50 arrested in fashion fraud

(Photo: Guardia Civil)

CADIZ The Guardia Civil recently broke up one of Spain's largest organizations dedicated to the sale of false fashion merchandise, which distributed more than 350,000 items last year. The network was unraveled following the discovery -one of many but none as substantial as this, yet- of false well-known brands of clothing at a street market in the provincial capital. Most of the stallholders were from Morocco or Sub-Sahara countries; they were at the bottom end of the organization. The GC also uncovered fake merchandise valued at €2,184,000 at several locations in Andalucía as well as in Extremadura. Some €20,000 in cash was also discovered and confiscated, as were several vehicles, computers and other material proof of the crimes.

Gibraltarian couturier John Galliano arrested in Paris

PARIS (Agencies) Gibraltarian fashion designer John Galliano is in trouble with his employer, Christian Dior, following an alcohol-fueled dust-up at a Paris bar. On Thursday night, police found the couturier, 50, hurling a torrent of abuse at a couple. The couple is alleging that some of the comments were racist and anti-Semitic in nature. Galliano was taken into custody, subjected to a sobriety test and subsequently escorted home. Now he is, at least temporarily, out of a job. "Pending the results of the inquiry, Christian Dior has suspended John Galliano from his responsibilities," the fashion house wrote in a statement. While Galliano acknowledged that an altercation took place, he "firmly and formally" denied using racist and anti-Semitic language.

Los Barrios Horse Fair opens today

LOS BARRIOS This years's edition of the Salón del Caballo del Campo de Gibraltar y la Pasarela Flamenca (Los Barrios Horse Fair and Flamenco Fashion Show) got under way at noon today with the official inauguration. Some 50 exhibitor offer their wares, including harnesses, carriages, riding clothes, artwork, food and, of course, Flamenco fashion. The weekend programme encompasses various horse-related activities, including a carrera de cintas (ribbon race, at 4pm), doma vaquera (Spanish dressage, 5pm) and a horse & dancers show at 8.30pm (tickets: €15 adults and €8 children). On Sunday, there are more horsey things starting at noon, followed by a horse & carriage parade at 2pm. The Flamenco Fashion exhibition continues throughout the weekend, too.