Intelligence

In Montreal’s historic Nordelec building, where industrial bones meet modern refinement, Ivy Studio has transformed an indoor golf facility into a visually striking and socially vibrant club. With design cues pulled from the world of golf—both in color and texture—the Muni indoor golf club challenges the sport’s often buttoned-up image, blending playful sophistication with architectural grit.

More than two years after the coronation of King Charles III, Britain’s royal tradition continues with the unveiling of his official coronation portrait. The painting, steeped in historical symbolism yet softened with modern touches of humanity, was revealed to the public this week at London’s National Gallery—offering a carefully crafted image of the monarch for posterity, continuity and public reflection.

In a groundbreaking moment for global literature, Indian author Banu Mushtaq and translator Deepa Bhasthi have won the 2025 International Booker Prize for Heart Lamp, a powerful collection of twelve short stories chronicling the lives of women in southern India. It is the first time the prestigious prize has been awarded to a short story collection and the recognition marks a milestone for both regional Indian literature and the art of translation.

Once billed as the pinnacle of 21st-century luxury living, 432 Park Avenue now faces a very different legacy—one of alleged structural deception, costly repairs, and legal turmoil. The iconic pencil-thin skyscraper, towering above Manhattan’s Billionaire’s Row, is the subject of a $165 million lawsuit, as its condo board accuses developers and architects of concealing deep structural issues, including thousands of severe cracks that threaten the value—and safety—of its multimillion-dollar residences.

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy was never a woman who sought attention—but more than 25 years after her death, the world still can’t look away. A former Calvin Klein publicist turned American icon, she has become a muse across generations, platforms, and even industries. When American Love Story, Ryan Murphy’s new series chronicling her relationship with John F. Kennedy Jr., announced Sarah Pidgeon would portray Carolyn, the news made headlines globally. Curiously, few noticed the casting of JFK Jr.—a detail that says everything about the pull Carolyn still commands. In a cultural moment defined by maximalism and viral trends, Bessette-Kennedy’s quiet sophistication feels almost radical. She didn’t just wear clothes—she embodied a philosophy of restraint, refinement, and personal integrity. Today, her influence permeates everything from TikTok style tutorials to the minimalist aesthetic of brands like The Row and Toteme. But what is it about Carolyn that continues to resonate so deeply?

The 2025 WNBA season tips off amid growing excitement, marking a pivotal moment for women’s basketball and its expanding cultural influence. With record-breaking viewership and a new generation of star athletes like Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese capturing the public’s imagination, the league is more than just a sport — it’s a movement. The recent partnership between the iconic American fashion house Coach and the WNBA underscores this shift, blending sport and style to celebrate individuality, empowerment, and the evolving role of women in athletics and culture.

For most of my life, skirts were never part of the plan. They felt complicated, fussy, and frankly, a little intimidating. I worried they’d ride up at the worst moments, or feel uncomfortable and restrictive. Jeans, trousers, and anything with pockets became my armor—a reliable uniform that felt effortless and safe. But lately, skirts have been making a major comeback on runways and in everyday street style, prompting many, including my fashion news director Brooke Bobb, to reconsider their pants-only allegiance. Despite the trend, I doubted I could ever truly embrace the “skirt life.”Then I discovered a gray column skirt from Aritzia, and it quietly changed everything. The first time I saw it was at an Aritzia luncheon, where several guests were styling the same piece in wildly different yet flattering ways. Priced at $138, it was an accessible experiment—a chance to step outside my comfort zone without breaking the bank. What drew me in was its suiting material and tailored cut: it felt more like trousers than a traditional skirt, with a darted waist that hugged just right. It promised sophistication with a modern twist—and best of all, it looked like something I could wear comfortably.

In a stunning return to its Florentine roots, Gucci’s Cruise 2026 show masterfully celebrated the brand’s hallmark Italian opulence, intricate craftsmanship, and rich heritage, reminding the fashion world why it remains an icon of luxury and innovation. Set against the historic backdrop of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and Gucci itself, the collection offered a lavish homage to decades of evolving style, from Tom Ford’s boldness to Alessandro Michele’s eclectic vision. This moment of reflection and renewal comes at a pivotal time for the house, as it stands on the brink of transformation with the recent departure of creative director Sabato De Sarno and the anticipated arrival of Demna, whose acclaimed work at Balenciaga promises to usher in an exciting new chapter. As the brand honors its past, it also looks ahead with renewed confidence, embracing both tradition and modernity in a seamless fusion of glamour and innovation.

For many women, the joy of slipping into a perfect pair of high heels is a familiar thrill. But for those of us with larger feet—size 12 and beyond—the dream of stylish, well-fitting shoes often feels out of reach. Despite strides in inclusivity across fashion, shoe sizes remain stubbornly limited, leaving countless women sidelined from the very footwear that completes their look and expresses their identity. This isn’t just about vanity or style; for many, especially trans and gender-nonconforming people, shoes carry the weight of affirmation and confidence. Yet, the industry still neglects this crucial piece of the puzzle. So when, exactly, will designers start making shoes for bigger feet?

This week in fashion was nothing short of electric, with star-studded campaigns, iconic brand anniversaries, and exciting new collaborations lighting up the industry. From Theo James and Vittoria Ceretti’s sizzling return to Capri for Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue fragrance, to Zendaya’s playful and artful finale for Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami, the season’s biggest names brought glamour and innovation to the forefront. Meanwhile, fresh voices and rising talents like Cooper Koch stepped into the spotlight for Calvin Klein, while a collective of American designers united for a groundbreaking pop-up event in New York, proving that creativity and community continue to drive fashion forward. Dive in to discover all the can’t-miss highlights and insider moments from this dynamic week.