana mannerisms, and that iconic posh London shag seemingly brought the beloved royal back to life. Rowing Blazers issued a Princess Diana–inspired collection, complete with remakes of two intarsia sweaters she favored. The TikTok set discovered a style icon (the Princess Diana hashtag has more than 305 million views at print time). And more than one style influencer posted a shot in a tweed blazer, a baseball cap, and cowboy boots, or a varsity sweatshirt-and-biker shorts combo in homage to the late princess. The only fever we want to continue to see in 2021 is Princess Diana fever.

Gender-Fluid Fashion Finally Goes Mainstream

Twenty-four-year-old Central Saint Martins grad Harris Reed-Harry Styles’s go-to for lamé pussy bow blouses and caged hoop skirts-was undeniably a breakout design star of 2020, along with Art School’s Eden Loweth and No Sesso’s Pierre Davis. Their beliefs that gendered clothing is irrelevant takes further ideas about gender that are just starting to show up on the runways. Models identifying as nonbinary, trans men, and cis men walked alongside cis women at Valentino’s fall 2020 womenswear show. Agender model Juno Mitchell walked that show, too, as well as for Eckhaus Latta, Marni, Coperni, Alexander McQueen, and Marc Jacobs, where they strode side by side with Miley Cyrus-who has described herself as gender neutral.

In September, Jacobs introduced Heaven, a range billed as being for “girls who are boys and boys who are girls, [and] those who are neither.” Around the same time, Alessandro Michele launched Gucci MX, a new way to shop on Gucci.com, where womenswear and menswear pieces are merchandised together. And for spring 2021, Nicolas Ghesquière made a powerful statement about fashion’s genderless future, with a Louis Vuitton collection filled with expandable gusset blazers and wide-leg trousers worn by models of all genders.

American Fashion Gets New Cheerleaders

At a moment when the American fashion industry has been hit hard by the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis, it has found two major cheerleaders in our first-ever female vice president-elect and future First Lady, two women who recognize the quiet power of fashion to speak volumes about our beliefs. In their first speeches as president-elect and vice president-elect at the Biden–Harris victory celebration, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris sought to heal the divisions that have defined the last four years in U.S. politics. And it is notable that the Carolina Herrera suffragette white suit Harris wore to deliver that message, as well as the Oscar de la Renta asymmetrical floral dress worn by future First Lady Jill Biden, are both from immigrant-founded American fashion labels that have long dressed First Ladies on both sides of the political aisle from Jackie Kennedy to Melania Trump.

Telfar Lets Everyone Buy an It Bag

Christmas might come twice this year if you placed an order through the Telfar Bag Security Program. The innovative retail concept allowed fans of the New York label to preorder the always sold-out Shopping Bag-a.k.a. the Bushwick Birkin, or simply the Telfar bag, as the accessibly priced vegan leather tote is known-for guaranteed delivery between December 15 and January 15. The Shopping Bag, which costs between $150 and $257, comes in three sizes and 17 colors. Every one of those 51 combinations was on the menu during a 24-hour window in August, with no purchase limits. Contrary to conventional luxury marketing, the Bag Security Program is not designed to exclude. It’s in keeping with the “not for you-for everyone” ethos of the brand’s founder, Telfar Clemens, who won the 2020 CFDA Award for American Accessories Designer of the Year.

“It doesn’t have this kind of fashion attitude that’s like, ‘Oh, my God, you have that bag,’” Clemens says of the Shopping Bag’s appeal and price point. “It’s like, ‘No, the old lady does too, and so does that baby, and so do I.”

Designers from African Countries Take Paris and Milan

It’s safe to say that Austrian-Nigerian designer Kenneth Ize made a splash at his fall 2020 Paris Fashion Week runway debut in February when the one and only Naomi Campbell closed in his signature exuberant checks. Ize, a 2019 LVMH Prize finalist, is committed to celebrating and supporting the heritage of handweaving in Nigeria, and the new orders that flowed in allowed him to open a factory that supports 30 artisans.

