Every now and again, a handbag quietly takes over the fashion conversation. You spot it on one beautifully dressed person, then another, then at every lunch table and airport lounge. Celine’s Triomphe family is making a convincing bid for that kind of attention again. In a Vogue interview published on 28 October 2026, Celine chief executive Séverine Merle discussed the house’s direction under creative director Michael Rider. It is an intriguing look at how a heritage French label is navigating the desire for something fresh without abandoning everything people loved about it in the first place. Quietly recognisable — and all the better for it The Triomphe motif occupies a rare sweet spot: distinctive without shouting. Its softer interpretations offer the ease of a lived-in everyday bag while retaining the precision and polish that make French leather goods feel so special. And if it has the Angelina Jolie seal of approval, we're certainly paying attention. The actress, whose effortlessly elegant wardrobe has long been a masterclass in understated luxury, has been spotted carrying Celine's Triomphe in multiple colourways, alongside the house's monogrammed Cabas tote. Often paired with her signature neutral tailoring and beautifully simple ensembles, it's further proof that true luxury doesn't need to demand attention to make an impression. There is something very current about a silhouette that works equally well with tailoring, denim or a beautiful coat. Rather than saving a designer bag for one outfit, it becomes part of a wardrobe's everyday vocabulary. And really, isn't that the whole point of investing in something beautiful? Beyond the fashion hype The discussion around Celine includes growing curiosity about its accessories, but search interest and second-hand-market attention should not be confused with audited sales growth. The question worth asking is whether the designs will continue to feel relevant after the initial excitement passes. Rider’s vision is compelling because it appears to favour a coherent wardrobe over one-off social-media spectacles. Good clothes, good accessories, pieces that work together. Fashion does not have to shout to be interesting. Of course, an expensive bag is never automatically an investment in the financial sense. But the right one can certainly be an investment in the pleasure of getting dressed.

There is something romantic about a watch with a past. Maybe it has marked a milestone, travelled around the world or simply spent decades on someone else’s wrist. But when the name on the dial is Audemars Piguet, romance needs to come with rigorous authentication. On 26 October 2026, the Swiss manufacture introduced The Watch Keepers, its own certified pre-owned marketplace. It is a meaningful move for a brand whose timepieces are often treasured for generations, allowing Audemars Piguet to play a greater role in their lives beyond the first purchase. How The Watch Keepers works Owners begin by registering a watch, verifying its serial number and providing proof of ownership. Audemars Piguet then authenticates and assesses the timepiece before it receives a professionally photographed listing with a five-point grading system. Watch owners can choose a fixed-price offer or a bidding format and retain ownership while the watch is securely stored until the sale completes. Buyers receive a certificate of authenticity and a two-year warranty covering the functioning of the timepiece. Why this is more than another resale site The second-hand watch market can be fascinating, but uncertainty about provenance and condition has long been a concern. Manufacturer-backed authentication is a powerful way to make the experience feel more transparent and less intimidating, especially for new collectors. The service launches in Switzerland and Europe first, with wider expansion planned. The Watch Keepers’ digital world is also surprisingly playful, offering a little personality alongside the serious horology. Mechanical watches are built to be repaired, cherished and handed on. Perhaps the most interesting thing about this launch is that Audemars Piguet is saying the same thing — only now it wants to help manage that journey. Explore the platform at https://thewatchkeepers.com/.

