London in December: Your Complete Exploration Guide

It’s that time of year again—the festive marathon where you swear you’re on top of your gifting, and yet, somehow, it’s December 22nd and your shopping list still resembles the Dead Sea Scrolls. Maybe you got caught up in the office Secret Santa drama (no, Greg, we don’t all want scented candles), or you spent three weeks trying to decide if your cousin’s fiancée qualifies as “family” enough for a present. Either way, here we are. But don’t panic. Just because you’re late to the gifting game doesn’t mean your presents have to scream last minute . Whether you’re shopping for the discerning minimalist, the tech-obsessed sibling, or the in-laws you still haven’t quite figured out, we’ve curated the chicest, most luxurious last-minute Christmas gifts that won’t give you away. Think fast shipping, thoughtful design, and, most importantly, effortless taste. Because if there’s one thing you don’t want to look like this holiday season, it’s rushed.

The festive season is upon us, and with it comes the joy (and let’s admit, the stress) of hosting. Whether you’re planning an intimate family dinner or a grand Christmas feast, your dining table deserves to be dressed to impress. This year, think beyond the traditional and embrace a luxurious approach to holiday table styling. Here’s your guide to curating a Christmas tablescape so elegant, it might just outshine the Christmas tree. 1. Plates that Make a Statement The foundation of any well-dressed table is the dinnerware. Elevate your dining experience with porcelain or bone china plates featuring gold or platinum rims—timelessly chic and undeniably luxurious. For a modern twist, look for textured designs or hand-painted patterns in rich festive hues like deep emerald or crimson. Don’t shy away from layering—charger plates add depth and drama. 2. Glassware with Glamour Champagne deserves to be sipped from flutes that sparkle as brightly as the fairy lights on your tree. Look for crystal glassware with etched patterns or metallic details. A set of coupe glasses for cocktails or sparkling wine adds a vintage touch, while sleek, stemless wine glasses in frosted finishes scream contemporary sophistication. 3. Napkins: Small Touch, Big Impact Never underestimate the power of a perfectly folded napkin. Linen is non-negotiable for a luxe table, and hues like snowy white, muted gold, or rich burgundy exude understated elegance. Tie them with metallic napkin rings or add a sprig of rosemary or a mini ornament for a festive flourish. 4. Cutlery That Shines Ditch the basic stainless steel and upgrade to cutlery in brushed gold, rose gold, or matte black. These finishes bring an unexpected edge to the table while remaining elegant. For a maximalist approach, look for sets with intricate detailing or mother-of-pearl handles. 5. Centerpieces That Sparkle A stunning centerpiece is the heart of a luxurious table. Opt for crystal candleholders paired with taper candles in metallic shades. Layer in garlands of eucalyptus or pine, woven with twinkling fairy lights or adorned with gilded baubles. For added drama, cluster ornaments in varying heights and finishes at the center of the table for a glamorous touch. 6. Table Linens That Set the Scene A luxe table begins with what’s underneath. Swap out the classic white tablecloth for something textured—think velvet, jacquard, or satin in rich, moody tones. Pair it with a runner in metallic accents or sequins for a pop of festive sparkle. 7. Sequins, Sprinkles, and Finishing Touches Scatter small decorative elements like star-shaped sequins or faux snow across the table for a magical effect. Name cards edged in gold foil or handwritten tags add a personal, intimate touch to each place setting. 8. Scented Moments Luxury isn’t just about the visuals. Add a sensory layer to your Christmas dining experience with scented candles—think notes of cinnamon, clove, and cedarwood. Not only do they enhance the ambiance, but they also evoke the coziness of the season. The Luxe Effect Achieving a luxurious Christmas table is about balancing elegance with festive warmth. It’s not just about the pieces you choose but how you bring them together—layering textures, playing with metallics, and adding thoughtful details that make your guests feel special. So, as you finalize your holiday plans, don’t forget that the true magic of the season lies in gathering around the table—no matter how dazzling the decor. But a little sparkle doesn’t hurt, does it?