Ize wasn’t the only Africa-based talent to show during the European collections this year. 2019 LVMH Prize winner Thebe Magugu, who works in Johannesburg, brought his ongoing exploration of the traditions, culture, and racial dynamics of South Africa to the Paris Fashion Week calendar for the first time for fall 2020. Magugu’s fellow countrywoman, Cape Town–based designer Sindiso Khumalo, who was one of the eight designers to split the 2020 LVMH Prize, was invited to show virtually during Milan Fashion Week for spring 2021.

A New Look at Sustainability

The climate crisis has loomed large lately, with wildfires and superstorms becoming more frequent, while the months of lockdown and social distancing are showing the impact of changed behaviors on the environment. According to an August consumer survey by Coresight Research, shoppers have become more focused on sustainability during the coronavirus pandemic, with 29 percent of respondents saying that it’s become more of a priority in their purchasing decisions. The problem is that the meaning of sustainable has eroded as brands rush to cash in on consumer demand, using it to market items that contain a small percentage of organic or recycled materials.

“We need to move away from this sort of wishy-washy sustainability-which can mean anything to anybody-to measurable, concrete, specific actions,” says Maxine Bédat, founder and director of the New Standard Institute (NSI), a New York-based fashion policy think tank. NSI’s Roadmap for the Rebuild, released in the fall, offers data-based macro plans for companies to meet quantifiable environmental targets.

The Original Blogger Is Now a TikTok Star

Eleven years ago, Bryanboy made waves when Dolce & Gabbana seated him in the front row at a fashion show, becoming one of the first bloggers to receive the coveted allocation once reserved for top editors. To the general consternation of traditional media, he helped usher in a new era of so-called “influencers,” social media personalities paid to post pictures of themselves wearing clothes brands send them, first on their personal blogs and later on Instagram. As the next gen of influencers migrated to TikTok, so, too, did Bryanboy this year, quickly racking up more than a million followers for his hilarious “Today Was the Worst” parody videos, in which he plays a clueless and entitled influencer whose personal brand is “elevating everyday experiences” with luxury products. He also posts a number of PSAs as himself, enjoining his many followers to wear masks and take COVID safety seriously.

February and March's Runways as Crystal Balls?

Fashion designers are the closest things we have to oracles. Collections are designed months in advance to anticipate how we’ll be feeling and what we’ll want to wear in the coming seasons. Case in point: There were some definite apocalyptic vibes to the Paris Fashion Week fall 2020 shows, which ended in the first days of March, shortly before stay-at-home orders took effect across much of Europe and the United States.

At Thom Browne, a dancing giraffe led a parade of models walking two by two through a Noah’s ark set, while at Balenciaga they stomped through a flooded and fiery hellscape. There is always something postapocalyptic about Rick Owens, and this time around, his floor-sweeping sleeping-bag capes matched the general mood. Marine Serre showed face masks in her signature half-moon print. She said that they were intended as a commentary on air pollution, but given the way a new respiratory biohazard would soon sweep the world, they felt prescient in more ways than one. Here's to a more optimistic vibe coming in strong from more recent presentations.

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Trump Administration Issues New Travel Ban Targeting 12 Countries

A newly signed proclamation bans the entry of nationals from specified countries, citing security concerns.

On June 6, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation instituting a travel ban affecting nationals from 12 countries, a move the administration claims is necessary to fortify national security against potential threats from foreign terrorists. The travel ban is set to come into effect on June 9, 2025, at 11:01 AM EST.

The travel restrictions apply to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date and do not possess a valid visa. The proclamation explicitly states that any immigrant or non-immigrant visa issued prior to this date will not be revoked under this new regulation.

