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How New York Fashion Week is evolving to keep up with the times

February 6, 2025
- New York Fashion Week is evolving to include diverse models, extravagant set designs, influencers, livestreaming and immersive experiences. This reflects modern fashion trends and the increasing accessibility of the event.
- In the 2010s, there was a push for diversity, leading to the inclusion of 49 plus-size models in Spring/Summer 2022 runways.
- The event is now more accessible with brands livestreaming shows, allowing audiences worldwide to engage through behind-the-scenes content and real-time Q&As.
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New York Fashion Week is changing. The runways are no longer just about high fashion and exclusivity.

From diverse models to extravagant set designs, the event has evolved to reflect modern fashion trends. With influencers, livestreaming and immersive experiences taking center stage, New York Fashion Week is keeping up with the times.

For decades, fashion houses prioritized size 0 and 2 models. This made it nearly impossible for plus-size or even mid-size models to appear in mainstream runway shows.

But in the 2010s, growing awareness around body image and eating disorders led to a push for diversity. According to The Fashion Spot’s Diversity Report, New York Fashion Week’s Spring/Summer 2022 runways featured 49 plus-size models.

While that number is small compared to the thousands of models who participate in fashion week, it marked significant progress. The same study found that the number of models of color increased by 34.6% between Spring 2015 and Spring 2022.

Influencers take over NYFW

New York Fashion Week is no longer just for designers and industry insiders. Influencers have taken over.

By the late 2010s, social media creators began attending exclusive runway shows. Today, brands aren’t just inviting them, they’re collaborating with them.

From backstage interviews to front-row seats, influencers are shaping how fashion reaches the masses. Some, like reality TV stars-turned-influencers, have helped generate millions of views by conducting red carpet interviews for Tory Burch.

Livestreaming brings runway shows to the masses

Fashion week is also more accessible than ever. Many brands are livestreaming their runway shows, giving audiences a front-row experience from anywhere in the world.

Most shows remain invite-only. But with behind-the-scenes content, real-time Q&As, and interactive features, livestreaming is redefining how audiences connect with brands.

Immersive set designs create viral moments

Gone are the days of simple catwalks. Many designers are turning their shows into immersive experiences.

From repurposed Staten Island ferries to full-scale theatrical productions, set design now plays a crucial role in storytelling. Designers use these elaborate backdrops to build a narrative around their collections, like Tommy Hilfiger did for his Spring/Summer 2025 show.

New York Fashion Week is evolving. It has moved beyond outdated beauty standards, embraced digital engagement, and transformed the runway into a global stage.
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TikTok may let app go dark instead of selling to an American buyer: Report

February 5, 2025
- The Washington Post reports TikTok may not be sold to an American buyer. The app’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, may choose to let the platform go dark in the U.S. later this year.
- President Donald Trump granted a 75-day extension last month. It allowed TikTok to reach a sale instead of facing a ban under a bipartisan “sell-or-ban” bill President Joe Biden signed last year.
- The report indicates the Chinese government may be more open to a deal if the Trump administration gives China some concessions on trade.
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TikTok is legal in the U.S. under a reprieve from President Donald Trump. However, in order to keep the app operational under U.S. law, the U.S. would need to facilitate a deal where TikTok sells its U.S. operations to an American buyer.

Now, a new Washington Post report finds that China may be more inclined to simply run out the clock and let its app go dark for good in the U.S.

The Post spoke with three sources, who agreed to keep the information anonymous to discuss details of the private negotiations.

With less than two months to go before the president’s 75-day reprieve runs out, they say, China is inclined to hold on to prevent the president from notching a win, especially if the U.S. does not make concessions, including lower tariffs.

Due to President Trump’s actions earlier this month, Chinese goods now face 25% tariffs on imports into the U.S.

The sources also say China is skeptical about Trump’s consistency. They worry about a crackdown on China he engaged in during the final year of his first term. In 2020, President Trump suggested he would like to ban TikTok. However, he reversed that policy on the 2024 campaign trail.

