Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have spent more than three decades in the public eye — from cherubic child stars in matching dungarees to elusive fashion powerhouses whose personal style has captivated the industry. While the early 2000s saw the twins experimenting with trends and making headlines for their unconventional red carpet appearances, their evolution into tastemakers and founders of The Row has cemented their status as modern-day icons of minimalist luxury.
The Olsen twins’ style journey began long before their names became synonymous with stealth wealth. In the late 90s and early 2000s, as teen stars navigating Hollywood, their fashion choices reflected the era’s maximalist mood — think Chinese silks, low-rise jeans, statement belts, and boho layers. Mary-Kate, in particular, became known for her ‘homeless chic’ aesthetic: oversized knits, slouchy boots, and layers upon layers that seemed chaotic at first glance but soon defined a generation of off-duty dressing.
As they entered their twenties, the twins became more private and selective — and so did their wardrobes. Their red carpet appearances grew increasingly rare, but each outing became more polished and directional. Gone were the attention-grabbing looks and loud accessories, replaced instead by floor-grazing dresses, vintage coats, and considered makeup. By the mid-2010s, their look was locked in, with neutral palettes, precise tailoring, architectural silhouettes, and luxurious fabrics taking centre stage — an extension of the quietly brilliant work they were doing behind the scenes with The Row.
It was this shift, from trendsetting It-girls to visionary designers, that made the Olsens’ style all the more powerful. Unbothered by fads and uninterested in celebrity culture, they refined an aesthetic that rejected the loud and leaned into the lived-in. Oversized coats, exaggerated proportions, simple shirting, soft leather totes, and dark sunglasses became their uniform. They far from chased the spotlight, but it followed them anyway.
In recent years, their appearances remain rare and restrained, yet still magnetic. Whether spotted leaving The Row’s showroom in layered neutrals or sitting front row in all-black ensembles, Mary-Kate and Ashley embody an effortlessness that feels both out of reach and endlessly referenced. Their influence can be seen in the return of quiet luxury, in the resurgence of longline silhouettes, and in the widespread appeal of ‘non-trend’ dressing.
Now in their late 30s, the twins have become figureheads of a new kind of fashion authority. Their style remains unshakeable: timeless, tactile, and utterly unbothered by the noise. As the fashion world moves through cycles of chaos and clarity, the Olsen twins’ singular aesthetic proves that restraint, when done right, can be the ultimate power move.
Over the past few years, Brisbane has quietly claimed its spot as one of Australasia’s most exciting holiday destinations — thanks, in no small part, to its ever-growing lineup of standout restaurants. For design-savvy New Zealanders, The Calile Hotel has become the place to book for a quick escape, and with many of the city’s best eateries just steps away, it’s somewhat of a dream spot for food lovers in search of an elevated escape. Here, we’ve rounded up 10 must-visit spots around Fortitude Valley to bookmark for your next trip — or to give you a very good reason to book one.
Tucked inside The Calile Hotel, SK Steak & Oyster is where old-school glamour meets modern polish. Known for its perfectly cooked steaks, fresh seafood towers, and ice-cold martinis, it’s a spot made for long, leisurely lunches and elegant late-night dinners. The service is sharp, the mood is indulgent, and the menu delivers every time — from oysters and lobster to prime cuts and soufflé to finish. A quintessential Brisbane dining experience, and one that’s hard to top.
Carved into a hidden James Street laneway, Gerard’s is Fortitude Valley’s crown jewel of modern Middle Eastern dining. Resurrected after a dramatic redesign inspired by Lebanon’s ancient Baalbek ruins — with rammed earth walls, cinematic lighting, and brass accents — it strikes a perfect balance between rugged elegance and intimate warmth. Under Chef Jimmy Richardson, the menu celebrates Levantine traditions — wood-fired barbari bread, fermented eggplant dips, smoky lamb collar — while utilising top‑tier local produce. Ideal for sharing, the food, wine and cocktails are adventurous yet welcoming. Gerard’s is an immersive, unforgettable dining escape.