Countries Subject to Full Travel Ban

The complete travel ban encompasses the following countries:

Afghanistan
Myanmar
Chad
Republic of the Congo
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Haiti
Iran
Libya
Somalia
Sudan
Yemen

Countries Subject to Partial Travel Ban

In addition, a partial travel ban affects certain countries where entry is suspended for immigrants and specific temporary visa holders, namely those holding B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas. The countries facing partial restrictions include:

Burundi
Cuba
Laos
Sierra Leone
Togo
Turkmenistan
Venezuela

Exceptions to the Travel Ban

There are several exceptions outlined in the proclamation. These include:

Lawful permanent residents of the United States
Dual nationals
Diplomats traveling on valid non-immigrant visas
Athletes and members of athletic teams, along with their immediate relatives, traveling for major sporting events such as the World Cup or Olympics
Immediate family immigrant visas
Adoption cases
Afghan Special Immigrant Visas
Special Immigrant Visas for U.S. government employees
Immigrant visas designated for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran

Potential Future Travel Restrictions

In March 2025, reports indicated that the Trump administration was evaluating travel restrictions on a list of 41 countries. Notably, 17 of the countries now included in the travel ban were also part of that preliminary assessment, while Burundi and Togo were newly added. Countries that were considered in the earlier list but are not currently affected include North Korea, Syria, South Sudan, Angola, and several others.

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Japan Grapples with Rice Shortage Amid Soaring Prices

Thai Army Asserts Readiness Amid Border Tensions with Cambodia

Thai Military Emphasizes Patience in Cambodian Border Dispute

Xi Jinping and Donald Trump Hold First Call Since Trade War Began

Global News Roundup: From Ukraine's strategic military strikes and Russia's demands and Tensions Escalate in Ukraine, to serious legal issues faced by Britons in Bali and Trump's media criticism, the latest developments highlight a turbulent landscape

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Cambodia Decides to Bring Border Dispute with Thailand to World Court

Prime Minister Hun Manet announces intention to file complaint with the International Court of Justice following military clashes.

Cambodia has formally announced its decision to bring a long-standing border dispute with Thailand before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), prompted by recent military engagements between the two nations' armed forces.

Prime Minister Hun Manet addressed the Cambodian National Assembly on Monday, stating that the government intends to file a complaint with the ICJ as a means to resolve the territorial issue definitively.

Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized that even if Thailand does not concur with the move, Cambodia will proceed with the ICJ filing in order to eliminate any ambiguity surrounding the disputed areas.

This announcement comes after a shift in strategy, as Hun Manet had earlier suggested that Cambodia would first pursue dialogue aimed at resolving the undemarcated border sections through discussions with Thailand.

The dispute primarily concerns three ancient Khmer ruins located near the border in Surin Province, which Cambodia claims as part of its territory in Oddar Meanchey Province.

These sites are known as Ta Muan Thom, Ta Muan Toch, and Ta Kwai in Cambodia, while referred to as Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, and Ta Kro Bei in Thailand.

The broader area of contention includes the Emerald Triangle, bordering Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani Province, Cambodia's Preah Vihear Province, and Champassak Province in Laos.

Tensions escalated recently due to armed confrontations between Thai and Cambodian soldiers in the vicinity of Ta Muan Thom and at Chong Bok, a steep valley in Nam Yuen district of Ubon Ratchathani.

The Thai military reported a stand-off involving soldiers from both nations, which culminated in a brief exchange of gunfire but did not lead to further escalation at that time.

Army spokesman Major General Winthai Suvaree expressed opposition to Cambodia’s decision to escalate the issue to the World Court, suggesting that the urgent priority should be focused on peaceful coexistence and conflict avoidance along the contested border rather than legal proceedings.

Both nations have expressed commitments to resolving border disputes through peaceful means, despite the ongoing tensions and differing claims over territory.

The Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), established to address and mediate border-related issues between Thailand and Cambodia, has been the primary framework for dialogue, although the unresolved areas have continued to generate significant friction.

The diplomatic landscape in Southeast Asia remains complex, as both nations navigate their historical claims and contemporary political considerations regarding national sovereignty and bilateral relations.