The calculus may not have changed much for TikTok, who declined to sell for roughly nine months after President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan bill requiring the company to either sell its app to an American buyer or face a ban. The law forbids ownership of companies like TikTok by companies with ties to known foreign adversaries such as China. ByteDance is based in Beijing.

Many buyers have expressed interest in TikTok. Investors including “Shark Tank” judge Kevin O’Leary and top YouTube star MrBeast have joined bids.

However, the Post says ByteDance may sacrifice its U.S. operations, which are just part of its global business, to avoid opening the door to another competitor.
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American woman stranded in Pakistan after failed online romance goes viral

February 5, 2025
- An American woman, Onijah Andrew Robinson, traveled to Pakistan to marry a man she met online. However, she was left stranded after he abandoned her, and his family refused to approve of their relationship.
- Robinson gained viral attention by making bizarre demands to the Pakistani government, including financial compensation and citizenship, which she shared through press conferences and social media.
- After weeks of uncertainty, Robinson has reportedly agreed to return to the United States, though her exact status remains unclear.
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An American woman has gone viral after getting stranded in Pakistan due to a failed online romance. She flew across the world to marry a man she met online, but things did not go as planned.

Onijah Andrew Robinson, 33, is a mother from New York. She believed she had found love with 19-year-old Nidal Ahmed Memon, whom she met online. She traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, expecting to marry him. But after she arrived, his family refused to approve of their relationship.

Memon abandoned Robinson, leaving her stranded in Karachi. Her visa later expired, but she refused to leave the country. Instead, she camped outside Memon’s empty family home and started making demands to the Pakistani government.

Bizarre demands go viral

Robinson quickly gained attention after holding press conferences and making bold requests. She initially demanded $20,000 upfront and $5,000 to $10,000 per week while she stayed in Pakistan. However, her requests kept changing.

At one point, she asked the government for $100,000. She also claimed she wanted Pakistani citizenship and planned to invest in real estate. Her unusual behavior led to viral social media videos, with many questioning her motives.

In another viral moment, Robinson made an even stranger demand.

“I want these houses built up correctly, and I want pools in the backyard,” she said in an interview with AAJ TV.

Family speaks out

As Robinson’s viral fame grew, a man claiming to be her son spoke out. According to The Independent, Jeremiah Robinson told local media that his mother has bipolar disorder. He also confirmed that she was never legally married to Memon.

Despite her marriage claims, her son said the relationship was not legitimate. He also stated that he and his family had been trying to get her back home.

Robinson agrees to return to the U.S.

After weeks of uncertainty, a local Pakistani media outlet reported that Robinson had been taken to a welfare center. She has also reportedly agreed to fly back to the United States.

However, as of now, her exact status remains unclear.
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Parents, you’re likely the ones exposing your kids to inappropriate content

February 5, 2025
- A new study found parents are likely to be exposing their kids to age-inappropriate content. Researchers found a link between parental screen time and exposure to mature content.
- The more time parents spend on screen-based devices, the more likely their child is exposed to this content.
- The study specifically focused on exposure to R-rated movies and mature video games.
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Many parents have rules about what they do and don’t want their kids to see at any given age, but in a world of technology, it can be hard to keep them away from content parents deem inappropriate. Now, a new study shows parents may be their own worst enemy.

The study published on Tuesday, Feb. 4, in the journal BMC Pediatrics found the more time parents spend on their phones, the more age-inappropriate content children are exposed to.

How did researchers come to that conclusion?

For the study, researchers used data from the National Institutes of Health’s Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study. They looked at patterns for more than 10,000 “young adolescents” who were 12 and 13 years old.

Researchers used a 1-4 scale and had parents agree or disagree with a statement. For example, parents would be given a statement like “I try to limit how much I use a screen-based device when I’m with my child” and then answer one (strongly disagree) to four (strongly agree).

Then they had kids answer two questions on a scale from zero-3, zero meaning “never” and a three being “all the time. Those questions were, “How often do you watch R-rated movies?” and “How often do you play mature-rated video games?”

The study found that each unit of parental screen time on the 1-4 scale resulted in an 11% increase in children watching R-rated movies or playing mature video games. It also found frequent screen time during meals or in the bedroom was notably associated with exposure to mature content.