Tucked into Ada Lane beside The Calile, Same Same reinvents Thai food through a sleek, contemporary lens. Chef Arté Assavakavinvong works the open kitchen, cooking over coals and blazing woks to deliver bold, layered flavours — from cassava‑dumpling snacks to turmeric curry with Moreton Bay bug. The space hums with energy, anchored by communal tables and a chic upstairs bar pouring tequila, mezcal, cocktails, and a curated wine list. It’s a vibrant, elevated spin on Southeast Asian dining that keeps you coming back.
Part restaurant, part lounge, and part bar, Penelope blends retro European flair with feel‑good late‑night energy. Descend below street level into velvet-clad banquettes, walnut walls, and a softly glowing bar where DJs spin soul and disco. Chef Evan White serves up elevated bistro classics — think steak frites au poivre, fish-finger sandwiches with pearl perch tartare, duck parfait, and Champagne‑mignonette oysters. With a curated wine list, cocktail-martini menu, and indulgent after‑9.30 pm snacks, it’s equally suited to stylish lunches and all-in nights.
Tucked into Ada Lane off James Street, Biànca brings vibrant trattoria energy with an Italian-Australian twist. The warm, tile-clad interior sets the tone for a menu built around house-made pastas, freshly baked breads, and wood-fired meats and produce. Start with shared antipasti — burrata, calamari fritti, or Cantabrian anchovies — then dive into rotating pasta dishes like paccheri pomodoro or beef-ragu mafalde. The drinks list is equally impressive, pairing Italian and local wines with crafted spritzes and negronis. Laid-back yet buzzing, Biànca is perfect for long lunches or lively dinners with friends in a stylish setting.
Step into an elegant subterranean dining sanctuary at Sushi Room at The Calile Hotel, where refined Japanese tradition meets discreet elegance. The striking 9.3‑metre hinoki wood sushi bar — floating above black limestone — anchors a dramatic dining room designed by the experts at Richards & Spence. Head Chef Shimpei Raikuni presents an artful menu focused on nigiri and sashimi — think Hiramasa kingfish, Tasmanian uni and Kagoshima sirloin — served à la carte, as an enkai set, or a bespoke 18‑course omakase. Accompanied by sake, whiskies, yuzu‑infused cocktails, and curated wines, it’s a considered, immersive Japanese fine‑dining affair, and a must-book if you’re in the area.
In a converted brick warehouse on Agnes Street, this three‑level Fortitude Valley venue is a wood‑fire temple. Chef and co-owner Ben Williamson and his team shun gas and electricity — everything is cooked over coals (ironbark, cherry, olive wood) — crafting dishes like Bangalow pork tomahawk, scallop doughnuts, charcoal-roasted duck, or smoked lamb ribs. The atmosphere moves from dim and dramatic in the main dining room to cozy and relaxed in the intimate wine bar and rooftop terrace. Winner of Gourmet Traveller’s Restaurant of the Year 2023, Agnes pairs a truly unique culinary experience with unforgettable hospitality.
Behind discreet brass doors on Roberston Street, this moody Fortitude Valley hideaway offers wood-fired dining with flair. Chef Phil Marchant builds each plate around seasonal, ethically sourced ingredients — expect raw, pickled, smoked and fire-charred creations with surprising accents like burnt kohlrabi paired alongside wild venison tartare or a signature Jerusalem artichoke cream bun. The three-tiered interior mixes zinc, exposed brick and green marble, softened by warm lighting and a secluded garden setting. With a carefully curated organic wine list and inventive cocktails, Essa is adventurous without pretension.
Fatcow on James St is a contemporary steak and seafood haven, offering a truly refined dining experience. The restaurant features an open kitchen, allowing guests to witness the culinary artistry firsthand, while the menu showcases premium cuts of meat, fresh seafood, and an extensive selection of wines. With its elegant ambiance and exceptional service, this exceptional eatery provides a memorable setting for both casual meals and special occasions alike.
Housed in a repurposed World War II Nissen hut, Mosconi offers a refined European dining experience in Fortitude Valley. The intimate two-level space features a curved timber bar, marble-topped tables, and a mezzanine dining area beneath a distinctive domed ceiling. Chef Catherine Anders crafts a menu that blends Italian tradition with contemporary creativity, highlighting dishes like duck ragu, Moreton Bay bug ravioli, and Fremantle octopus. Complemented by an extensive Old World wine list, Mosconi provides a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere for discerning diners.
