What you will find in the journal
Each article is written to answer a practical question rather than to sell a product. The journal currently covers three kinds of reading:
- House stories. The origins, signature motifs and defining lines of individual maisons, starting with the story of Hermès and its saddlery roots in Paris, and Gucci's beginnings in Florence.
- The most expensive pieces. Bags, pens and the most expensive watches in the world, with an explanation of what drives their value: materials, craftsmanship, rarity and provenance.
- Buying with confidence. Our guide to authenticating designer pieces walks through stitching, hardware, materials and the questions worth asking any seller.
We add new guides as the collection grows, so the range of houses and categories will widen over time.
Using the journal to choose a gift
Knowing a little about a house makes a gift more personal. A scarf or small leather piece means more when you understand the heritage behind it, and a watch is easier to choose once you know which complications and materials matter to the wearer.
A simple way to use these guides:
- Read the house story to find the lines and motifs that suit the recipient's taste.
- Check the authentication notes so you know what good workmanship looks like.
- Browse our luxury gift ideas by recipient and occasion to narrow the shortlist.
If you already have a particular piece in mind, tell us what you are looking for and we will come back to you by email with options.