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Trump’s Tariffs Predicted to Stall Global Economic Growth

South Korea’s President-Elect Expected to Take Softer Line on Trump and North Korea

Center-Left Candidate Projected to Win South Korean Presidency

Trump’s China Strategy Remains a Geopolitical Puzzle

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Ukraine Executes Long-Range Drone Strikes on Russian Airbases

Operation 'Spiderweb' targets strategic bombers across five Russian regions with 117 drones

On June 1, 2025, Ukraine conducted a coordinated drone assault on five Russian military airbases, marking one of the most extensive long-range operations since the onset of the conflict.

The operation, codenamed 'Spiderweb,' was orchestrated by Ukraine's Security Service over an 18-month period and involved the deployment of 117 first-person view (FPV) drones.

The targeted airbases—Belaya in Irkutsk Oblast, Dyagilevo in Ryazan Oblast, Ivanovo Severny in Ivanovo Oblast, Olenya in Murmansk Oblast, and Ukrainka in Amur Oblast—are known to house strategic aircraft, including Tu-95, Tu-22M3, and Tu-160 bombers, as well as A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft.

Ukrainian officials reported that the strikes resulted in damage or destruction to over 40 military aircraft, accounting for approximately 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers.

The estimated financial impact of the operation is around $7 billion.

The drones were covertly transported into Russian territory, concealed within wooden structures mounted on trucks.

These mobile units were positioned near the targeted airfields.

At the designated time, the structures’ roofs were remotely activated to release the drones, which then proceeded to their respective targets.

Ukrainian operatives involved in the operation were reportedly extracted from Russia prior to the commencement of the attacks.

One of the most notable aspects of the operation was the strike on Belaya Air Base in Eastern Siberia, located over 4,300 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.

This represents the longest-range drone attack carried out by Ukraine to date.

Satellite imagery and local reports confirmed significant damage at the site, including the destruction of multiple Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers.

The Russian Ministry of Defense acknowledged the attacks, stating that aircraft were damaged and fires were ignited at airbases in the Irkutsk and Murmansk regions.

The ministry also reported repelling strikes in the Amur, Ivanovo, and Ryazan regions.

Independent verification of the full extent of the damage remains pending.

The operation coincided with ongoing peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul.

Ukrainian officials have expressed skepticism regarding Russia’s commitment to the negotiations, citing the timing of the attacks and the lack of prior communication about Russia’s negotiation proposals.

This operation follows a series of Ukrainian efforts targeting Russian military infrastructure, including previous drone strikes on airbases and strategic assets.

The use of domestically produced FPV drones and innovative deployment methods underscores Ukraine’s evolving tactics in the conflict.

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"That's Disgusting, Don’t Say It Again": The Trump Joke That Made the President Boil

It’s every columnist’s dream: write something so sharp it slices through the noise, goes viral across social media and Wall Street alike—and ends up ruffling the feathers of the President of the United States. That’s exactly what happened to Financial Times opinion editor Robert Armstrong, when a seemingly routine article earlier this month birthed the term TACO, an acronym for Trump Always Chickens Out.

The phrase, a play on the popular Mexican dish, was Armstrong’s way of describing Donald Trump’s now-predictable pattern: threatening to impose steep tariffs, only to back down shortly after. “Markets have learned that the U.S. administration doesn’t tolerate economic pain well,” Armstrong wrote. “It retreats once tariffs start to hurt. That’s the TACO theory—Trump Always Chickens Out.”

And just like that, TACO was born.

It didn’t take long for the term to go viral. Financial feeds on X (formerly Twitter) were soon flooded with memes, hashtags, and mock analyses. Investors began jokingly referring to “Taco Trades”—buying stocks low when Trump rattled markets with tariff threats, and cashing in when he predictably reversed course. The existence of a taco emoji only helped the meme take off.

Then came Wednesday.

During a press briefing in the Oval Office, Trump was asked about TACO. He hadn’t heard of it—and he did not like it.

“I chicken out? Never heard that before,” Trump barked. “That’s disgusting. Don’t ever say that again.”