Arguably the silver lining of the cold weather is the opportunity it presents to envelop ourselves in chic layers. Nothing is quite as visually transformative as the silhouettes of long cashmere coats and trenches, sculptural leather jackets, and voluminous shearling overcoats. Layer up with our edit of the luxe looks of the season.
Fuzzy Logic
Exude cuddly magnetism by wrapping yourself in a cosy coat that kills the chill.
If you’re craving something new and inspiring for your walls, consider work from these ten exciting up-and-coming artists making waves across the city’s vibrant art scene. From immersive paintings to textured sculptures, these creatives are breathing new life into contemporary practice with fresh perspectives and bold voices. With works available at some of the city’s most notable galleries, now’s the perfect time to familiarise yourself with their work — and perhaps add something exceptional to your collection.
Andrea Bolima’s canvases hum with feeling as her dreamy, emotive works drift between abstraction and landscape without ever settling. Colour leads the way, built up in intuitive, spontaneous gestures that evoke gardens, cloudscapes, or half-remembered places. Inspired by memory and the natural world, Bolima’s paintings invite personal reflection, offering glimpses of the familiar without spelling anything out. The artist’s recent exhibitions have cemented her as one to watch — bringing softness, fluidity, and painterly joy to the contemporary scene.
Molly Timmins’ paintings are lush, layered explorations of heritage, femininity, and the garden as both place and symbol. Drawing from her Ngāpuhi and Pākehā whakapapa, Timmins centralises bold, gestural brushwork, creating textured works that feel both wild and intimate. Her practice moves between personal memory and wider histories of colonisation and women’s spaces in Aotearoa. With recent shows like Rewilding the Garden and early career acclaim, Timmins brings a fresh, richly thoughtful voice to the local landscape.
OT-Nr.01-2024, 2024, mixed media on canvas, 2400 x 3000mm
Yafeng Duan brings a captivating interplay of East and West to contemporary abstraction. Born in Hebei, China, and now based in Berlin, her large-scale works blend the lyrical flow of traditional Chinese ink painting with the bold energy of Western abstract expressionism. Layers of colour and gestural mark-making create meditative spaces that explore rhythm, duality, and transformation. Recently welcomed to Aotearoa by Gow Langsford Gallery, Duan’s debut Illuminations (2024) signalled her rising presence here — delivering expressive, soul-stirring works that feel at once timeless and strikingly fresh.
Lustre Series, Thrown, Altered and Lustred Ceramic, 22ct Gold and Platinum 150-300mm Diameter (Various Shapes, sizes and designs available)
With a career spanning over four decades, Peter Collis is a master of form, surface, and light. His Lustre series distills this mastery into mesmerising wall-mounted ceramics, glazed in 22ct gold, platinum, and titanium. Minimal in shape yet rich in reflection, these circular works respond to light and movement — glowing, shifting, and changing as you pass by. Rooted in both local landscapes and global ceramic traditions, Collis’ work is quietly dramatic, offering a timeless, meditative presence that feels as much about atmosphere as it is about craftsmanship.
Low Shores in Diaphanous Folds, Hand Tufted Wool on Monks Cloth, 1800 x 1650mm
Blurring the lines between painting and textile, Jess Swney’s tufted rug works, despite their softness, are sharp in their intent. Using fabric as both critique and comfort, Swney explores themes of self-discovery, vulnerability, and the quiet negotiations women make within social spaces. Her abstract forms emerge from memory and experience, playing with colour, texture, and tone to evoke emotion without overt narrative. Rooted in feminist materiality, her works reclaim the decorative as powerful — unpacking cultural histories while offering intimate, tactile reflections on identity, expectation, and strength.
covered car // Point chevaller, Oil on canvas, 450mm x 600mm
Love’s paintings capture the stillness of suburbia with a quietly cinematic edge. Working in oil and acrylic, often at intimate scales, his scenes of parked cars and empty streets feel like fleeting moments paused in time. Love’s own beloved Mazda 323 makes regular appearances, but it’s never just about the car — his works explore nostalgia, urban isolation, and the unnoticed rhythms of everyday life. With sold-out shows and a growing collector following, the artist’s moody, beautifully observed works turn the mundane into something quietly magnetic and deeply reflective.