So, what exactly does that mean?

According to the study, kids are paying attention to their parents, even if it’s not in the way parents want them to.
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Musk adds more companies to lawsuit challenging X advertising boycott

February 4, 2025
- Elon Musk is adding more advertisers to an ongoing lawsuit over their decision to boycott advertising on X. The newest companies added include Lego, Nestle, Tyson Foods and Shell.
- In his lawsuit, Musk claims that a group of companies operating under the banner, the World Federation of Advertisers, orchestrated the boycott.
- In 2023, companies including Apple and IBM suspended their advertising on X. A left-wing group found several large companies had advertisements next to posts defending the Nazi Party and Adolf Hitler.
Elon Musk added more advertisers to his ongoing lawsuit targeting advertisers that boycotted X, formerly known as Twitter, after he bought it in 2022. Lego, Nestle, Tyson Foods and Shell are among the companies Musk added to the lawsuit this week.

Companies involved in the lawsuit pulled advertising months after Musk purchased the site and loosened its censorship rules.

Musk alleges that the World Federation of Advertisers, a group of companies, violated antitrust laws. Musk says they arranged the boycott and that their actions deprived X of billions of dollars.

The lawsuit emerged after the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee said last summer that it believed companies acted in a way that reduced advertising dollars for outlets and platforms supporting conservative views.

The organization behind the boycott has since halted its activities.

It’s not the only advertising-related exodus Musk has faced. In 2023, companies including Apple and IBM suspended their advertising on X. It came after the left-wing group Media Matters for America found advertisements for several large companies next to posts defending the Nazi Party and Adolf Hitler.

As the companies left, Musk expressed his anger with advertisers, including Disney and its CEO Bob Iger, while speaking at the 2023 New York Times DealBook conference. In no uncertain terms, Musk told companies raising concerns about the site to stop advertising.

“If somebody is going to try to blackmail me with advertising, blackmail me with money, go f— yourself,” Musk said.

Musk has filed or threatened to file multiple lawsuits in recent weeks. He threatened to sue Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for suggesting Musk performed a Nazi salute at a Trump inauguration event.

In December, he sued OpenAI, alleging the company he co-founded violated licensing agreements.

And last month, he suggested he would consider suing media outlets that discussed the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside a Las Vegas hotel without also noting there were explosive fireworks in the car.

The expanded lawsuit against advertisers comes as multiple outlets report Musk plays a leading role in the Trump administration. He and his allies have gained access to payment systems at the Department of the Treasury.

If the lawsuit is not settled, Musk will have to argue that the businesses were not engaging in protected speech or legally exercising their rights not to advertise on his platforms.
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China hits back at US with tariffs of up to 15% on American goods

February 4, 2025
China is not backing down in the tariff war with the Trump administration. And crews continue to remove the wreckage from an American Airlines jet that plunged into the Potomac River last week after a midair collision with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025.

China hits back at US with tariffs of up to 15% on American goods

China responded to President Donald Trump’s newly imposed tariffs with some of its own. China’s finance ministry said Tuesday that starting next Monday, Feb. 10, it will impose additional tariffs of 15% on coal and liquefied natural gas imports from the U.S. and 10% higher duties on American crude oil, farm equipment, and certain cars.

China’s announcement came just minutes after Trump’s additional 10% tariff on all Chinese goods took effect.

At the same time, Trump paused the 25% tariffs he promised to impose on Canada and Mexico for 30 days. Straight Arrow News reporter Lauren Taylor has the details of that pause here.

Trump has not yet spoken to Chinese President Xi Jinping about the tariffs but is expected to do so in the next few days. In addition to the tariffs against the U.S., China has also filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization.

El Salvador offers to house violent U.S. criminals and deportees of any nationality

As the U.S. continues its crackdown on undocumented immigrants, El Salvador has offered the Trump administration an unprecedented deal.

After meeting with El Salvadorian President Nayib Bukele, Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained the details of the offer.