He was reportedly furious afterward, scolding his aides for not alerting him to the joke circulating at his expense. According to White House sources, the president’s anger stemmed not only from the ridicule itself, but from what it attacked: his self-styled image as a tough-as-nails negotiator and dealmaker, the very persona he built in The Art of the Deal.

Insiders added that Trump felt the nickname undermined what he views as a strategic trade tactic. He even tried to clarify during the same press event: that he often sets intentionally “ridiculously high” tariff rates to pressure other countries into making concessions—then backs off if they comply.

Still, the damage was done.

“The joke clearly got under his skin,” one White House source told CNN. “It shows a fundamental misunderstanding of how he uses threats as leverage. And frankly, Trump doesn’t tolerate being seen as weak—so the idea that people think he ‘chickens out’ stings hard.”

Whatever Trump’s intentions, Wall Street has largely stopped taking his tariff threats at face value. Last Tuesday, markets surged after Trump once again postponed imposing 50% tariffs on the EU—just days after threatening them. A similar rally followed Wednesday, after a federal court ruled many of Trump’s tariffs illegal. Though the administration immediately appealed and secured a temporary freeze on the ruling pending a June 9 hearing, the pattern repeated itself yet again.

As for Robert Armstrong, he was stunned by the wildfire spread of his TACO theory.

“The mystery of social and traditional media remains utterly beyond me,” he said on the Financial Times’ popular podcast Unhedged. Still, he offered a tongue-in-cheek warning:

“What I really hope doesn’t happen is that Trump stops chickening out because of what I wrote. Let’s be clear: his retreats are the right thing to do. They’re worth celebrating. Three cheers for chickening out of bad policy.”

In the end, what began as a clever acronym has become a symbolic critique of Trump’s trade strategy—and a rare moment where a financial columnist found himself under the President’s skin, simply by calling his bluff.

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Paris Saint-Germain's Greatest Triumph Is Football’s Lowest Point

The UEFA Champions League final has always been a competitive match—until last night. Paris Saint-Germain demolished Inter Milan five–nil in a surreal, one-sided, and unprecedented blowout. It wasn’t just the largest scoreline in Champions League final history—it was an absurd mismatch. Even a Swiss Cup final between Basel and a third-division team of part-timers would likely be closer.

This wasn’t expected. PSG were favorites, but Inter had previously entered finals as underdogs and held their own—like their strong showing against Manchester City two years ago. This time, Inter weren’t just beaten—they were erased. It was so humiliating that some fans may wish they’d lost the semifinal to Barcelona instead. Calling it a mismatch is an understatement.

There have been one-sided finals before, but the losing teams still walked away with pride. In 2017, Real Madrid beat Juventus four–one—but it was one–one at halftime. Porto’s three–nil win over Monaco in 2004? First goal came in the thirty-ninth minute. Even Milan’s famous four–nil win over Barcelona in 1994 had a fighting Barca side. Inter offered nothing. Not even for a second.

So what went wrong? Inter had no injuries, no suspensions, and fielded their best lineup. Coach Simone Inzaghi used the same system that defeated Bayern and Barcelona. Yes, Inter is the oldest team in the tournament and played on multiple fronts—but fatigue doesn’t explain this collapse. They had two full weeks to rest and prepare. They just didn’t show up.

And maybe that’s because PSG were just that good. This wasn’t just dominance—it was something far beyond expectations. Credit goes to coach Luis Enrique, who has slowly built a cohesive, ego-free squad over the past two years. It’s proof you don’t need superstar names to win the Champions League—just a team willing to work for each other.

PSG’s journey this season was brutal. They had the toughest group stage draw and lost early matches against Arsenal, Atlético, and Bayern. At one point in early 2025, they were ranked twenty-fifth. Then came the turning point: down two–nil against Manchester City, they mounted a stunning comeback and won four–two.

From there, they rolled forward. A convincing win in Stuttgart, a comeback at Anfield, surviving Villa’s fightback, and then eliminating Arsenal—who had just crushed Real Madrid. The team gained confidence, rhythm, and momentum with every round. By the time they reached the final, they were playing fearless, fluid football.

