Haute couture is a sartorial discipline revered in France and across the world, but at its best it's also an expression of often complex philosophical ideas and convictions. Designers are continually grappling with the tension between body and spirit, between being and merely appearing, between functionality and seduction. FRANCE 24 takes a deep dive into the latest Haute couture collections from Iris van Herpen, Yuima Nakazato, Imane Ayissi, Adeline André and Alexandre Vauthier.

German consumers learned on Monday how much extra they will have to pay for gas in the winter months. Companies are currently not permitted to pass on their increased costs.

After banning imports of Russian coal in April, Europe's largest coal producer, Poland, is now suffering a shortage. As prices soar, Warsaw is scrambling to find emergency solutions that could speed up its coal phaseout.

Russian gas supplies to Germany via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline have been cut to just 20% of capacity. But the EU's energy commissioner has told DW that contingency plans for the winter are already being formulated.

This year's ready-to-wear winter collections are all about love and seduction: the delicate balance between what's shown and what isn't. Vaquera has found inspiration in the iconic black latex jumpsuit worn by Maggie Cheung in the 1996 film "Irma Vep" directed by Olivier Assayas. Victor Weinsanto, meanwhile, showcases an extravagant corset-and-cape look for "Emily in Paris" star Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu. Finally, the Love Brings Love exhibition offers a moving homage to late iconic designer Alber Elbaz.

In China, all eyes are on the ongoing Winter Olympics. Although the Games have come under scrutiny for a number of reasons beyond sport, they are also the culmination of an impressive campaign to convert more than 300 million people into winter sport aficionados. Our correspondents report. We also speak to Susan Brownell, a professor of anthropology at the University of Missouri–Saint Louis.

The air in India's capital region becomes very polluted every winter. Vehicular and industrial pollutants, crop burning, and weather conditions cause the problem. Despite numerous initiatives, the problem has persisted.

Record numbers of holidaymakers are now visiting Finland's northern Lapland region in winter, in search of an authentic Christmas experience. But despite the economic benefits, the tourism boom faces backlash over concerns about the impact on the area's indigenous Sami people, and implications for the environment in the vulnerable Arctic region.

We head to the western French region of Brittany to discover its bistros. In a retro-style establishment, young and old alike enjoy playing games like shuffleboard or "little skittles". Meanwhile, whether it rains, snows or shines, it’s always party time at the Tara Inn bistro in Brest. Every Monday, the stage is open to all musicians, regardless of their background. The bistro also continues the tradition of "fest-noz", a festival created more than a century ago as a welcome break from the tiring work in the fields.

Haute Couture, winter 2019/2020: Digital innovation no substitute for couture workshops.

After a difficult winter, torrential rain and flooding across six of Afghanistan's 34 provinces have left at least 24 people dead and hundreds homeless. The world's second-tallest minaret is also under threat.

Refugees are struggling against Serbia's winter as they shelter in an abandoned warehouse on the border with Hungary.