Featured
The top AFR Magazine reads of 2024
From what Rich Listers teach their kids to why Saudi Arabia is luring so many Australians, here’s a collection of some of our best-read features this year.
Hip industrial designer Henry Wilson has a brilliant new store
One of Australia’s most esteemed creatives now has a shopfront for his instantly recognisable pieces.
- Stephen Todd
The royal who loves coming to Australia each summer
Zara Tindall first saddled up for the Magic Millions for a year. But a firm friendship with event owner Katie Page and a passion for racing keep bringing her back.
- Jane Knight
The retail boss who is obsessed with Christmas
American Glen Schlehuber had to learn Australian festive traditions and embrace the warm weather. But once he did, he never looked back.
- Lauren Sams
From the Hamptons to the Australian Open: inside Ralph Lauren’s world
The legendary fashion label’s founder created a dream, says his son David. Melbourne’s fabled annual tennis tournament is increasingly part of it.
- Lauren Sams
This Month
The year’s best books as chosen by the Financial Review newsroom
From highly anticipated novels to memorable memoirs, here are the top picks from our journalists to make your summer reading list sizzle.
- Staff writers
Egypt’s bygone glamour gets a luxurious new spin
In a land with an ancient civilisation comes a new offering for travellers seeking luxury with an authentic patina.
- Maria Shollenbarger
Christmas recipes from some of Melbourne’s best restaurants
Capture the festive spirit with a spectacular celebratory Christmas menu from Lucas Restaurants’ top chefs, who know what people want to eat.
- Jill Dupleix
The love affair between watches and cars is only just revving up
Lamborghini, Porsche, Tag Heuer and Bulgari are just some of the brands that drive the connection between fancy watches and fast cars.
- Luke Benedictus
- Opinion
- Trends
Fashion should focus on its best customers – and they’re not 20-year-olds
Aussies over 40 are spending more on discretionary goods, so why aren’t more smart designers and retailers looking to leverage their older clientele?
- Lauren Sams
Melbourne needs a good scrub down, says this well-travelled style guru
Monocle magazine’s Tyler Brûlé is sought for his opinions on matters of taste. He offers some thoughts on how Australia could boost its tourist appeal.
- Matthew Drummond
A toast to the five best champagnes of 2024
The year may be nearly over, but there’s plenty left to celebrate. Pop a bottle of our drinks editor’s favourite bubbles to do it in style.
- Max Allen
This year changed the watch world. What will 2025 bring?
One upside of the downturn in sales may be a new batch of striking timepieces on the horizon.
- Bani McSpedden and Luke Benedictus
- Exclusive
- Watches
What to wear on your trip into space? This watch CEO has a suggestion
As more countries – and tourists – head into space, Omega’s legacy with NASA could be imperiled. Omega CEO Raynald Aeschlimann instead sees opportunity.
- Matthew Drummond
Not everyone likes this new watch CEO. He’s OK with that
Bremont has a new man at the top, and he doesn’t sweat his haters.
- Simon de Burton
Here’s what’s ticking, according to the CEOs of three top watch brands
Change is sweeping through the world of horology. We talk to these industry leaders about what’s on their minds.
- Bani McSpedden
The wildest watchmakers in one place: inside Singapore’s watch fair
A who’s who of independent watch brands descended on Singapore’s IAMWATCH, part of the wave that is lifting watch fairs everywhere.
- Bani McSpedden
November
- Exclusive
- Competition
Three sliding-doors moments defined ACCC boss Gina Cass-Gottlieb’s life
When Gina Cass-Gottlieb was hired, some said she was too close to big business. She’s instead proven to be a godsend for the federal government.
- Ronald Mizen
Mammoth tusks and jellyfish: how to bring jewellery ‘alive’
Starting with a sculpture helps jewellery designer Bibi van der Velden define in her mind her collections of ‘wearable works of art’.
- Lauren Sams
Cult Tasmanian whisky Sullivans Cove has a stately new home
After a $14m revamp, the Sullivans Cove distillery outside Hobart is worthy of its award as the world’s best whisky.
- Luke Slattery
Max Allen’s top 20 drinks of the year
After 12 months of tasting, our expert reveals his picks of 2024: a diverse bunch of white and red wines, and a couple of non-alcoholic stunners.
- Max Allen
The jewel house that’s stuck in the ’70s – for good reason
Back then, no one did opulence quite like Piaget. But with this extravagant new high-jewellery collection, the maison’s momentum is building again.
- Eugenie Kelly
The hobby that taught this jeweller to slow down
Sarah Munro takes inspiration from her scuba diving adventures for her Sarah & Sebastian jewellery collections.
- Daniel Arbon
How to make perfect barbecue ribs – no restaurant required
Duncan Welgemoed, of Adelaide’s cult diner Africola, loves the thrill of the grill.
- Jill Dupleix
Jewellery’s hottest trend? Raiding Nanna’s treasure chest
Pinning on a brooch adds a stamp of your personal style. Here is a stunning selection to add to your treasure chest.
- Lauren Sams