Luis Enrique has instilled total football principles. No fixed roles. Fluid front lines. A flexible midfield without a traditional playmaker or defensive anchor. Fullbacks join attacks, defenders cover wide spaces, and young players like Willian Pacho quietly deliver near-perfect performances.

The goals in the final told the story: Hakimi, a right-back, scoring from center-forward position. Dembélé creating and pressing. Dhoué everywhere—assisting, scoring, dictating tempo. Even academy graduate Senny Maiolo got in on the action with a late fifth goal.

And while PSG danced, Inter crumbled. Their players mentally checked out and waited for the final whistle. It was a complete collapse.

Yes, PSG deserved to win. The players delivered. Luis Enrique deserves all the praise. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: this win is also a PR victory for Qatar.

This is sportswashing. A repressive regime accused of funding terror and abusing migrant workers improves its global image through beautiful football. It’s no coincidence that western media praises the club’s “new management style.” That’s the point. This is the story they want told.

The players—Dembélé, Dhoué—aren’t to blame. It’s unrealistic to expect young athletes to choose teams based on morality. But fans do have a choice. You can admire PSG’s football and still detest what the club represents. This win, as dominant as it was, is a sad milestone for football. PSG’s highest high is the sport’s lowest low.

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OnlyFans for Sale: From Lockdown Lifeline to Eight-Billion-Dollar Empire

OnlyFans, originally launched as a video platform for musicians and comedians, has turned into one of the most profitable adult content sites in the world—with over three hundred million users and billions in revenue. Now, its reclusive Jewish owner, Leonid Radvinsky, is reportedly looking to sell it—for a staggering eight billion dollars.

Headquartered in London with just fifty employees, OnlyFans takes twenty percent of its creators’ earnings from paid subscriptions. It gained massive traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, when both demand and supply of adult content soared as entertainers and sex workers turned to online platforms. The business model offers direct relationships between creators and fans, no middlemen, and no physical risk.

The company handed out five-point-three billion dollars to creators in 2023. That year, three hundred million users paid six-point-six billion dollars across over four million creator channels. Celebrities like Iggy Azalea, Bhad Bhabie, Tana Mongeau, and Lily Allen have all made significant earnings, with Allen famously charging ten dollars per month for photos of her feet. Snoop Dogg reportedly turned down a one-hundred-million-dollar offer to join.

Despite its success, OnlyFans has faced criticism for its adult content and business model. Critics say it still reinforces gendered power dynamics in the sex industry, and most of the platform’s revenue goes to a small elite of creators—ten percent of content creators account for seventy-three percent of profits.

Leonid Radvinsky, born in Odessa and raised in Chicago, bought seventy-five percent of the company in 2018 from founder Tim Stokely. A tech investor and entrepreneur since college, Radvinsky keeps a low profile but has donated millions to causes including Ukraine and AIPAC.

Despite the platform’s massive profits—nearly five hundred million dollars last year—selling it hasn’t been easy. A previous deal fell through due to backlash over a planned adult content ban. The site's nature has also scared off institutional investors, especially pension funds.

Still, OnlyFans remains highly attractive to buyers. It’s lean, avoids app store fees, and even pays lower credit card fees than most adult platforms. And unlike AI-generated content flooding the industry, OnlyFans thrives on real people and real connections.

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Hegseth Warns of Potential Chinese Military Action Against Taiwan

Thailand Closes Border Crossings with Cambodia Following Deadly Military Clash

Border skirmish near Chong Bok prompts checkpoint closures amid rising nationalist tensions and product boycott calls

Thailand has announced the closure of multiple border crossings with Cambodia following a fatal military clash near the disputed Chong Bok area in Ubon Ratchathani province. The incident, which occurred on May 28, resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier and heightened tensions between the two nations.

