From baroque to bling: how France became king of high style

In early modern Europe, as political power shifted, one country became a leader in luxury. Now the V&A’s new galleries reveal how, through conflict and colonialism, France gained its artistic supremacy

A feminist Pirelli calendar and the rise of Donald Dump – the week in art

Pirelli has a bit of a gear change with Annie Leibovitz’s portraits. Plus a high-speed tour of Art Basel Miami Beach, and how Donald Trump the pottymouth sparked an art movement – all in your weekly art dispatch

Luxury upgrades to an exquisite master bathroom

For a long time now bathroom design has been about adding a touch of luxury to the home and bearing that in mind Maison Valentina has prepared a selection of the ultimate luxury design pieces to bring glamour to the most exquisite and curated bathroom interiors. If you are looking for a glamorous decoration for … Read more

Belonging is the new currency of luxury brands

Unlike traditional luxury, which is based on what a brand can offer you to the exclusion of others, tribal luxury is rooted in shared experiences

Norman Foster: ‘I have no power as an architect, none whatsoever’

Ahead of a major urban design conference, the architect says we must plan for a more sustainable lifestyle – and discusses his disappointment at the likely rejection of his Thames Hub airport

Forget the LBD: why you need a little velvet dress this season

There’s been a velvet revolution on the catwalk for autumn/winter and now it’s taking over the high street