Florence Fashion Museum Unveils 40 Iconic 20th-Century Designer Gowns

Several notable exhibitions and retrospectives highlight the enduring influence of key figures in 20th-century and contemporary fashion. The Fashion Museum at Palazzo Pitti in Florence opened a new exhibit featuring forty designer dresses from the 20th century, emphasizing fashion as a cultural language intertwined with art and women's evolving roles. Giorgio Armani, at 91, continues to lead his independent fashion empire, known for pioneering comfort and elegance in luxury fashion, generating over €2 billion in revenue in 2024. A retrospective on Gianni Versace in London showcases 450 original vintage garments, recalling his dramatic and polarizing style that shaped the 1990s fashion scene and remains culturally significant. Australian designer Camilla Franks is celebrated for her vibrant silk kaftans and prints inspired by global travels, building a global brand with boutiques across Australia and the US. Separately, the U.S. Senate is preparing to vote on President Donald Trump's proposal to cut $9.4 billion in foreign aid and public broadcasting funding, marking a key political moment.