Clash Details

The confrontation began around 5:30 a.m. when Thai troops encountered Cambodian soldiers in a contested border zone. Thai authorities reported that Cambodian forces initiated gunfire during an attempted negotiation, leading to a ten-minute exchange before a ceasefire was brokered by local commanders. Cambodia's Ministry of National Defence stated that Thai troops opened fire on a long-standing Cambodian position, resulting in one fatality and several injuries among its soldiers. Thai forces reported no casualties.

Border Closures Implemented

In response to the incident and subsequent nationalist backlash in Cambodia, including widespread calls on social media to boycott Thai products, Thai security agencies convened an emergency meeting. Citing concerns over the safety of local communities and cross-border trade, authorities decided to close all border checkpoints along the Thai-Cambodian border. The closures affect six permanent border crossings:

Chong Sa Ngam, Phu Sing District, Sisaket Province
Chong Chom, Kap Choeng District, Surin Province
Ban Khlong Luek, Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province
Ban Laem, Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi Province
Ban Phak Kad, Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi Province
Ban Hat Lek, Khlong Yai District, Trat Province

Additionally, ten temporary crossings, including those at Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom, have been closed.

Diplomatic Efforts and Military Movements

Following the clash, Thai Army Chief General Pana Claewplodtook met with his Cambodian counterpart, General Mao Sophan, to express condolences and discuss de-escalation measures. Both sides agreed to withdraw troops from the immediate area and to seek peaceful resolutions through joint border committees. Despite these efforts, Cambodia has reinforced its military presence along the border, emphasizing its commitment to protecting territorial integrity.

Historical Context

The Thailand-Cambodia border has been a longstanding source of tension, particularly around the Preah Vihear temple area. In 2013, the International Court of Justice granted sovereignty over the temple to Cambodia, but disputes over adjacent land persist. Previous incidents, including a February confrontation at the Ta Muen Thom temple, have further strained relations.

Government Statements

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet have both expressed a desire to avoid further conflict and to resolve disputes through diplomatic channels. Cambodian authorities have urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information on social media to prevent exacerbating tensions.

The situation remains fluid, with both nations monitoring developments and engaging in ongoing discussions to restore stability along the border.

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Southeast Asia Advocates for Evidence-Based Traditional Medicine at WHO Assembly

Thailand and regional partners present joint statement urging WHO to strengthen scientific validation, ethical innovation, and protection of traditional medical knowledge

At the 78th World Health Assembly held in Geneva in May 2025, Thailand, representing the World Health Organization's South-East Asia Region (SEAR), delivered a Joint Regional Position Statement concerning the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034. The statement outlined four key recommendations aimed at enhancing the integration and regulation of traditional medicine within global health systems.

1. Strengthening Evidence-Based Traditional Medicine

The SEAR delegation emphasized the necessity for the WHO to support the development of scientific evidence underpinning traditional medicine practices. This includes promoting regional research networks and the utilization of real-world data, while acknowledging and respecting the context of unrecorded traditional knowledge. The delegation also advocated for the elevation of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, India, as a hub for international research and innovation cooperation.

2. Ethical Innovation and Digital Health

The statement called for the ethical application of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in traditional medicine. It stressed the importance of respecting cultural contexts and ensuring that technological advancements serve to promote, rather than replace, traditional knowledge. Additionally, the delegation highlighted the need for adequate data protection measures and equitable access to digital health resources.

3. Protection of Traditional Medical Knowledge

The SEAR countries urged the WHO to implement stronger protections for traditional medical knowledge. This includes establishing fair benefit-sharing mechanisms and supporting the rights of indigenous communities in managing biodiversity sustainably. The delegation noted the urgency of this issue in the context of rapid trade and digital transformation.

4. Establishing Strong Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanisms

The statement recommended that the WHO establish clear, measurable indicators to track the progress of the Global Traditional Medicine Strategy efficiently. It also supported a comprehensive review of the strategy by 2030 to assess its effectiveness and impact.

