Luxury

Sales of luxury goods in the mainland have always been strong but consumers have traditionally gone for well known, branded bling rather than more refined products. But lately there has been a noticeable shift, not away from luxury goods, but towards a wider, more unique offer. Is the Chinese market getting more discerning?

The house’s heritage means that Hugo Boss’s autumn–winter 2013–14 collection stays within well defined historical boundaries, says Tiffany Fernando

Lola Saab gets seduced by all that Paris’s couture week had on display; from the allure of Paris, the lavish garments and extravagant jewellery to the wonderfully choreographed shows

Tiffany Fernando on the timelessness of an original Gabrielle Chanel-designed piece, and the ideology the designer tried to espouse

The pinnacle of luxury: the Van Cleef & Arpels: the Art of Fine Jewellery exhibition moves on to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. Lola Saab attends and talks to the curator and Van Cleef & Arpels’ heritage director

While fashion bridges the gap between past and present, make-up takes a timeless tack—with just enough subtle references to other eras

Are beauty brands understanding social? Lucire publisher Jack Yan looks at a small selection, and imparts his thoughts on what makes a successful social media campaign

Hannah Jones, from cycle 16 of America’s Next Top Model, is forging ahead with her career, focusing on the New Age projects that express who she is.

Jaimie Alexander’s latest role is opposite former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in The Last Stand, after playing Lady Sif in Thor. If you haven’t noticed her already, you surely will this year

Lucire’s 13th Car to Be Seen in is a lucky one indeed: Jaguar’s new F-type gets our nod. Jack Yan explains why.

Automotive designer Stephen Harper’s career began as an apprentice at British Leyland, while on his CV are cars for Ford, Volvo and Rolls-Royce. He was one of the first occidental car designers in China. He speaks to Jack Yan on how he got started, the car design industry, current trends, and the exciting future ahead

Amber Peebles heads to Bora-Bora, a welcome retreat on an island deservedly called paradise by many

The enigmatic nation of Malaysia is an elaborate patchwork of culture, architecture and foods, bridging together China, India, Thailand and other neighbouring countries, writes Elyse Glickman