Haider Ackermann, a designer known for his sharp tailoring and avant-garde aesthetics, is stepping into the world of functional luxury with his first capsule collection for Canada Goose, titled Snow Goose . This collaboration is more than just outerwear—it's a reimagining of the iconic brand's heritage through Ackermann's unique lens. And who better to front the campaign than actor Ethan Hawke, whose rugged charm and unpretentious attitude make him a fitting ambassador for this new chapter in the brand's evolution? Unveiled just in time for winter, Snow Goose is a 60-piece collection that merges the technical brilliance of Canada Goose with Ackermann’s distinct design sensibility. Think Arctic-proof functionality meets fashion-forward artistry. The collection ranges from updated classics like the Rider Jacket, inspired by archival styles worn by Ontario’s Provincial Police, to bold newcomers like the Celestia Jacket, which dazzles with a silver reflective finish. Vibrant hues like “Aquarius” blue and neon green add a playful edge, while black-and-white diamond quilting offers a sophisticated counterpoint. For Ackermann, the collection is a love letter to Canada Goose’s storied past. “I delved into the archives and found so much untapped energy,” he explains. “There was this fluorescent pink parka from the ’60s—it was wild! I wanted to bring that spirit back while keeping the DNA of the brand intact.” The campaign, shot by Willy Vanderperre, stars Hawke alongside model Julia Nobis and a cast of creatives spanning arts, sports, and design. Hawke, ever the reluctant style icon, brings a grounded perspective to the project. “I’ve never been into fashion for fashion’s sake,” he says, “but I love clothes that are practical and cool.” Hawke’s connection to Canada Goose isn’t new. His first encounter with the brand came during the filming of Alive , where glacier-set scenes demanded the kind of gear that could handle extreme weather. “They handed me a jacket that I still own,” he shares, recalling the grueling shoot in the Andes. That blend of durability and design is precisely what makes Canada Goose a mainstay in both Hollywood and snowy terrains alike. Ackermann’s arrival as creative director marks a pivotal moment for the brand. Canada Goose CEO Dani Reiss emphasizes that this is an evolution, not a reinvention. “Haider is here to elevate what we’ve built over six decades,” says Reiss. “We’re staying true to our roots while injecting a fresh energy into the brand.” The Snow Goose capsule is just the beginning. With two additional drops slated for December, Ackermann’s impact on Canada Goose is only beginning to unfold. From innovative materials to high-wattage collaborations, this new chapter signals a bold future for the brand. The first drop of Haider Ackermann’s Snow Goose by Canada Goose is available now in stores and online. Stay tuned for the next wave, launching December 10th—because, as Ackermann is proving, functional luxury has never been this exciting.

