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

From Brando to Vogue: the biker jacket roars back into the limelight

Garment set to be the ‘it’ item of the new year after featuring on the cover of Vogue

Why it’s OK to wear sunglasses in winter

Wearing shades in December used to scream ‘show-off’. But now – public service announcement! – they’re actually quite fashionable

Tech house of the future: take a look around

Smart ovens, living carpets, robot butlers and beds that remind you to have sex – then make themselves. Welcome to your home of tomorrow

Karl Lagerfeld’s heart is in Paris, even on Chanel’s Roman holiday

Taking over the famed Cinecittà film studios, catwalk show packed an extra emotional charge

Wrap it up, guys: scarf semantics for men

What with it being cold and windy, scarves are likely to be in your ‘essential’ wardrobe. How to tie yours depends on your mood – and your muse. From Idris Elba to Count von Bismarck, here are four ways