On the Beauty of Song, 2025, acrylic on linen, 1800 x 2400mm
Known for her vast, swirling canvases, Grace Wright creates immersive works that pulse with energy and movement. Her coiled brushstrokes evoke natural rhythms while nodding to the grandeur of baroque painting. Balancing harmonious colour with visceral power, Wright’s work feels both fierce and feminine, transforming abstraction into something bodily and transcendent. With sell-out shows and international momentum, Wright’s monumental pieces invite you to stand still, look up, and feel. A rising star with serious force behind her.
Antonia Perricone-Mrljak paints with memory in motion — her expressive, gestural canvases inviting personal reflection through layered colour and mark-making. Rooted in her Italian heritage and shaped by the landscapes of Australia, Mrljak’s work blurs the line between painting and drawing, creating rhythmic, emotionally charged surfaces. Her first solo show sold out entirely, and with upcoming presentations in Sydney, her star is firmly on the rise.
Them, Acrylic and acrylic mediums on board, 360 x 360 x 30mm
Vishmi Helaratne’s vibrant, textural works celebrate culture, memory, and the beauty of hybridity. Drawing on their Sri Lankan heritage and background in cooking, Helaratne transforms painting into a sensory experience — think piping bags, blobs of colour, and sculptural layers that feel as joyful as they are intricate. Their playful, deeply personal works touch on family, food, spirituality, and identity, blurring lines between art, performance, and hospitality. With a growing list of shows across Aotearoa and Australia, Helaratne is very much one to watch — bringing colour, connection, and storytelling to the fore.
Cruz Jimenez paints at the threshold of memory and atmosphere, creating luminous, abstract works that hum with quiet energy. Originally from California, now long based in Auckland, Jimenez draws from his Mexican heritage and the natural world — evoking celestial pull, ancestral memory, and unseen forces. Using oil and wax, his pieces feel both grounded and cosmic, rich with texture and movement. Trained in colour theory at Parsons, Jimenez balances technical precision with emotional depth, offering meditative works that shift between painting and sculpture, inviting reflective pause.
Comfort often guides our daily wardrobe choices, and when time allows, it’s worth dedicating a moment to wardrobe maintenance. Simple tasks like sewing loose buttons, hand washing delicate pieces, mending hems, or refreshing your cashmere can go a long way in preserving the longevity of your wardrobe. Known for its cool, breathable softness, cashmere offers a balance of laid-back polish and luxurious comfort. With regular wear, it’s natural for these refined knits to show subtle signs of use — but with the right care, they’ll continue to look and feel exceptional for years to come.
Pilling
After a few wears, it’s natural for your cashmere to develop tiny balls of fibre on the surface — known as pilling. These soft little clusters often appear in areas prone to friction, such as under the arms or where your handbag rests. While they may seem like a flaw, pilling is a normal part of wearing natural fibres and is easily managed with proper care.
To maintain the integrity of your knitwear and preserve its refined texture, follow this simple step-by-step guide:
How to remove pilling from cashmere:
1. Lay flat — Gently stretch your cashmere garment across a clean, flat surface.
2. Use a cashmere comb — Hold your cashmere comb in your dominant hand.
3.Comb in one direction— With short, firm strokes, brush in one consistent direction to lift and remove loose fibres.
4.Avoid over-combing — Focus only on affected areas and be gentle to maintain the weave.
5.Finish by airing — Lay the garment flat in a shaded, ventilated space to breathe before storing.
For best results, avoid wearing the same cashmere item two days in a row. Resting your knit between wears helps retain its shape and softness — ensuring your investment pieces remain in impeccable condition for seasons to come.
To keep your cashmere looking as refined as the day you bought it, avoid dry cleaning and keep it well away from the washing machine. Instead, handwashing is the preferred method — a gentle, intentional process that preserves the integrity of the fibres.
How to Hand Wash
1.Prepare your basin — Fill a clean basin or bucket with cold water and add two capfuls of a mild, wool-safe detergent.
2. Submerge and cleanse — Gently immerse the garment and squeeze the soapy water through the fabric. Do not rub, wring, or stretch, as this can damage the delicate weave.