“He has agreed to accept for deportation any illegal alien in the United States who is a criminal from any nationality, be they MS-13 or Tren de Aragua, and house them in his jails,” Rubio said. “And he’s also offered to do the same for dangerous criminals currently in custody and serving their sentence in the United States even though they’re U.S. citizens or legal residents.

We have offered the United States of America the opportunity to outsource part of its prison system.

We are willing to take in only convicted criminals (including convicted U.S. citizens) into our mega-prison (CECOT) in exchange for a fee.

The fee would be relatively low for… pic.twitter.com/HTNwtp35Aq
— Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) February 4, 2025

El Salvador’s president said in a post on X, “We have offered the United States the opportunity to outsource part of its prison system. We are willing to take in, only convicted criminals, including convicted U.S. citizens, into our mega-prison in exchange for a fee. The fee would be relatively low for the U.S. but significant for us, making our entire prison system, sustainable.”

It’s unclear when such a transfer might begin or if it would even be legal.

The stop in El Salvador was part of a larger tour of Central America for Secretary of State Rubio. Before heading there, Rubio was in Panama, seeking assurances on curbing China’s influence over the Panama Canal.

Rubio is also scheduled to visit Costa Rica, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic this week.

Large pieces of American Airlines jet pulled from river; more remains found

Salvage crews continued Tuesday to remove the wreckage of an American Eagle passenger jet in the Potomac River near Washington, D.C.

On Monday, Feb. 3, the first day of operations, they removed an engine and large portions of the plane’s fuselage from the water.

Investigators said the plane broke apart into three pieces in the river. Officials said the remains of the jet must be removed from the crash site to recover all 67 victims who died in the mid-air collision between Flight 5432 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter last Wednesday night, Jan. 29.

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A post shared by USACE Baltimore District (@usacebaltimore)

So far, officials have positively identified 55 victims. They vowed to recover everyone. Searchers found additional remains during recovery efforts Monday, but they have not yet been identified.

Once the jet’s wreckage is cleared, crews will start working to remove what remains of the helicopter. They will haul both aircraft to a National Transportation Safety Board hangar for a lengthy investigation into what caused the deadly crash.

Trump reportedly weighing plan to dismantle the Department of Education

Trump could soon sign an executive order directing Acting Secretary of Education Denise Carter to dismantle the Federal Department of Education, according to multiple reports citing sources briefed on drafts circulating among top administration officials.

The proposed order is expected to require Carter to submit a proposal to break up the department and for Congress to pass legislation to get rid of it.

It’s unclear when the president will officially make the order, but at least one White House official has said it’s expected sometime this month.

Trump creates US sovereign wealth fund, could buy into TikTok

The president has signed an executive order that outlines plans to establish a government-run sovereign wealth fund. It would serve as an economic development account and might be used to buy into TikTok as a partner.

The popular social media app operates under a 75-day period during which its owner, ByteDance, is supposed to break away from its Chinese influence.

In addition to TikTok, the fund would be used to pay for infrastructure projects in the U.S., including at airports and highways.

Elon Musk creates confusion over IRS’ free tax filing program

Tax season is here, and several Americans are banking on the IRS’ new Direct File system to make life easier. However, they might find themselves confused about a recent social media post by Department of Government Efficiency Chair Elon Musk.

Musk shared a user’s post about the free program on his platform X and said, “That group has been deleted.”

That group has been deleted https://t.co/TICeriaLlA
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 3, 2025

That led to concerns that Americans would not be able to use the new tool to file their 2024 taxes. However, the Direct File has not been “deleted” and is still available, at least for this tax season.

Musk was referring to 18F, a government agency that worked on technology projects, including the IRS’s Direct File program. Last year, the IRS announced it would make the free electronic tax return filing system permanent.

Tax Day this year is Tuesday, April 15.
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Meta considers moving its incorporation to Texas, leaving Delaware: Report

January 31, 2025
American companies have their headquarters all over the country. However, many incorporate in Delaware, taking advantage of the state’s tax protections and strong business court system.

But Meta is considering the opposite—moving its incorporation out of Delaware, with The Wall Street Journal naming Texas as a potential candidate.