A Mercedes-AMG G 63 is not exactly the car you buy when you want to disappear into the background. Yet BRABUS has somehow looked at the famously imposing G-Wagen and decided it could do with rather more drama. Enter the new P 900 Rocket Edition: part luxury pickup, part supercar, and entirely uninterested in being sensible. Unveiled in October 2026, this latest interpretation of BRABUS’s extravagant pickup concept is limited to ten vehicles worldwide. Yes, ten. It is the automotive equivalent of arriving at a country-house weekend in a couture gown when everyone else has packed wellies. BRABUS P 900 Rocket Edition: a pickup with supercar intentions Under its sculpted bonnet is a heavily reworked 4.5-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 900 metric horsepower and up to 1,250Nm of torque. BRABUS quotes 0–62mph (0–100km/h) in 3.7 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 149mph (240km/h). Those figures are astonishing for something wearing the unmistakably upright silhouette of a G-Class. A nine-speed automatic gearbox and permanent four-wheel drive help put the performance to the road. It may have a load bed, but make no mistake: this is built for theatre as much as transport. Carbon fibre, red accents and very large wheels BRABUS has replaced the traditional rear of the G 63 with a coachbuilt pickup bed and wrapped the result in its muscular WIDESTAR treatment. Exposed carbon-fibre elements, emphatic red detailing and enormous 24-inch Monoblock II EVO wheels ensure there will be absolutely no confusion about what has pulled into the hotel forecourt. The sheer confidence of the styling is half the appeal. Where a conventional pickup might prioritise carrying muddy equipment, this one makes a persuasive case for carrying little more than a beautifully packed weekend bag — although the practical bed is there should the moment arise. Inside: more private members’ club than utility vehicle The cabin is unmistakably BRABUS. Soft black leather and Alcantara meet the house’s intricate Shell-pattern quilting, red stitching, carbon-fibre trim and plenty of individually crafted detailing. Even the shift lights are theatrical, changing colour as the engine approaches its optimum shift point. There is a pleasing contradiction here: the bodywork borrows from the world of hard-working trucks, while the atmosphere inside is closer to an exceptionally well-appointed private lounge. It should not work. Somehow, it does. Only ten, and not for shrinking violets Production is capped at ten units, placing exclusivity firmly alongside the engineering spectacle. Anyone expecting a discreet family car has probably reached the wrong showroom; anyone who thinks their G-Wagen is just a little too ordinary may have found the answer. Is the world in urgent need of a 900hp luxury pickup? Probably not. But the best automotive excess has never been about need. The BRABUS P 900 Rocket Edition exists because someone imagined a wonderfully outrageous possibility — and then decided to build it. Discover more via the official BRABUS P 900 announcement. Related reading: the BRABUS XL 800 Cabrio.

There are few names in luxury that can make a waiting list feel like a social event. But while the world has been watching Hermès handbags, the French maison has been busy building something altogether more intricate: a serious place for itself in Swiss watchmaking. And no, this is not simply a case of putting a beautiful dial on a beautiful leather strap and calling it haute horlogerie. Hermès wants its watches to be appreciated for what happens beneath the surfaceeven if the famous orange box still has a tendency to steal the spotlight. Hermès watches in 2026: from silk scarves to Swiss movements H08 Squelette Hermès entered watchmaking in 1978, establishing La Montre Hermès in Switzerland. Its design DNA has never been in doubt. The more interesting development is the depth of technical expertise behind the watches: investments in movement production, specialist components and manufacturing have moved the business well beyond fashion accessories. In April 2026, the maison increased its stake in Swiss movement specialist Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier from 25 to 40 per cent. Meanwhile, its Le Noirmont manufacturing site is being expanded, with completion scheduled for 2028. These are decidedly long-term commitments, not the sort of decisions one makes to capitalise on a passing trend. The watches making collectors look twice The H08 Squelette is perhaps the clearest expression of the new direction. Its openworked design reveals the architecture of the H1978 S automatic movement, bringing an unmistakably contemporary edge to the sporty H08 family. Think mechanical theatre, with the confident restraint of Hermès design. For those who prefer their complications with a little poetry, the Slim d’Hermès Squelette Lune combines a transparent dial with a double moon-phase display. The Arceau Samarcande, meanwhile, goes gloriously more theatrical: a minute repeater beneath an intricately worked Saint-Louis crystal dial with an equestrian reference. Hermès can be technically ambitious without forgetting how to have fun. A long game, even in a difficult market The timing is intriguing. Hermès reported €125 million in watch revenue for the third quarter of 2026, a decline of 6 per cent at constant exchange rates compared with the same period a year earlier. Sales across the first nine months reached €393 million. Yet the investment in facilities and expertise continues. That distinction matters. Serious watchmaking is rarely built around one exceptional launch or one buoyant quarter. It requires reliable technical foundations, an enduring design language and enough confidence to invest through the less glamorous parts of the cycle. Can Hermès become a watch collector’s first choice? The challenge is as much about perception as production. The Birkin and Kelly have made Hermès synonymous with extraordinary demand, while established Swiss maisons command generations of horological loyalty. To win over enthusiasts, an Hermès watch has to be wanted for its movement, finishing and design — not as a stepping stone to something else. Our view? The interesting question is no longer whether Hermès can make a beautiful watch. It plainly can. It is whether the next generation of collectors will regard an H08 or an Arceau as the main event. On the evidence of the latest creations, we would not bet against it. Related reading: our guide to luxury watch price movements in 2026.

