French luxury house led by Bernard Arnault’s LVMH empire
Tokyo has introduced a policy allowing shorts, t-shirts, and trainers as part of its summer work attire under the "Tokyo Cool Biz" initiative. The change aims to cope with extreme heat while curbing energy use, though reviews are divided—some applaud comfort, others raise concerns about fairness and legibility of dress codes.
LVMH has reported steady half-year sales with 2% organic growth and a 2% rise in overall revenue to €38.6 billion; U.S. demand continues to drive performance in watches, jewelry and fashion, while Europe remains flat amid slowing tourism. The group notes margin stability but faces questions over whether growth is sustainable.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art will stage a solo exhibition of John Galliano, marking a rare living-designer focus for the Costume Institute. The show, tied to the Met Gala, follows Galliano’s controversial 2011 antisemitic remarks and subsequent rehabilitation. Jewish leaders and critics debate whether his atonement warrants continued prominence in fashion.
A trio of makeup sources across The Guardian, Business Insider UK and New York Post has highlighted popular concealers and glow products, with emphasis on moisture, coverage and natural finishes. The coverage ranges from under-eye brightening to full-face concealment, with SPF and cream contour gaining traction in routine makeup. The discussion confirms a shift toward skincare-like makeup and efficient routines.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wed at Madison Square Garden in July 2026. Public details are scarce, with guests and outfits discussed by media. Kelce reflects on the night as the couple navigates privacy and public interest.
The Guardian review of Life of M traces how Rachel Cusk’s novel intercuts a star’s ascent with the narrator’s reflections, comparing M to Natalie Portman’s career and examining fame’s impact on authenticity, family, and art. The prose is praised for its precise, sparing style that exposes the performative nature of celebrity.
Paris's new butter boutique showcases 30 varieties from Brittany to the Loire, with tasting by spoon and items from 10-gram pats to 1-kilogram blocks. French dairy culture links butter to meals, heritage, and global chefs; visitors include locals, tourists, and food professionals.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has cancelled a planned 2027 Costume Institute exhibition honouring John Galliano after donors, Jewish leaders and city officials protested his selection. Galliano has withdrawn the show, apologised for past antisemitic and racist remarks and said he does not want debate about him to distract from the museum; the Met will announce a replacement.
Irish actress Saoirse Ronan has expressed interest in playing the next Bond villain, as odds narrow on the star of Slow Horses, Letitia Wright’s successor, to take the 007 mantle. Ronan says she is “dead serious” about a villain part, while Emilia Lowden continues to be mentioned as a frontrunner for Bond. The pair would become the first married couple to work opposite each other in a Bond film if cast.
Beauty retailers are rolling out advent calendars for 2026, featuring luxury and budget options. LookFantastic, M&S, Boots, and Boots’ fragrance line unveil calendars with full-size products, elite brands, and online exclusives. The range includes premium, mid-range, and affordable options, with clear savings versus listed values.
Sir Paul Smith reflects on an eight-decade journey from Nottingham beginnings to a global, owner-led fashion house. Threads: My Life in Style chronicles his discipline, curiosity, and hands-on leadership, stressing real shops, careful growth, and lasting brand control.
The dress once worn by Princess Diana at the Serpentine fundraising dinner is expected to fetch up to $220,000 at Sotheby’s, London. The gown, by Christina Stambolian, has toured globally ahead of the December sale, with part of the proceeds supporting NHS Lothian Charity.
Céline Dion has returned to full live performance with a sold‑out 26‑show residency at the Plenitude Arena outside Paris. The 58‑year‑old has opened the run with a 2‑hour, 25‑song set; she has been performing despite a 2022 diagnosis of stiff‑person syndrome and has adjusted keys and pacing to protect her voice and stamina.
A round-up of affordable Amazon dresses and home accents shows how shoppers are chasing budget-friendly style with quick delivery. The pieces range from dresses under $50 to Anthropologie-inspired home goods that offer a curated look without the premium price. Readers are urged to consider current deals and delivery options.
Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong’s former chief executive, has been honored at a state funeral attended by Chinese officials and city leaders. The service, a rare acknowledgement for Hong Kong since the 1997 handover, comes as the city grapples with past protests, SARS and economic crises that defined his nearly eight-year tenure.
Saudi designer Shinkar has built a Saudi handbag brand that fuses traditional motifs with contemporary playfulness, produced in Italy with ethical materials. She emphasizes localization, customization, and storytelling through bags that carry personal and cultural narratives, reflecting a Saudi Arabia in creative transformation.
Independent and AP News report on Dior under designer Peter Anderson as fashion month embraces a deliberate, refined looseness. The collection pares back some Dior signatures while highlighting soft tailoring, new drapery-inspired silhouettes and luxury details; Anderson’s 10th Dior outing signals a house at a crossroads between heritage and modernity.
A wave of fall fashion showcases in Paris features designers embracing bold silhouettes, luxury fabrics, and a move away from muted tones. From Louis Vuitton’s futuristic stage to Valentino’s red-carpet drama, editors note a trend toward personality dressing alongside haute craftsmanship.
The Guardian notes Schiaparelli has revenue growth from about $6m in 2020 to around $100m today, aided by a London museum show and celebrity visibility. Designer Daniel Roseberry emphasizes a voice that is big despite the house’s small size as Loewe reshapes leadership and American pragmatism threads through the Paris fashion week collection.
LVMH has reported softer-than-expected third-quarter organic growth, with a 5% drop in organic revenue in the Asia ex-Japan region and a broader slowdown in fashion and leather goods amid weaker Chinese demand. U.S. sales rose as Europe and other regions lagged.
Resale prices for Hermès Birkins have fallen from 2022 highs as supply in the second-hand market increases. Traders note softer demand and higher availability, challenging a business model built on scarcity. Hermès has not commented; outcomes depend on whether demand keeps pace with growing supply across global markets.
France faces a new wave of protests as thousands gather amid soaring living costs. Interior Minister Nuñez has deployed up to 70,000 police nationwide to secure city centers, with museums closing and stores boarded up. Protests are planned in Paris, Marseille and other cities.