The move would not involve relocating Meta’s headquarters to the Silicon Valley region of Northern California.

However, in recent years, Delaware’s courts have been more open to legal challenges that shareholders have brought against companies.

Multiple Meta board members, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg, face a shareholder lawsuit in Delaware stemming from the 2018 scandal involving data firm Cambridge Analytica and user data collection for political advertising. The case is heading to trial in April, and the court has allowed plaintiffs to bring in Zuckerberg for a deposition.

This has led to several other major companies leaving the state. Dropbox announced this week that it gained approval to move its incorporation to Nevada. Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, has moved several of his companies out of Delaware in recent years.

Musk moved his biotech startup, Neuralink, to Nevada. He has also moved Tesla and SpaceX to Texas, which has been working to pitch businesses on the notion that its courts will be friendlier to them.

Musk’s move follows a court ruling in Delaware that required him to give up a compensation package worth more than $55 billion after shareholders sued, alleging the company was breaking its duty to shareholders by offering Musk the lucrative deal.
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Amazon to increase ad spend on X, signaling policy reversal: Report

January 31, 2025
Amazon is spending more money on ads for the social media platform X, signaling a reversal of its previous strategy, The Wall Street Journal reports, citing people familiar with the situation. Over a year ago, the multinational tech company pulled much of its ad spending from X, as did other brands, over concerns about content moderation.

The Journal reports that Elon Musk emailed X employees earlier this month. Musk reportedly stated, “Our user growth is stagnant, revenue is unimpressive, and we’re barely breaking even.” Musk denies sending the email.

Advertisers generally want to ensure their ads are placed in environments that align with their values and do not appear next to harmful or offensive content.

However, the attitudes of prominent tech leaders toward Musk and his social media company have shifted in recent months.

Musk was a vocal proponent of President Donald Trump during the campaign. He endorsed Trump after the assassination attempt of Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024.

Trump also appointed Musk to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. The department aims to shrink the government workforce and cut trillions of dollars in federal spending.

Given Musk’s new alliance with Trump, business and world leaders have worked to strengthen relations with him, considering his prominent role in Washington.

The tech mogul attended events at Trump’s inauguration. He met with other billionaire tech leaders, including Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg.

Apple is also considering testing ads on X, according to the Journal.
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Karla Sofía Gascón criticized for resurfaced social posts amid Oscar nomination

January 31, 2025
Just days after controversy began over “Emilia Pérez,” the film’s lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascón, is now facing backlash. Resurfaced tweets from the “Emilia Pérez” star have sparked outrage across social media.

Journalist Sarah Hagi shared translated screenshots of Gascón’s past tweets before they were deleted.

One tweet from 2016 read:

“Islam is becoming a hotbed of infection for humanity that urgently needs to be cured.”

Another post criticized the way Muslim women dress.

The Hollywood Bureau of the Muslim Public Affairs Council responded to the resurfaced posts. Senior Vice President Sue Obeidi released a statement to The Wrap condemning the remarks.

“Deleted or not, these tweets are hurtful, offensive, and shocking, most especially coming from someone who is a member of another vulnerable community,” Obeidi said. “Muslims are part of every community, including the transgender community.”

Tweet about George Floyd sparks additional criticism

Gascón also made controversial statements following the 2020 death of George Floyd.

She tweeted:

“I really think that very few people ever cared about George Floyd, a drug addict swindler, but his death has served to once again demonstrate that there are people who still consider Black people to be monkeys without rights and consider policemen to be assassins.”

According to Deadline, Gascón has also been accused of using slurs against LGBTQ+ individuals.

Her account on X is currently deactivated.

Critics call for the Academy to take action

With Gascón’s nomination for Best Actress at the Academy Awards, critics argue the resurfaced posts should factor into the Academy’s decision.

One X user wrote:

“A person like that cannot win an Oscar. A person like that is not a person. Racist, homophobic, xenophobic—Karla Sofía really is an unpleasant being.”

More controversy: Feud with Fernanda Torres?

