Free Republic

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida sent 85 pallets worth of cargo to Israel on two successful plane launches under an emergency executive order from Gov. Ron DeSantis. Departing Tuesday, DeSantis’ office said the planes will reach Israel Wednesday. The planes are carrying medical supplies, clothing, hygiene products and toys. “With the lack of leadership in Washington, we are stepping up to help our allies in Israel who are in need of supplies and our support,” DeSantis said. “As we continue to bring back Americans who were stranded in Israel when the war began, we will also keep sending the necessary health...

Iris van Herpen’s collection for Paris Haute Couture Week consists of five gowns covered in intricate, elaborate lace. It’s hard to believe that the ethereal dresses are made entirely from trash. The Dutch designer has partnered, for a second time, with Parley for the Oceans, an organization that collects plastic waste from the ocean, then recycles it to create new materials. This time around, van Herpen pushes the boundaries of the recycled plastic fabric, hand- and laser-cutting it to create patterns that would not be possible with cotton or silk. The collection as a whole tells a larger story about...

The women held court in their royal garments, each adorned with Swarovski and Aurora Borealis crystals, glass baguettes, rhinestone chains, bugle beads, custom stones, coins and handmade tassels on dramatic gowns and 10- to 14-foot long trains weighing 40 to 60 pounds. With its sweeping scenery and rich folklore, Argentina was selected by the Order's Mistress of the Robes Marnie Tate Simpson because of its connection to her father who lived there as a child.

For years, Sharon High School parents had help finding their sons and daughters among the sea of gowns on graduation day: boys all sported deep maroon, while girls wore pristine white. But last year, students approached principal Jose Libano with a proposal: end the tradition, which alienated some students. Now, all graduates wear maroon. Around the region, longstanding customs of assigning graduation colors by sex are giving way to new realities, driven by transgender student activists and supportive educators and classmates of all stripes. The change reflects a growing awareness that simple categories of male and female do not fit...

Jacqueline Kennedy lifts the skirt of her ivory double-faced silk satin twill inaugural ball gown, designed by Oleg Cassini, as she and her husband, President John F. Kennedy, leave their Georgetown home in the snowfall en route to the inaugural concert in Washington, D.C., Jan. 19, 1961. Lady Bird Johnson, center, her daughters Luci Baines, left, and Lynda Bird, right, model their inaugural gowns in New York City in this Jan. 12, 1961 file photo. Helen Taft's 1909 inaugural ball gown is part of the 'First Ladies at the Smithsonian' exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History...

No one gets the fascination with Michelle Obama, fashion plate, more than her husband. Invoking another president with a glamorous wife—that would be, maybe, John F. Kennedy? — President Obama told military guests at the Commander in Chief Ball last night, “I have the special honor of being the guy who accompanied Michelle Obama to the ball.” That got a big laugh, but it would be a few minutes before the first lady made her entrance, in an ivory chiffon dress. But when she did, oh, what a roar. It was an amazing day for Mrs. Obama — chic and...

The inaugural gown that first lady Laura Bush will wear next week is an ice blue and silver embroidered tulle V-neck dress with a matching duchess satin coat by Seventh Avenue designer Oscar de la Renta. The gown is youthful and feminine, not sexy -- the epitome of good taste. But it is almost overshadowed by the glamorous day suit that de la Renta created for the swearing-in ceremony. The Inauguration Day ensemble consists of a winter white cashmere dress with embroidered trim that is topped with a matching embroidered coat. The ensemble has classic lines, but it also reflects...

All the women's gowns are posted...