There are two ways to do the Alps. One involves counting ski lifts, reservations and how many runs can be squeezed into a day. The other allows a little more room for extraordinary views, long lunches and the pleasure of coming back to a beautiful hotel when the snow turns blue at dusk. Naturally, we prefer a mixture. These European addresses offer distinct characters, from discreet Gstaad design to theatrical Courchevel indulgence. The question isn't which is the most luxurious in abstract terms; it's which mountain holiday you actually want. Skiing at this level is not simply about how far a room is from the chairlift. The real difference comes from the people who handle the day: a ski concierge, thoughtful boot storage, children’s instruction and a beautiful place to recover when the lifts close. Our 2026/27 selection mixes celebrated established hotels with a much-anticipated Alpine opening, but check snow conditions and individual seasonal start dates before booking. The Alpina Gstaad — Switzerland In Gstaad, discretion and craftsmanship matter more than spectacle. The Alpina's polished mountain interiors, considered dining and spa are a superb match for guests who want serious service without the crowds of a more ostentatious party resort. The best room is often determined by privacy and mountain aspect, so ask for a room-by-room comparison. For the design-minded skier, The Alpina Gstaad is the quiet confidence option. The hotel has a sense of craft and an art collection that make it interesting even to a companion who doesn't ski. We would choose it for a long weekend with the mountains as a backdrop rather than a regimented dawn-to-dusk itinerary. Cheval Blanc Courchevel — France Courchevel 1850 is associated with the grandest end of Alpine skiing, and Cheval Blanc's maison approach translates luxury into attentive detail. It is a natural choice for travellers who want sophisticated gastronomy and spa time to accompany skiing. Confirm piste access and 2026/27 opening dates directly because high-altitude resort seasons can change. Cheval Blanc Courchevel is for travellers who enjoy the ritual of great hospitality as much as the mountain. Think of it as a destination in its own right, where a slow evening can be every bit as satisfying as the day's runs. Enquire early for school-holiday periods and high-demand room categories. Badrutt’s Palace — St Moritz, Switzerland Badrutt's Palace is for the guest who wants an Alpine institution: dramatic views, grand-hotel history and a winter social calendar. It is especially appealing for multigenerational groups who want non-skiing family members to enjoy the trip just as much as keen skiers. Compare suite configurations and transfer arrangements before deciding. Badrutt's Palace is St Moritz in its most unapologetically glamorous mood. We would pack for the dining room as carefully as for the piste. This is a hotel whose history and social life matter almost as much as its setting, and it is best appreciated by travellers who enjoy that sense of occasion. Le K2 Palace — Courchevel, France The K2 Palace offers a more intimate mountain-palace mood, with suites and chalets that suit travellers who value privacy and bespoke service. For family groups, prioritise layout and exact ski access rather than room category labels. Reserve dining and treatments as early as equipment rental and lessons. Le K2 Palace offers the more contemporary Courchevel interpretation: striking mountain style, polished service and an emphasis on the experience away from the slopes. It would be our choice for a celebratory trip when the hotel itself is a central part of the holiday. Mandarin Oriental Cristallo — Cortina, opening watch for 2027 Mandarin Oriental has announced its first Alpine resort in Cortina for 2027. It is therefore a forward-looking property to follow, rather than a reliably bookable option for the early 2026/27 ski season. The historic Cristallo address and its mountain setting make it an exciting addition to the Dolomites; check the operator’s opening timetable before planning a trip around the hotel. Cortina has always appealed to travellers who enjoy Italian life beyond skiing. Mandarin Oriental Cristallo may become a compelling new base, but its 2027 opening means it is a future-season prospect, not a dependable choice for every 2026/27 ski date. We would leave it on the watchlist until opening and booking details are confirmed. How to plan the experience Check whether 'ski-in/ski-out' means a piste at the door or a transfer vehicle to a lift. Compare private transfers from airports, ski-school quality, childcare, beginner-friendly terrain, spa access and cancellation rules if snowfall is uncertain. An exceptionally luxurious property in the wrong resort for your group's skiing level is rarely a success. The right ski hotel changes the rhythm of the entire holiday. We would choose the property that makes you happy to return from the mountain, whether that means a private spa afternoon or a particularly glamorous dinner. Frequently asked questions Which European resort is best for luxury skiing? Courchevel and Gstaad are outstanding for top-end accommodation, while St Moritz is especially strong for grand-hotel atmosphere. When should I book a luxury ski hotel for 2026/27? For Christmas, New Year and February half-term, book well ahead and verify the hotel’s opening dates before paying.