In addition to the backlash over her past tweets, Gascón was also caught in another controversy involving fellow Best Actress nominee Fernanda Torres.

During a Jan. 28 interview, Gascón expressed concerns about negative comments online. She stated that individuals associated with Torres were attempting to discredit her and “Emilia Pérez.”

However, she later clarified that she was referring to general social media toxicity, not Torres or her team.

Karla Sofía Gascón issues apology

Following the backlash, Gascón apologized in a statement to CNN.

“As someone in a marginalized community, I know this suffering all too well, and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain,” she said. “All my life, I have fought for a better world. I believe light will always triumph over darkness.”

Her Oscar nomination marks a historic moment, making her the first openly transgender actress nominated in an acting category.

However, with controversy surrounding “Emilia Pérez” and her resurfaced tweets, the road to the Academy Awards is proving to be complicated.
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Chili’s makes big comeback thanks to viral online fame

January 30, 2025
It’s a comeback that many might not have seen coming. Chili’s is America’s hottest restaurant right now.

The increasingly popular restaurant chain’s sales went up 31% last quarter, marking the third quarter in a row of double-digit growth. Brinker International, Chili’s parent company, which also owns Maggiano’s, saw a stock bump of 16% on Wednesday, Jan. 29, alone.

How did Chili’s become America’s #1 restaurant?

It’s not higher prices that are accounting for people spending more at Chili’s — it’s more people spending time there. Chili’s foot traffic went up 20% last quarter, according to the company.

The chain, which was falling behind other casual dining restaurants across the country, like Olive Garden and Texas Roadhouse, has a few things to thank for that, such as its upgraded french fry and chicken tender recipes, inexpensive meal deals, $6 margaritas and videos of its gooey mozzarella sticks going viral on TikTok, for starters.

That internet fame is what’s helped Chili’s survive the recent restaurant slowdowns, with other long-lasting chains like Red Lobster and TGI Friday’s filing for bankruptcy last year and Denny’s and Applebee’s announcing major store closings.

@chilisofficial
Dating drama must be discussed over Triple Dippers
♬ Epic Music(842228) – Pavel

What’s next?

With how well things are going for Chili’s right now, Brinker said it’s now expecting to make $5.15 billion this fiscal year, up from its previous prediction of $4.7 billion.

On a call with analysts on Wednesday, Brinker’s Chief Executive Kevin Hochman said the numbers signal that Chili’s turnaround has taken hold “and it is sustainable.”

Hochman said the company will now shift its focus to turning around Maggiano’s using the Chili’s playbook.
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How New York Fashion Week is evolving to keep up with the times

Full Story

Influencers take over NYFW

Livestreaming brings runway shows to the masses

Immersive set designs create viral moments

TikTok may let app go dark instead of selling to an American buyer: Report

Full Story

American woman stranded in Pakistan after failed online romance goes viral

Full Story

Bizarre demands go viral

Family speaks out

Robinson agrees to return to the U.S.

Parents, you’re likely the ones exposing your kids to inappropriate content

Full Story

How did researchers come to that conclusion?

So, what exactly does that mean?

Musk adds more companies to lawsuit challenging X advertising boycott

China hits back at US with tariffs of up to 15% on American goods

China hits back at US with tariffs of up to 15% on American goods

El Salvador offers to house violent U.S. criminals and deportees of any nationality

Large pieces of American Airlines jet pulled from river; more remains found

Trump reportedly weighing plan to dismantle the Department of Education

Trump creates US sovereign wealth fund, could buy into TikTok

Elon Musk creates confusion over IRS’ free tax filing program

Meta considers moving its incorporation to Texas, leaving Delaware: Report

Amazon to increase ad spend on X, signaling policy reversal: Report

Karla Sofía Gascón criticized for resurfaced social posts amid Oscar nomination

Tweet about George Floyd sparks additional criticism

Critics call for the Academy to take action

More controversy: Feud with Fernanda Torres?

Karla Sofía Gascón issues apology

Chili’s makes big comeback thanks to viral online fame

How did Chili’s become America’s #1 restaurant?

What’s next?