Finance

In the heart of Paris, under dazzling chandeliers and intricate ceilings, Vogue100 orchestrated an elegant evening at Baronne, nestled within the venerable Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild. This magnificent gathering paid tribute to the esteemed Lebanese couturier, Zuhair Murad, weaving together glamour, conviviality, and sophisticated taste into a memorable celebration. Attendees were immersed in a world of high fashion, engaging conversations, and exquisite ambiance, marking a highlight of Paris Fashion Week.

The festivities commenced in two adjoining lounges, where the atmosphere was set by captivating displays of Zuhair Murad's couture masterpieces and the clinking of champagne flutes. One room showcased an array of mannequins draped in sparkling gowns, each a testament to the designer's signature extravagance and meticulous artistry. In the adjacent salon, melodic tunes filled the air as guests mingled, forging new connections and rekindling old friendships amidst the vibrant backdrop of Paris Fashion Week.

Amidst the clinking glasses and soft music, conversations flowed effortlessly. Manuel Arnaut, the editorial content lead for Vogue Arabia, engaged in a discussion with sisters McKinley and McKaelyn Guidry regarding their high-end skiwear brand, X2 NYC. Elsewhere, Arnaut experienced a heartfelt reunion with his circle from Dubai, including the couple Umar and Nada Kamani. This particular moment felt like an intimate gathering typically held in the Gulf region, charmingly transposed to the Parisian setting.

Subsequently, guests were guided into the main dining area, where a breathtaking candlelit tableau awaited them. The room, illuminated by the warm, soft glow of countless candles, shimmered beneath a grand, hand-painted ceiling, resembling a living jewel box. A magnificent crystal chandelier cascaded light, reflecting off fluted columns, detailed plasterwork, and towering mirrors, amplifying the room's radiant splendor. Long tables, gracefully draped in linen, were arranged in perfect symmetry, adorned with delicate arrangements of blush and ivory ranunculus, roses, and lush greenery, curated by Emma Sosa Studio. Slender taper candles flickered among polished glassware, while richly patterned draperies framed tall windows, offering glimpses of the enchanting Paris night outside. A heartfelt welcome from the host expressed deep gratitude to Vogue for its enduring support, setting a gracious tone for an evening of effortless elegance and connection.

As the grand affair neared its conclusion, guests were presented with a thoughtful memento: a bespoke box containing a passport holder, elegantly embossed with the distinguished Zuhair Murad emblem. This poetic gesture served as a perfect encapsulation of an evening that magnificently brought together individuals from diverse corners of the globe, all united in their appreciation for fashion and the spirit of friendship.

Jody Potts-Joseph, a Hän Gwich’in musher and the mother of model Quannah Chasinghorse, has been deeply involved in Alaska's traditional sled dog racing for over a decade, a passion she's held since childhood. She was raised surrounded by dog teams, a testament to the centuries-old tradition of dog sledding among Alaska Natives as a vital mode of transport. In recent years, Potts-Joseph has intensified her dedication to the sport, culminating in her historic participation in the 2026 Iditarod race, also known as “The Last Great Race.” She proudly became the first Gwich’in woman to undertake this challenging journey, with her daughter, Chasinghorse, cheering her on, reflecting a legacy of strong, resilient Gwich’in women.

The Iditarod, a grueling 1,000-mile trail from Willow to Nome, demands immense physical and mental fortitude from both mushers and their dogs. Potts-Joseph and her team, the Raven Clan Kennels, comprising 16 dogs like Coki, Natrah, and Stoller, adhere to strict race rules, including finishing with at least five dogs harnessed. This demanding journey, which can span 10 to 20 days, is a profound connection to her ancestral lands, with Potts-Joseph finding peace and a deep bond with her dogs, whom she considers her best friends. Beyond the personal challenge, the race fosters a vibrant display of cultural pride, as her community rallied to create custom beaded blankets for her dogs, crafted by Indigenous and First Nations artists, weaving prayers and traditional symbols into each stitch, an homage to an age-old custom of honoring dog teams and visitors.

Potts-Joseph's participation in the Iditarod is more than a race; it is a powerful act of cultural preservation and an inspiration for future generations of Alaska Natives. For her, mushing transcends sport, embodying a way of life deeply rooted in the traditional knowledge of the land and animal kinship. Her unique racing attire, featuring beaver and hide mitts, mukluk boots crafted with her mother, and a self-made marten fur hat, symbolizes this enduring connection to her heritage. Approaching the race with gratitude and a focus on the journey rather than just the win, she hopes to instill pride and confidence in her community, thanking the Creator for safe passage through some of the world's most remote and challenging landscapes, celebrating her culture's strength and continuity.