Sometimes the real luxury isn't travelling far. It is the ability to leave London after breakfast and be sitting beside a fire or walking through beautiful grounds before lunch. Our favourite short escapes have individual personalities: the design-conscious country house, the grand equestrian estate, the wonderfully sociable resort and the small-town hideaway with culture on its doorstep. We've deliberately prioritised places that earn the journey, even if you have only one night. Drive times are approximate and depend very much on where in London you begin. A short escape should never feel like a travel day with a hotel attached. From London, the most rewarding weekends are those that deliver a total change of scene without a complicated journey: woodland, a destination restaurant, a secluded spa or simply a bed worth lingering in. These are places to consider for a luxury two-night break; travel times depend on traffic, rail routes and your actual departure point, so check the journey rather than taking the headline distance as a guarantee. Heckfield Place — rural Hampshire A natural fit for design-conscious Londoners, Heckfield Place brings a calm country-house aesthetic, estate-grown food and carefully judged wellness experiences. Its appeal is the sense of privacy: arrive early enough for a garden walk and a proper dinner, then leave the next day open. For a weekend, room location and treatment availability matter more than adding five activities. Heckfield Place is for readers who equate a good weekend with thoughtful design, excellent food and the glorious relief of not checking the time. We would arrive early, walk the estate and commit to a leisurely dinner rather than trying to leave the property at every opportunity. The journey feels worthwhile because there is so much to enjoy once you arrive. Coworth Park — Ascot, Berkshire An excellent option for those wanting a country-house weekend close to London, Coworth Park combines expansive grounds, elegant rooms and a polished spa. The proximity is useful for spontaneous-feeling celebrations, but book restaurant and treatments ahead during busy weekends. Request the exact bedroom style if a bathtub, view or extra privacy is important. Coworth Park is a seductive choice for an occasion. With its equestrian associations and immaculate grounds, it feels more like arriving at a grand private estate than checking into an ordinary hotel. It is especially well suited to a romantic escape when you want a little ceremony without a long drive. The Grove — Hertfordshire With a substantial estate, spa and restaurants, The Grove suits both families and couples seeking an escape with activities available on site. It offers a high-convenience break for North and West London travellers. For a more peaceful stay, enquire about room location and family swim times before booking your spa itinerary. The Grove is brilliantly convenient when everyone wants something different. One person can book a spa treatment, another can head outdoors and a family can assemble for dinner without the logistical gymnastics of a city weekend. That flexibility is its real luxury, particularly for a last-minute night away from London. Beaverbrook — Surrey Beaverbrook's country-estate setting and distinctive interiors make it a strong pick for a celebratory weekend. It is best treated as a place to stay and explore, not merely a dinner destination. Check the hotel's current accommodation choices, spa access and whether preferred dining rooms require separate booking. Beaverbrook has personality in abundance. Its country-house scale and Surrey setting make it feel a world away without requiring a long journey. We would choose it for couples who love a playful hotel with good food, strong visual character and grounds worth exploring. The hotel's various buildings offer different experiences, so room selection matters. Frequently asked questions Where can I go for a luxury weekend near London? Hampshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Surrey and Oxfordshire all offer luxury country-house options without necessarily requiring a long-haul journey. Is one night enough for a spa weekend? It can be, but two nights create far more space for treatments, dining and relaxation without spending most of the stay travelling. Editorial update: researched to October 2026. Opening dates, menus, prices and availability can change. Confirm directly with the venue before publishing or booking.

