Why the ‘best cities to live in’ list rewards the safe and the clean

The Economist Intelligence Unit’s report on the world’s most liveable cities is a go-to overview of desirable cycle lanes and botanic gardens, but where’s all the fun?

Beauty queen: how Pat McGrath became the world’s most influential makeup artist

A self-confessed cosmetics nerd, Pat McGrath creates the looks for 80 major fashion shows a year. As she launches her first line, she talks about race, Instagram, her best friend Edward Enninful (the new editor of Vogue) and the influence of her makeup-obsessed mother Jean

Want to try slow tourism? First give up your guidebook

Florence’s Uffizi Gallery wants to discourage casual visitors, promoting repeat visits at different times. It’s a noble aim: we should all learn to take our time

Paris’s Colette – ‘the trendiest store in the world’ – set to close

The concept boutique known for unexpected collaborations and being the only shop that Karl Lagerfeld claims to frequent will shut up shop in December

Bored with the gym? Why jousting is the ultimate workout

Modern-day jousters are as fit as professional footballers and tennis champions, a study has found. So what does it take to master the oldest equestrian sport?

Is the $185 Prada ‘paperclip’ fashion’s latest mundane must-have?

From the Supreme Brick to the Christopher Kane’s cable ties, fashion has long found beauty, humour – and profit – in putting an expensive spin on everyday objects