3.Rinse and remove water — Rinse thoroughly in cold water. Lay the garment flat on a clean towel, then roll it up to gently press out excess moisture.
4.Dry flat and shaded — Reshape the garment and lay it flat to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated space. Avoid direct sunlight, radiators, or tumble dryers, all of which can warp the fabric.
5.Steam if needed — Once completely dry, use a garment steamer to release any remaining wrinkles.
With the right care routine, cashmere maintains its softness, structure, and timeless appeal — wear after wear.
Between Washes
Cashmere doesn’t require frequent washing — generally, every three wears is enough. If layered over other garments, this can be extended further.
To keep your knitwear fresh between washes, a light spritz of fabric spray helps neutralise odours and revitalise the fibres. Hold the spray around 15cm away and mist lightly over the surface.
For best results, allow your cashmere to breathe between wears by airing it flat in a shaded, well-ventilated space. This gentle care routine ensures your knitwear remains luxuriously soft, fresh, and ready for wherever the day takes you.
Final Tips
To preserve the shape and quality of your cashmere, always store pieces folded — never hung — and keep them tucked away in breathable cotton care bags. This prevents stretching and allows the fibres to rest undisturbed, whether at home or in transit.
For added protection, place a natural cedar block inside each bag. Cedar helps to gently deter moths and absorb residual moisture, keeping your garments fresh and safeguarded season after season.
Interior Design — Kim Lambert Design Photography — Lauren Miller
Set against a tranquil riverbend in Toronto’s Hoggs Hollow, this graceful home, designed by Kim Lambert, embodies modern elegance with a distinctly European sensibility. The interiors are an artful blend of raw textures and refined finishes, where soft greys merge with warm accents, and natural materials dialogue with sculptural lighting and bespoke furniture.
CLOUD PENDANT by APPARATUS from ECC, Three Carousel pendants by Lee Broom from ECC
Lambert’s masterful use of space is evident, with each room offering a seamless flow that invites both serenity and sophistication. The design is thoughtfully curated to connect the home’s inhabitants with their surroundings, drawing inspiration from old-world charm yet elevated by a contemporary edge. Every detail serves a purpose, creating an atmosphere that is calming and inviting, yet undeniably striking in its presence.
ODE COFFEE TABLE by PIET BOON from ECC, Redondo Armchair by Patricia Urquiola from Matisse
The home exudes a quiet grandeur that is felt from the moment you enter. The carefully considered materials, such as the driftwood grey floors, Venetian plaster walls, and rich marble accents, lend texture and character, while the restrained colour palette allows light and shadow to animate the spaces naturally.
Michael Anastassiades Tube Chandelier (left) from ECC, CLOUD PENDANT by APPARATUS from ECC (centre)
A welcoming mix of rustic and refined elements, such as the dramatic hot-rolled steel in the kitchen and the black marble bar in the living room, offers a tactile experience that remains grounded yet dynamic. Whether relaxing with family in the open-plan kitchen and family room or entertaining in the intimate dining space, every corner of this home balances the warmth of family life with the sophistication of a private retreat.
Bensen Lounge Chair and Chaise brand available from Tim Webber
The sense of refined calm continues in the primary bedroom, where Belgian-inspired restraint meets layered texture. Tapestry wallpaper, a softly sculpted fireplace in Venetian plaster, and intimate seating areas create a sanctuary that feels both timeless and deeply personal, an elegant finale to a home designed for meaningful, everyday living.
Swarovski captures the art of layering with effortless modernity, inviting a new era of self-expression through exquisite craftsmanship.
Each piece in Swarovski’s Matrix and Hyperbola collections reflect the structure of crystals themselves — refined, luminous, and captivating — while embracing unexpected colour palettes and playful cuts that lend a contemporary edge to classic silhouettes.
The versatility lies in the fluidity of the collections; the pieces striking enough to wear solo, yet purposefully designed for stacking, mixing, and layering to create dynamic, personalised looks that speak to the wearer’s unique sense of style. Chokers curve in distinctive convex shapes, while asymmetric strands of crystallised stones introduce boldness to delicate designs. Hidden closures and flawless settings heighten the seamless shimmer, allowing light to dance, uninterrupted, across each surface. From spiralling brooches to crystallised earrings, every element celebrates Swarovski’s mastery of cut and clarity, offering a joyful extravagance that feels both effortless and elevated.
