AFP Features

TOKYO (AFP) - Japan's bar hostesses, often dubbed "modern geisha", plan to form their first trade union next month to fight for better wages and conditions, a labour official said on Wednesday. Full Story »

HONG KONG (AFP) - A ring with a chickpea-sized pink diamond has fetched a record price of 10.8 million dollars at an auction in Hong Kong, Christie's said on Wednesday. Full Story »

SINGAPORE (AFP) - Expatriates in key Asian cities are feeling the squeeze from the weak US dollar, which has pushed up their daily living expenses, a survey showed Wednesday. Full Story »

BEIJING (AFP) - Volunteers have delayed opening China's first government-backed gay bar following intense media attention, an NGO said Wednesday, highlighting the still taboo nature of homosexuality in the country. Full Story »

ANKARA (AFP) - A Turkish minister said he expected Muslims to withdraw their money from Swiss banks in response to a referendum vote that banned the construction of minarets in the country, in remarks published Wednesday. Full Story »

PARIS (AFP) - After the razzle-dazzle of the 1990s, when Christian Lacroix was the darling of the world's fashion editors, Tuesday's bankruptcy proceedings were a downbeat end to a glittering adventure. Full Story »

AVAZA, Turkmenistan (AFP) - The billboard depicts white sandy beaches blanketed in sunshine, hotels with gleaming marble facades and swarms of vacationers enjoying Turkmenistan's newest resort town. Full Story »

MADRID (AFP) - Spanish giants Real Madrid, the world's richest football club in terms of income, will launch its first lingerie line for women next year, sports daily Marca reported Wednesday. Full Story »

LAHORE, Pakistan (AFP) - Pakistani artist Rashid Rana wants us to look at his country and see the Islamic conservatism, fervent patriotism, postcard mountain landscapes. And then he wants us to stop and look again. Full Story »

PARIS (AFP) - Sonia Rykiel and H&M rained 2,000 black velvet cushions and striped women's underpants on guests attending Tuesday one of the biggest and most extravagant parties held on the Paris circuit in recent years. Full Story »