As the fashion industry looks ahead to sunnier times for its spring/summer 2026 collections, we learn about the inspirations behind Burç Akyol's latest collection, "Gülistan". The award-winning Franco-Turkish designer has just shown his fifth collection at Paris Fashion Week after his looks were enthusiastically embraced by celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Cate Blanchett and Zendaya. Plus, fashion editor Samantha Tse briefs us on the high-profile arrivals at the major French houses, as Chanel, Dior and Balenciaga all welcome new creative directors.

This week on arts24's music show, Marjorie Hache chats to Pain Magazine, a new band which sees French-American techno DJs and producers Louisahhh and Maelstrom team up with French hardcore punk band Birds in Row. They've just released their first album "Violent God", which contrasts punk and techno with softer dream pop tones while exploring themes like self-esteem and relationships at large, at a time when screens are constantly demanding our attention. We also look at new releases by Tame Impala, Sudan Archives and The Last Dinner Party.

After breaking most music industry records during her "Eras" tour in 2023 and 2024, Taylor Swift is back with the hotly anticipated account of that time in the form of her twelfth studio album. "The Life of a Showgirl" brings in pop princess Sabrina Carpenter and Swedish producers Max Martin and Shellback, who produced Swift's synth pop album "1989" and mega hits "Shake It Off" and "Blank Space". The release coincides with a weekend screening of a behind-the-scenes documentary, where the US star will unveil a new music video from this latest album. FRANCE 24's Olivia Salazar-Winspear tells us more.

The seaside town of Dinard in Brittany is rolling out the red carpet for stars from Ireland and the UK as it hosts its annual film festival. Culture editor Eve Jackson tells us about the dramas, documentaries and horror stories screening there this year, and catches up with actress and director Kristin Scott Thomas as she presents the very personal "My Mother’s Wedding". We also weigh up Leonardo DiCaprio's prospects as Oscar buzz surrounds the actor's latest performance. Plus: Swifties, rejoice! Taylor Swift releases her 12th album, "The Life of a Showgirl", and reflects upon a life spent on stage. 

Choreographer and dancer Akram Khan took inspiration from the Nabataean tribes of the Saudi Arabian desert for his latest creation "Thikra: Night of Remembering", as he delves into regional traditions with Saudi artist Manal Al Dowayan. He tells us why staging an all-women production in the kingdom came naturally, despite taboos surrounding public performances and why his work has always been informed by a female gaze. We also discuss his life-changing collaboration with the late director Peter Brook and his upcoming projects as Khan tours his last production with the dance company he founded 25 years ago.

This week on arts24, we explore the rise of virtual talent and the storm surrounding AI actress Tilly Norwood, the digital star unveiled at the Zurich Film Festival that's shaking up the entertainment world. Plus, film critic Emma Jones tells us about the festival's human stars: Russell Crowe reflects on his storied career while accepting a Lifetime Achievement Award, Colin Farrell charms audiences in a new role set in Macau, and Benedict Cumberbatch confronts grief in an unexpected form. We also take a first look at Palme d'Or winner "It Was Just an Accident", a haunting new feature from Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, and dive into "A Big Bold Beautiful Journey", the fantasy romance starring Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie that has left critics divided.

Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi has been jailed, gone on hunger strike and even sold his house to pay bail – all for the right to make movies. After winning the Palme d'Or at Cannes and being selected to represent France at the Oscars, he's now releasing his new film "It Was Just an Accident", inspired by his own imprisonment. In this interview, Panahi explains to Eve Jackson why every film is worth the risk.

If you're a fan of gospel, soul and folk with a vintage pop vibe, you'll love the work of Natalie Bergman, who has just released her second solo album "My Home Is Not In This World" on Jack White's Third Man Records. The record can be seen as a rebirth following her stunning but grief-stricken first album. This new offering explores past loves and aims to bring comfort and reassurance in these complicated times. She popped by FRANCE 24 to tell Marjorie Hache more about the record and the music videos that beautifully accompany it. We also meet Ireland's rising pop star CMAT, who has just released a new album "Euro-Country" and we take a look at Spark's new EP "Madder!" 

"Art is my way of turning pain into hope." Those are the words of Gaza-based photographer Belal Khaled, whose images have been seen by millions and published in Time, the Guardian and The Wall Street Journal. His work, along with that of 10 other Gaza-based photographers, is at the heart of a powerful new exhibition at P21 Gallery in London, titled "Against Erasure: Photographs from Gaza." In a war where foreign reporters have been banned from Gaza, these photojournalists risk their lives to document what's happening and ensure their stories are not silenced.

Their debut album "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)" changed the course of East Coast hip-hop in 1993, with its lyrical acrobatics delivered by a charismatic collective of MCs. Thirty years later, the Wu-Tang Clan have taken to the stage of the immense Red Rocks amphitheatre, accompanied by the Colorado Symphony orchestra, for a historical concert that is at the centre of "A Wu-Tang experience: Live at Red Rocks". Its director, Gerald Barclay, and founder of the Wu-Tang clan RZA join arts24 to discuss this major moment in the group's history.