“Every element celebrates Swarovski’s mastery of cut and clarity, offering a joyful extravagance that feels both effortless and elevated.”
Heart motifs and the subtle incorporation of Swarovski Crystal Pearls lend a romantic softness, enhancing the Matrix family’s playful yet sophisticated narrative. While, in the Hyperbola collection, a striking juxtaposition of organic and structural forms is captured within sweeping shapes, with crystals that seem to float in mid-air, revealing an unexpected and captivating beauty. Whether worn as a single, sparkling statement, or layered luxuriously for maximum impact, Swarovski embodies a spirit of joyful sophistication, perfect for those who see jewellery not just as an accessory, but as an essential form of self-expression.
A meeting of form, function, and feeling, the Terra Basin by sculptor Gidon Bing and Raumform studio is a sculptural piece rooted in the landscapes of Aotearoa. Handcrafted from locally produced vitreous stoneware and offered in four evocative glazes, it blends traditional plaster turning with modern 3D modelling to present a piece that beautifully balances modernity and tradition. Minimal yet expressive, it reflects Raumform’s pursuit of material honesty — and Bing’s quiet mastery, honed in a seaside boatshed and admired the world over.
Terra 380 Round Vessel Basin Manuka from Plumbline
Terra 380 Round Vessel Basin Pumice from Plumbline
As Paris unfurled its gilded salons for Fall 2025 Couture, the runway became a stage for reverie and rebellion in equal measure. This season, the maisons dialled up the emotion — showing craftsmanship not just as spectacle, but as statement. From sculptural silhouettes to whisper-thin sheers, and embroideries so intricate they blurred the line between garment and art, the collections were a testament to the enduring power of couture in a world craving substance. Whether quietly poetic or unapologetically theatrical, this was high fashion with high intention — each stitch stitched with purpose.
Glenn Martens’ couture debut at Maison Margiela was a masterclass in tension—between ruin and refinement, elegance and edge. Set in a shadowy, near-silent salon, the show unfolded like a whispered secret, with veiled models moving through the space as if haunted by history and haunted by beauty.
The silhouettes were deconstructed but deliberate: sharp shoulders softened by frayed hems, spliced coats that merged the codes of biker and bourgeois, organza layered over sculptural tailoring like a barely-there memory. Inside-out seams, visible linings, and distressed finishes weren’t flaws—they were the point.
This was couture with something to say, even if it didn’t shout. A darker, more introspective glamour—quietly radical, immaculately made. It was Margiela, through and through: raw, cerebral, and quietly unforgettable.
Schiaparelli Fall 2025 Couture: Surrealism Rewired
At Schiaparelli, Daniel Roseberry rewrote the rules — again. This season, the designer peeled back the theatrics (just slightly) to reveal a sharper, more refined surrealism, rooted in the house’s archival spirit but tailored for now. Think: reversed tailoring, sculptural silhouettes, and heartbeats — literally — worn at the throat.
Set against a noir-heavy palette, with flashes of blood red and optic white, the collection channelled pre-war Paris elegance through a modern, cerebral lens. Bias-cut gowns skimmed the body with precision, while contoured suiting, exposed back-closures, and trompe-l’œil details offered a wink to Elsa’s legacy. The pièce de résistance? A satin column with a fake torso draped backwards and a rhinestone heart pulsing like performance art.
The front row was equally head-turning — Cardi B cradling a (live) crow, Dua Lipa, Hunter Schafer — adding a charged energy to a show that felt intimate, clever, and quietly confrontational.
Schiaparelli reminded us: couture doesn’t need to scream to be unforgettable. Sometimes, it’s the whisper of fabric, the flip of a hem, or the thrum of a heartbeat that leaves the deepest mark.
Demna’s final couture collection for Balenciaga was less a send-off, more a cinematic epilogue—equal parts restrained and radical. Set against a shadowy backdrop, silhouettes swung between extremes: impossibly voluminous puffers, sculpted suiting worn by bodybuilders and featherweight waifs, and gowns so diaphanous they floated like smoke.
