What is haute couture – and why does it matter?

Staging an haute couture fashion show takes unimaginable time and expense, and most fashion make their profits from lower-priced accessories. So what is the point of gobsmackingly expensive couture?

Vertical Veg man: six of the best edible flowers

Continuing our series about growing food on balconies, patios and
window sills, the VV man gets a taste for edible florals

Piscine Molitor: renaissance of a Parisian art-deco masterpiece

From birthplace of the bikini to graffiti temple, this newly renovated swimming pool has a unique place in the city’s history

Michael Kors and the £300 It bag

The luxury market has pushed prices ever higher – but few women can afford £1,000 handbags. How did one designer bring things back within reach?

• Gallery of 15 statement handbags for under £150

Queen’s old toys among items to go on display in exhibition of royal childhood

Buckingham Palace exhibition will offer small glimpse into toy boxes and wardrobes of generations of young royals