These recommendations align with the strategic objectives outlined in the WHO's draft Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, which aims to integrate traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine into national health systems, strengthen the evidence base, and ensure the safety and quality of traditional medicine practices.

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Hong Kong Raises Age Limit for Non-Local Skilled Workers to Address Labour Shortages

The age limit increase from 35 to 40 aims to attract skilled professionals amid an impending manpower crisis.

The government of Hong Kong has announced an increase in the age limit for non-local skilled workers seeking employment in the city from 35 to 40 years.

This decision was confirmed by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Chris Sun Yuk-han, who stated that the change is intended to attract vital talent to alleviate manpower shortages in various technical fields.

The announcement was made during a radio show, where Sun indicated that the details of the new scheme are still being finalized and will be disclosed in the near future.

He explained that an age limit set at 40 years is deemed more ideal since it allows skilled workers to potentially contribute to the economy until the age of 65, resulting in at least 25 years of economic input from new arrivals.

The sectors identified as having an acute need for this talent include lift maintenance, electrical technicians, and enrolled nurses for care homes.

A policy address by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu last October projected a labour shortfall of approximately 180,000 workers across various sectors within the next five years.

To address this, Lee pledged reforms to the city’s talent admission regime, including new pathways for skilled and experienced workers in specific trades facing significant manpower shortages.

The revised age limit follows extensive consultations, with the government noting that an age range of 18 to 40 years is expected to be more effective in attracting the necessary technical talent.

This revision reflects a broader global trend of aging populations, which is influencing talent acquisition strategies worldwide.

The initiative is positioned to admit 10,000 skilled professionals over a three-year period, with the labour chief asserting that this will not adversely affect local job prospects for technicians.

The programme aims not only to address manpower shortages but also to ensure the protection of local job opportunities, prioritizing industries experiencing acute labour deficiencies.

Additionally, the programme will facilitate the entry of professionals needed for emerging industries where specific skills are not readily available within Hong Kong.

Sun emphasized that the initiative will include strict requirements regarding qualifications and designated work scopes, ensuring that incoming professionals address the pressing shortages in technical fields.

While the government has not imposed restrictions on the origin of these professionals, it is anticipated that a significant proportion will come from mainland China, aligning with trends observed in similar talent acquisition programmes.

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Meta and Anduril Collaborate on AI-Driven Military Augmented Reality Systems

EagleEye project aims to enhance U.S. soldiers' battlefield awareness through advanced XR technology

Meta Platforms has announced a strategic partnership with defense technology firm Anduril Industries to develop advanced extended reality (XR) systems for the U.S. military.

The collaboration focuses on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) to enhance soldiers' situational awareness and decision-making capabilities on the battlefield.

Central to this initiative is the development of EagleEye, a high-tech helmet designed to provide real-time battlefield intelligence.

The helmet will incorporate Meta's AI models, including its Llama series, and leverage Anduril's Lattice platform—a command and control system that synthesizes data from multiple sources to deliver actionable insights to military personnel.

The EagleEye system aims to improve soldiers' sensory perception, enabling the detection of threats such as drones and concealed targets.

The technology is intended to function as an AI-powered assistant, capable of managing tasks and facilitating communication among units.

Meta's Reality Labs will contribute its expertise in AR and VR technologies to the project.

This partnership marks a significant step for Meta into the defense sector, following a policy change in November 2024 that allowed its AI models to be used for military applications by U.S. government agencies and defense contractors.

The collaboration also reunites Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg with Palmer Luckey, founder of Anduril and former Oculus VR executive.

Meta and Anduril have submitted a joint proposal for the U.S. Army's Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC) Next program, which seeks to advance the Army's Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS).

The proposal includes the development of XR devices aimed at enhancing soldier effectiveness through improved mobility, lethality, and situational awareness.

The EagleEye project is privately funded by Meta and Anduril, utilizing technology initially developed for commercial use.

The initiative reflects a broader trend of increased collaboration between technology companies and the defense sector, as the U.S. military seeks to incorporate cutting-edge innovations to maintain strategic advantages.

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