The codes were unmistakably Demna—hyper-tailoring, subversion, and a wink at nostalgia. Kim Kardashian’s headline moment in cream lace and 250 carats of diamonds channelled Elizabeth Taylor with a Balenciaga twist. Elsewhere, feathered opera coats and deconstructed corsetry hinted at Old Hollywood glamour, but warped just enough to keep you off balance.
The front row was equally high-wattage: Naomi Watts and daughter Kai, Lorde, Nicole Kidman, Michelle Yeoh, Cardi B and Katy Perry all in attendance, lending the show the mood of a final act worth witnessing.
This was couture not chasing beauty, but redefining it. Part satire, part sincerity, and all Demna—delivered with gravitas, humour, and an architect’s eye. A fitting farewell to a designer who never played it safe.
Giambattista Valli’s Fall 2025 Couture collection was a romantic whisper with real-world resonance. Shown in the intimacy of his Paris atelier — fresh from being honoured as Officier des Arts et des Lettres — it felt more like a love letter to the craft than a runway show.
Silhouettes floated, pleated and bloomed in his signature ultra-femininity: soft pastels, cloud-like tulle, sculptural bustiers and millefeuille skirts that looked like they might lift off the floor. Each piece was its own fragrant reverie, inspired by florals not just in print but in energy — Valli’s world smelled like roses, felt like silk, and moved like poetry.
But beneath the sugar-spun fantasy was a sharper statement: this wasn’t couture for decoration, but for the intelligent, self-assured woman who wears beauty like armour. No spectacle, no theatrics — just quiet drama, masterful craft, and a subtle celebration of strength.
For its final couture collection before Matthieu Blazy’s highly anticipated arrival, Chanel’s in-house studio delivered a quietly exquisite farewell — rooted in heritage, elevated in tone. Staged in a softly lit salon above the Grand Palais, the setting mirrored the original spirit of 31 rue Cambon: intimate, understated, impeccably Chanel.
The collection paid tribute to Coco’s love of the Scottish countryside — tweed coats in earthy tones, feathered capes, sheepskin bouclé, and mohair suiting all grounded with stompy boots and pastoral polish. But this was no costume drama. The palette was refined: cream, tobacco, forest green, plum. Every detail — an oversize bow, a gold wheat motif, a camellia appliqué — whispered craftsmanship over theatrics.
Eveningwear softened the mood, with frayed tulle skirts, gauzy chiffon blouses, and a finale bride cradling a wheat-sheaf bouquet in place of tradition.
The front row was a study in cool grace: Lorde, Naomi Campbell, Paris Opera étoile Hannah O’Neill, Jennie Kim, and Sofia Coppola each brought their distinct presence — effortless, thoughtful, and unmistakably Chanel.
This was Chanel doing what it does best: quiet confidence, with intention. A closing note, before a new era begins.
Hannah O’Neill
Lorde
Naomi Campbell
Iris van Herpen Fall 2025 Couture: Where Science Meets Surrealism
Iris van Herpen’s Fall 2025 Couture collection is a hypnotic fusion of art, technology, and craftsmanship—pure innovation woven into fabric. This season, the Dutch designer plunges into the interplay between the organic and the engineered, crafting garments that feel like wearable sculptures from another dimension.
Think shimmering 3D-printed textures layered with ethereal organza, delicate lace dissolving into unexpected architectural shapes, and a palette that oscillates between muted earth tones and flashes of electric cobalt. Each piece pulses with movement, as if caught mid-transformation.
Van Herpen’s mastery lies in her refusal to be bound by convention. Instead, she invites us into a future where fashion bends physics—where garments breathe, ripple, and respond. It’s couture reimagined for the curious and the bold.
For those who crave more than just clothes—who seek statements that push boundaries—this collection is a siren call.
Maria Grazia Chiuri returned to her roots for Dior’s Fall 2025 couture show, transforming the gardens of Rome’s Villa Albani Torlonia into an ethereal tableau. The guest list, dressed entirely in white, set the tone for a collection that felt more like a whispered memory than a fashion spectacle.
What followed was a procession of impossibly delicate looks—diaphanous silk gowns, openwork lace, gilded embroidery and trompe-l’œil florals—all in a palette of ivory, sand, and soft gold. Chiuri’s silhouettes held a quiet strength: structured coats softened by flowing hems, sheer layers grounded by precise tailoring.