Bentley’s first fully electric model was always going to attract attention. The Torcal First Edition, however, makes it clear the British marque does not intend to approach the EV era with anything resembling modesty. It is a specially equipped launch specification that combines immense power with the small, gloriously indulgent details that distinguish a luxury car from a mere means of getting somewhere. Electric SUVs are no longer a novelty, of course. The interesting question is whether the shift to batteries can preserve Bentley’s sense of occasion. Judging by the First Edition’s specification, the company seems determined to make sure it does. 888 PS and performance that is anything but discreet The First Edition is based on the high-performance Torcal drivetrain, for which Bentley quotes 888 PS and 1,350 Nm of torque. With launch control engaged, the claimed 0–60mph time is 2.8 seconds and maximum speed is 162mph. These are formidable numbers for an SUV that puts such emphasis on comfort, craftsmanship and ease. Across the Torcal family, Bentley has outlined a 113kWh battery, a claimed driving range of up to 375 miles and charging capability of up to 400kW. As always, real-world range and charging depend on conditions and specification; these are manufacturer figures rather than independently tested results. First Edition details make the difference A distinctive set of 22-inch wheels combines gloss-black detailing with Liquid Silver spokes and self-levelling Bentley centre caps, while Graphene Grey brake calipers add a discreet performance cue. The exterior can also feature a Carbon Fibre Styling Specification and First Edition badging. It is the sort of specification that should be appreciated up close, when individual finishes, textures and colours start to reveal themselves. Bentley has never been a brand best understood solely from a spec sheet. A cabin designed around its passengers Step through the powered doors and the attention moves firmly inside. There is bespoke seat quilting, personalised colour combinations, decorative finishes and illuminated First Edition treadplates. Front Wellness seats and a Frosted Diamond Switchable Sunroof add comfort with a distinctly contemporary twist. A particular highlight is the 28-speaker, 1,780W Naim for Bentley audio system, which supports Dolby Atmos. In a car where electric propulsion has replaced the familiar engine soundtrack, the promise of an exceptional listening experience feels particularly well judged. How much does the Bentley Torcal First Edition cost? An exact confirmed UK First Edition list price was not available in the official material reviewed for this article. The Torcal range itself begins above £170,000, while early reporting suggests a significantly higher price for the launch model; we would not treat any unconfirmed estimate as a firm purchase price. Prospective buyers should request an individual quote from Bentley. There will be drivers who insist a Bentley must come with a traditional engine note. Yet the Torcal First Edition offers a different kind of theatre: acceleration that arrives almost instantly, a beautifully detailed interior and the reassuring knowledge that there is still a great deal of craft behind the winged badge. Explore the Bentley Torcal range View the official First Edition configurator

A wonderful hotel suite should do more than provide extra square footage. It should make you feel, for a few glorious days, as though you belong in the city beyond the windows. That is the idea behind Penthouses & Suites by Corinthia, a new collection of residences designed around each destination’s own character. And the best part? No two seem remotely interested in being the same. Spanning properties from London and Brussels to Rome, Lisbon, Bucharest, Malta and New York, the collection prizes storytelling through architecture, art, music and carefully chosen details. This is destination-led luxury, rather than grandeur for grandeur’s sake. London: a penthouse with its own soundtrack The two-storey Musician’s Penthouse at Corinthia London is a suite that understands the pleasure of making an entrance. A Steinway Model O grand piano takes pride of place, while a terrace, cocktail cabinet, 24-hour butler service and chauffeured transport turn an ordinary London stay into something rather special. After an evening at the theatre, returning to a penthouse that feels like a private music salon seems an especially charming proposition. A grand piano in your living room may be wildly unnecessary. That, arguably, is rather the point. Brussels: a chapter worth lingering over Over in Belgium, the Brontë Penthouse draws on the literary sisters’ relationship with Brussels. Deep-blue panelling, bespoke wallcoverings, shelves of books and an intimate study give it the atmosphere of a cultivated private home. There is also a rooftop terrace for when even the most gripping novel cannot compete with the city outside. The inspiration does not feel like a