For a few seasons, I’ve overheard conversations about Balenciaga under Demna’s direction and the lack of creativity in recent collections. Once celebrated as a fearless innovator and a visionary of the late 2010s and early 20s, who steered Vetements and later Balenciaga through numerous controversies while reshaping what modern luxury meant, Demna had gotten into a bit of a rut,. Under his direction, Balenciaga released a ton of celebrated sneakers, collaborations, bold silhouettes and stunning gowns. The Fall 2025 collection however, brings a new fresh perspective on the talent he was recognised for - the front and centre innovation, the bags, the oversized but wearable silhouettes and the dramatic storytelling. From cocoon-shaped gowns evoking Balenciaga’s original house codes to an audacious collaboration with Lamborghini, the collection reaffirms Demna’s place among the most compelling designers of our time. Presented as a stripped-back visual study, the collection unveils its designs through iPhone-shot, watermarked images posted on Demna’s social media—a cheeky nod to the ubiquity of digital culture and the blurred lines between high fashion and everyday life. Key pieces like the Cocoon maxi dress in black jersey and its polar opposite—a bodycon white T-shirt minidress—illustrate the collection’s theme of extremes. This dichotomy extends across the line-up: voluminous maxi skirts versus micro-minis, padded slippers versus stripped-down clip-on soles, and garments marked “Brand New With Tags” juxtaposed with ultra-destroyed pieces. Demna’s commitment to architectural silhouettes shines through monolithic creations like the Semi-Fitted maxi coat in chunky wool gabardine and a flowing Old Hollywood-inspired kaftan in viscose jersey. The collection's understated elegance is underscored by austere tailoring and fabrics repurposed to challenge perceptions of luxury. The Lamborghini Collaboration Arguably the most buzzworthy element of the collection is Balenciaga’s partnership with Lamborghini. This capsule blends automotive aesthetics with high fashion, delivering standout pieces like leather racing jackets, co-branded tees featuring the 2025 Lamborghini Temerario, and a driver’s manual-inspired clutch. Accessories, including key fob charms and Shield-emblazoned bags, further drive home the concept. The collection masterfully straddles worlds, appealing to both fashion devotees and auto enthusiasts. From leather bombers to sweatpants and statement jewellery, the collaboration is a fitting tribute to the daring innovation that both brands represent. Footwear Reinvented Demna’s reinvention extends to footwear with styles that balance function and flair. Highlights include Balenciaga | Scholl heels featuring orthopaedic cork footbeds, velvet Château slippers, and anatomic five-toe runners with elasticated uppers. The Zero shoe, with its ultralight 3-D moulded sole, distils footwear to its essence, mimicking the feeling of being barefoot. Other striking options include distressed “prom guy” loafers, tubular knit cuissardes with padded footbeds, and poulaine stiletto boots with whimsically upturned toes. Accessories and the Final Flourishes Eyewear and handbags complete the collection, offering bold, utilitarian designs. From the mono-hinge Afterhour sunglasses to the Superbusy double-layered frames, the collection reflects Demna’s flair for statement-making accessories. Bags, meanwhile, feature inside-out constructions and distressed finishes. The Lamborghini collaboration takes centre stage with dashboard clutches adorned with license-plate motifs and key fob charms, merging functionality with the allure of luxury. The Fall 2025 collection is a study in Demna’s ability to challenge norms while staying rooted in Balenciaga’s storied heritage. It marries comfort with couture, humor with sophistication, and innovation with tradition. For those who doubted, this collection serves as a resounding reminder: Demna is not done innovating. As fashion continues to grapple with its relationship to technology, sustainability, and cultural relevance, Balenciaga’s Fall 2025 collection is more than a showcase—it’s a statement. Demna invites us to see beauty in the unexpected and to embrace the contradictions that define the modern wardrobe.

When it comes to Christmas gifting, the stakes are always high. Finding the perfect present isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about unwrapping a moment of pure delight. This season, the luxury world is brimming with possibilities—an artfully crafted handbag that whispers exclusivity, a wellness retreat designed to reset the soul, or a watch that doubles as a timeless heirloom. But where to begin? Our carefully curated Luxury Christmas Gift Guide is here to ensure your gifts inspire joy, admiration, and maybe just a little envy. Think of it as your shortcut to making spirits—and wish lists—bright.

This holiday season, why not treat the women in your life to something truly unforgettable—or perhaps even treat yourself? After all, we often focus so much on giving to others that we forget to celebrate our own achievements and the hard work we’ve put in throughout the year. Whether it’s a thoughtful gift that shows how much you appreciate her or a little indulgence to pamper yourself, there’s no better time than Christmas to make someone (or yourself) feel special. Gifts have a way of making us feel seen and loved, and when chosen with care, they can provide lasting joy long after the season has passed. In a world that can sometimes feel fast-paced and demanding, these little moments of self-care and generosity go a long way. A thoughtful gift can be a gentle reminder of just how much someone means to you—whether that’s a luxurious skincare treat to help her unwind after a long day or an elegant accessory that brings a smile to her face. And let’s face it, we all deserve a little luxury now and then. So, why not make this Christmas extra special by selecting something that captures the essence of love, appreciation, and indulgence. Fashion Handbags Beauty Fragrance Travel Jewellery Home