The World’s Most Expensive Presents review – a ballgown for your dog, anyone?

This grotesque display of pricey Christmas gifts is pointless, immoral and horrid. Plus – the hateful Giles Coren hates Jane Austen

Electric cars already cheaper to own and run than petrol or diesel – study

Exclusive: Pure electric cars cost less over four years than petrol or diesel cars in the UK, US and Japan, researchers say, but China is set to lead the market

Donatella Versace and Adwoa Aboah honoured at UK’s Fashion Awards

Italian designer wins fashion icon prize while British Vogue cover star named model of the year at London event

Eau de humanity: our guide to the best in Christmas perfume gift ideas

Perfume can be the most thoughtful and personal of gifts rather than a last resort, as the Guardian’s resident enthusiast explains

Rowan Moore’s best architecture of 2017

Postmodernism returned in style, Liverpool’s Welsh Streets were saved, but Grenfell Tower defined the year

• Observer critics’ reviews of the year in full

Laura Cumming’s best art of 2017

There was revolutionary fervour from Russia, dazzling critiques of the American dream, and unforgettable faces…

• Observer critics’ reviews of the year in full