gimmick. It suggests a rarer kind of holiday luxury: time to read, think and discover somewhere at your own pace, without racing between reservations. Rome: art history you can actually sleep in At Corinthia Rome, the Theodoli Heritage Suite is something else altogether. Inside the former Bank of Italy building, frescoes by Giulio Bargellini and an elaborate coffered ceiling by Guglielmo Janni bring history into the room. The design pairs these original elements with contemporary comfort without letting modernity drown them out. There are plenty of hotel rooms in Rome from which to admire the Eternal City. Fewer make the city’s artistic legacy an integral part of where you stay. The details behind the experience Across the collection, guests can expect special touches such as breakfast, Comte de Montaigne Champagne, a non-alcoholic minibar, garment pressing and personalised amenities. Individual penthouses may bring additional privileges, including dedicated service or transfers. Exact benefits vary with the residence and booking, so do check before making plans. What makes Corinthia’s new proposition compelling is its understanding that the most interesting form of luxury is personal. The musician, the bibliophile and the architecture lover will never dream of quite the same room. Here, each gets a suite with a story of its own. Explore Corinthia’s Penthouses & Suites

Few addresses are quite as synonymous with London luxury as The Ritz. Yet behind its celebrated Piccadilly façade, a remarkable transformation is taking shape. The Ritz London is undergoing a reported £300 million redevelopment, a project expected to continue until 2028, with plans that include a swimming pool and expansive new spa facilities. For the capital's grand-hotel faithful, the interesting question is not simply what will change, but how much of The Ritz's unmistakable character will remain. A grand London institution enters a new chapter The Ritz has built its reputation on theatre: the instantly recognisable entrance, lavish interiors, immaculate service and an afternoon tea experience that has become a London ritual. The redevelopment signals an ambition to introduce amenities increasingly expected of the world's foremost hotels without abandoning that sense of occasion. According to recent reporting in the Financial Times, operations during the works have taken on a more intimate character around an Arlington Street annex, in a former insurance-office building. It is a less conspicuous proposition than the hotel's familiar grandeur, but one that offers an intriguing glimpse of a quieter kind of luxury. From legendary hospitality to contemporary wellbeing The headline addition is a substantial wellbeing offering. The programme, widely reported as part of the £300 million scheme, envisages a new swimming pool and a multi-storey spa, an evolution for a hotel more traditionally associated with dining rooms, suites and white-glove hospitality than destination wellness. The draw of a hotel spa now extends beyond treatments. For many luxury travellers, a pool, private space to recharge and carefully considered fitness facilities are central to choosing where to stay. The Ritz's investment suggests that even London's most established hospitality names are responding to that shift. An intimate stay while the work continues A smaller-scale guest experience is not necessarily a compromise. In its current transitional phase, the hotel has an opportunity to deliver the same exacting service with a boutique feel, a more discreet arrival and a sense of privacy that some well-travelled guests actively seek. That intimate atmosphere is particularly compelling in a city where luxury hospitality increasingly spans both grand palaces and carefully curated private-house hotels. The challenge for The Ritz is to preserve the traditions that made it famous while giving returning guests fresh reasons to check in. What does the transformation mean for guests? For now, this remains a hotel in transition, not a completed relaunch. The project is expected to run until 2028 and individual facilities, room availability and guest arrangements may evolve while work continues. Travellers planning a stay should confirm which spaces and services will be operating on their chosen dates directly with the property. What is already clear is that this is more than a cosmetic refresh. A major investment in the guest experience is preparing one of London's most storied hotels for its next era — an era in which heritage and wellbeing are expected to live comfortably under the same roof. The enduring allure of The Ritz Even as the hospitality landscape changes, a beautifully appointed suite and the rituals of a truly great hotel retain their appeal. If The Ritz can match those traditions with a thoughtful new spa and pool, the result could be one of the most closely watched luxury-hotel transformations in London. Further information and current stay details are available at theritzlondon.com.

