Fussy afternoon tea, tedious tasting menus: luxury is overrated

The revelation came to me one Sunday morning in bed – sometimes the good things in life simply aren’t that good

Raf Simons on life after Calvin Klein: ‘I’ve never defined myself as a fashion designer’

In one of his first interviews since leaving the New York fashion house, Simons talks about the joy of designing textiles for Danish fabric company Kvadrat and his plans to open an art foundation

The joy of short shorts: ‘Nothing screams liberation like a breeze on your thigh’

Why it’s time to get your knees out

An amethyst Birkin estimated at £22,000 is leading Sotheby’s Hermès Handbags sale

    Hermès bag could turn out to be a wise investment. The White Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Diamond Hermes Birkin with 18K gold and diamond hardware is one of the most valuable handbags in the world. A new Hermès Handbags auction can bring new records for Birkin and Kelly bags, two of the Hermès’ most … Read more

Mountain maestros: the Alpine retreat that stages world-class concerts

At Schloss Elmau in southern Germany top classical musicians ‘play to stay’, so guests can enjoy performances between spa sessions, yoga and amazing views

It’s ironic, but gaming can be an escape from our hyper-connected, screen-filled life

Gaming requires my full focus and is one of the few activities that doesn’t encourage me to check my phone every five minutes