This was couture as ceremony. A deeply personal ode to Roman elegance and feminine resilience, told through clothes that spoke in soft tones but left a lasting impression. It wasn’t about shock or scale—it was about the emotional weight of restraint, and the kind of craftsmanship that doesn’t shout for attention, but earns it.
And the front row? Just as captivating. Natalie Portman embodied quiet grace in sheer Dior organza, while Rosamund Pike, Alexandra Daddario, Ashley Park, and Han So-hee offered masterclasses in monochrome elegance.
An increasing appetite for the golden days of slow travel is deeply rooted in nostalgia for a bygone era. Gentle journeys aboard exquisitely furnished carriages that traverse picturesque villages and magical vistas are experiencing a long overdue renaissance.
Europe
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Positioned firmly at the top of many travel bucket lists, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is an icon of luxury travel. An heir of the legendary original Orient Express, luxury hoteliers Belmond has expertly revived this historic train, offering more than just a passage through Europe’s breathtaking landscapes, but a portal to an era of unparalleled glamour and romance. Whether it’s a decadent two-night escape or a more leisurely four-night sojourn, imagine gliding through the romantic canals of Venice, the majestic peaks of the Swiss Alps, or the charming French countryside, all from the plush comfort of this moving palace.
Cabin Suite
L’OBSERVATOIRE SUITE
GRAND SUITE
“Onboard, time slows, inviting you to savour exquisite cuisine, unwind in luxurious cabins, and lose yourself in the melodies of the grand piano in the bar carriage as night falls.”
From the meticulously restored 1920s carriages, adorned with polished wood and lustrous fabrics, to the bespoke service and the convivial hum of the Champagne bar, every detail celebrates a bygone era of elegance, seamlessly blended with modern comfort.
Dining Room
In-room dining service
Onboard, time slows, inviting you to savour refined cuisine, unwind in luxurious cabins, and lose yourself in the melodies of the grand piano in the bar carriage as night falls. Lean into the experience and pack an exquisite wardrobe, with white tie and gowns seeming appropriate.
A far cry from Japan’s infamous Bullet trains, southern Japan’s Seven Stars train is a luxurious, exclusive locomotive that accommodates just 20 guests. The train’s interior has been meticulously crafted by expert local artisans, from hand-carved beds, bathroom sinks, detailed woodwork, and porcelain dinner plates, affording guests an intimate experience with the very best of Japan’s revered craftsmanship.
“The train travels around Kyushu, stopping at renowned shrines, onsens, porcelain studios, and other cultural attractions, presenting passengers with a truly authentic experience far from typical tourist destinations.”
Deluxe Suite
Traditional Cuisine on board
On board entertainment
The train travels around Kyushu, stopping at renowned shrines, onsens, porcelain studios, and other cultural attractions, presenting passengers with a truly authentic experience far from typical tourist destinations. Perfect for those wanting to be utterly immersed in Japanese nostalgic culture, this is a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list journey that requires entering a lottery to secure a coveted room on.
Prepare to rediscover the soul of Britain aboard the Britannic Explorer, Belmond’s inaugural first-of-its-kind luxury sleeper train exclusively traversing England and Wales’ diverse and captivating landscapes. Departing from London, choose a three-night immersion into the dramatic coastlines and artistic havens of Cornwall, the breathtaking glacial valleys and shimmering lakes of the Lake District, or Wales’ ancient, myth-laden hills and vibrant culture.
On Board Restaurant
“Within its elegant blue carriages lie 18 exquisite suites, promising an intimate experience blending timeless rail heritage with contemporary British flair.”
On Board Bar
Dedicated Wellness Suite
Entertainment Area
Within its elegant blue carriages lie 18 exquisite suites, promising an intimate experience blending timeless rail heritage with contemporary British flair. Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan crafts seasonal menus inspired by these unique regions, enjoyed in dining cars mirroring the beauty outside, while a botanically-infused bar and dedicated wellness suite enhance the journey.
GRAND SUITE
Curated off-train excursions offer deeper immersion into the UK’s cultural and natural highlights, from Cornish boat tours to Lake District hikes and Welsh historical site tours.
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