Dallas is preparing to welcome a striking new luxury address. The Knox, Auberge Collection, has offered a first look inside ahead of its planned opening on 29 January 2027, with reservations now available. Set in the city's fashionable Knox Street neighbourhood, the hotel promises a distinctly residential approach to luxury: richly layered interiors, spirited dining, an ambitious wellbeing offering and the easy energy of a thriving city district. Inside the new Martin Brudnizki-designed hotel Internationally acclaimed Martin Brudnizki Design Studio is behind the hotel's interiors, combining tactile finishes, curated art and bespoke furnishings with an atmosphere intended to feel collected rather than conventionally corporate. The result, judging by the first imagery, is glamorous without feeling impersonal. The hotel will offer 140 guestrooms and suites, together with 48 private residences according to the property's official opening announcement. Its position near the Katy Trail and Knox Street's restaurants and boutiques makes it a particularly enticing base for travellers who prefer to experience a city on foot. Suites designed to feel like a private residence The guestrooms are designed around warm textures, marble bathrooms, custom details and comfortably proportioned living spaces. For guests who like to settle in for longer, the hotel has more spacious suites with separate places to dine, entertain and unwind. At the top of the collection is The Manse, planned with its own fitness space, wellness room, bar and media room. The Promenade Suite is equally intriguing, with a terrace of approximately 2,100 sq ft designed for dining and entertaining above the city. Two- and three-bedroom accommodation will also cater to extended stays. Four new places to eat and drink Auberge is positioning The Knox as a neighbourhood gathering place as much as a hotel. Four planned food-and-drink concepts span a lively signature restaurant, a European-style salon with indoor and outdoor seating, an intimate cocktail lounge and relaxed poolside dining. A rooftop pool garden, overlooking the Dallas skyline from the ninth floor according to the advance preview, is expected to become one of the property's most coveted spaces. The hotel's private event rooms and entertaining spaces add another layer to its social ambitions. A fresh take on wellbeing in Dallas The signature Wellbeing by Auberge concept will combine skin-health expertise, advanced beauty treatments, restorative therapies and thermal experiences. The brand describes an approach connecting beauty, science and connection, with dedicated spaces intended for both quiet recovery and social wellbeing. For contemporary luxury travellers, this mix of beautiful design and meaningful wellness may be as persuasive as the hotel's central location. It is part of a wider movement towards city hotels that function as places to stay, socialise and recharge. When does The Knox open and how much will it cost? The Knox, Auberge Collection, is currently accepting reservations for stays beginning 29 January 2027. Opening rates are listed from $1,000 per night, subject to date and availability. For current details and bookings, visit auberge.com/the-knox/. The arrival will form part of Auberge Collection's wider expansion, which also includes Cambridge House in London's Mayfair. For those looking ahead to a Dallas trip in 2027, The Knox is already one to watch.

Motorsport heritage meets refined travel design in a new collaboration between Carl Friedrik and Atlassian Williams F1 Team. Launching today, 22 October 2026, the limited-edition Grove collection reinterprets the British Formula 1 team's visual history through a polished set of leather travel essentials. The face of the campaign is 1996 Formula One World Drivers' Champion Damon Hill, photographed at Williams' historic Grove headquarters. A celebration of Williams' racing heritage The four-piece capsule looks back to the golden era of Formula 1 without feeling like conventional fan merchandise. Supple grained leather, a rich chestnut-and-white colour palette, contrasting stripes and the team's historic 'Forward W' emblem set the tone. The logo was first introduced by Williams in 1977. Each piece is limited to just 80 examples per style, making the collection particularly appealing to collectors who appreciate both craftsmanship and the romance of motorsport. The larger bags carry bespoke 1/80 detailing, a small but deliberate reminder of the limited run. Every piece from the Carl Friedrik x Williams F1 Grove collection The four-piece Grove collection is available in extremely limited numbers, with 80 pieces per style announced at launch. Explore all four designs below, complete with their UK launch prices and direct shopping links. Grove Weekender — £945 The statement piece in the collection, the Grove Weekender pairs a 33-litre capacity with a tapered silhouette, a chestnut grained-leather exterior and white racing stripes. Practical details include a prominent exterior window pocket, organised interior storage and a trolley-handle strap. The unique 1/80 embossing pays tribute to the limited production run. Grove Backpack — £795 With 15 litres of room, space for a 16-inch laptop and a rear suitcase-handle sleeve, the Grove Backpack combines discreet commuter practicality with the old-school Williams colour palette. Chestnut leather, a clean white racing stripe and bespoke numbered 1/80 detailing make it a standout for F1 enthusiasts. Grove Passport Sleeve — £125 A refined travel essential crafted in the collection's supple chestnut grained leather, finished with smooth Italian vachetta trims. The Grove Passport Sleeve offers an understated finishing touch for the collector seeking a coordinated travel set. Grove Luggage Tag — £65 The entry point to the Grove collection, this leather luggage tag brings the Williams-inspired aesthetic to an everyday travel detail. Crafted in grained leather with contrasting trims, it pairs naturally with the matching Weekender and Backpack. Carl Friedrik co-founder Mattis Oppermann said the design choices were shaped by the Williams team's history, from the materials and colours to the finishing details. With Hill as the campaign's leading figure, the collaboration feels rooted in a real racing story. The Grove collection is available at carlfriedrik.com. For the luxury traveller who also follows Formula 1, these are accessories designed to carry a little sporting history well beyond race weekend. Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means The Life of Luxury may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. All products are selected independently by our editorial team.

Kylie Jenner is the latest star to enter Stella McCartney’s world, appearing in a new Winter 2026 fashion film that places the bond between humans and horses at its heart. Titled Wild Horses, the project is directed by filmmaker Gia Coppola and combines the designer’s signature animal-conscious philosophy with an unexpected high-fashion leading lady. Unveiled on Thursday 22 October 2026, the short film takes a more cinematic approach to the traditional luxury campaign, with Jenner appearing alongside a trained horse in an atmospheric sequence set in water. It is a striking new chapter for McCartney’s Winter 2026 collection... and a reminder that the designer’s love of animals continues to influence both her creative direction and her activism. Kylie Jenner stars in Stella McCartney’s ‘Wild Horses’ film The collaboration brings together three recognisable creative names: Stella McCartney, Kylie Jenner and Gia Coppola, whose work blends fashion imagery with a narrative sensibility. Rather than using a conventional studio campaign alone, Wild Horses makes the animal-human connection central to the story. One of its key sequences shows Jenner immersed in water alongside a trained horse. The image is intended to communicate the patience, care and respect involved in working with these animals, while reflecting McCartney’s longstanding belief that desirable fashion need not come at the expense of animal wellbeing. Why did Stella McCartney choose Kylie Jenner? Jenner’s casting adds a prominent new face to a brand built around a very specific set of values. Beyond her beauty empire and own fashion label Khy, she has become a familiar presence in luxury fashion imagery, with an audience spanning beauty, street style and designer fashion. For McCartney, the casting is also part of a wider message about women's strength and freedom to express their own identities. In comments accompanying the project, the designer emphasised the importance of working with people who can communicate a contemporary message of compassion. The result is a campaign designed to speak to a younger audience without losing the house’s distinctive point of view. The Appaloosa bag takes centre stage Among the key accessories featured in the imagery is Stella McCartney’s Appaloosa handbag, first introduced for Winter 2026. Its design carries a particularly personal story. The bag was inspired by Lucky Spot, the treasured stallion of Stella’s mother, Linda McCartney, and by the horses that formed such an important part of the designer’s childhood. Made in Italy from vegan alternatives to animal leather, the Appaloosa has a soft, slouchy shape, equestrian references and a relaxed, everyday feel. Current versions span classic black, bold red, leopard-inspired textures and smaller crossbody styles. The house’s British website lists select Appaloosa bags from approximately £695, with prices varying by style and size. A campaign with a message about protecting horses The film aims to draw attention to the vulnerability of wild horses in America, as well as the broader importance of equine welfare. According to the campaign announcement, the company is making a donation to equine welfare charities internationally. The production says the animals were monitored by the American Humane Society and that none were harmed. That sentiment is far from a new direction for the British fashion house. At Paris Fashion Week in March 2026, McCartney staged an equestrian-inspired show inside a riding venue, with horses taking a starring role alongside the models. The presentation marked both the Year of the Horse and the designer’s long-running commitment to animal-free luxury. What is the release date for Kylie Jenner’s Stella McCartney campaign? The Wild Horses film and Kylie Jenner collaboration were announced on 22 October 2026. The wider Stella McCartney Winter 2026 collection is already available through selected boutiques and the brand’s website, subject to individual stock availability. Fans of both fashion and film will find plenty to appreciate in the new campaign, from Coppola’s cinematic direction to the personal history behind the Appaloosa. It also offers an interesting parallel with the designer’s earlier horse-themed 2023 campaign, which featured Jenner’s sister Kendall — although Wild Horses is a separate, new creative project. For more on the collection, visit the official Stella McCartney Winter 2026 and Appaloosa pages at stellamccartney.com. Sources: campaign announcement published 22 October 2026; Stella McCartney Winter 2026 collection and Appaloosa editorial pages.