From centuries-old Scottish mills to contemporary labels reworking classic silhouettes, these are the coveted British knitwear brands that ship to the states.
Maybe it’s the nation’s temperamental climes that have helped breed such skilled artisans, but the British Isles (Scotland and Ireland in particular) make some of the world’s best knitwear.
While you’ll definitely find evidence of such amidst the collections of luxury houses – Dior and Burberry, in particular – there are some independent knitwear brands that shouldn’t be glossed over. These brands often have a direct involvement with the mills that make their products, and in some cases, familial ties, making the end result all the more special. Here, we explore some of the best that are worth your dime, ranging from centuries-old institutions to modern pioneers.
Founder Buffy Reid’s connection to knitwear is generational, starting with her grandmother, an avid knitter who passed on her woolly passion to Reid’s father. He built a career selling Donegal tweeds and Scottish cashmere to retailers like Browns, and in 2013, he worked with Reid to set up her own brand. Today, they work with five yarns and five makers from the same mills Reid’s father worked with, creating pieces that balance timelessness with style – think: pops of color and more modern silhouettes. The label has even caught the eyes of A-listers Cillian Murphy and Paul Mescal, who regularly endorse it.
This English brand proudly holds the title of having the world’s oldest manufacturing factory, established in 1784 at Lea Mills, Derbyshire. While it initially spun cotton and produced muslin, it came to be known for long johns after adding knitting machines in 1825. Today, the brand has expanded to craft a full wardrobe of pieces in luxury merino wool and cashmere, but their knits are the best place to start. Their traditional silhouettes make them a great port of call for classic design.
Traipse through London’s most stylish neighborhoods, and it’s likely that the men will be wearing at least one garment from Drake’s. It’s a favorite amongst many for its contemporary silhouettes and high-end quality, and a quick peruse of the label’s social media shows a community of the city’s ‘it’ crowd endorsing its pieces. So if you’re looking for something more fashion-forward, head to their knitwear section. The Shetland line is made by knitters in the Scottish Borders, and come in fun prints and colors.
With over 225 years of history, this family-run business is profoundly and proudly Scottish, yet their mission to get the nation’s knitted finery across the globe started back in 1799. Alexander Johnson (the first of eight generations at the helm) invested in international shipping to destinations such as Canada and Jamaica to ensure their woolly goods reached more corners of the world. Of course, that’s still the case today, so you can nab yourself an Argyle knit (a firm favorite in their collection) from its homeland.
Founded in 1938 by Nat Peal, who was hailed the «British King of Cashmere», the label N.Peal is known for its excellent cashmere collection which it crafted from sustainably sourced, 100 percent Mongolian cashmere. One of the label’s most popular edits are its James Bond sweaters, which were created for the movies Skyfall and Spectre, either inspired by or worn by 007 himself.
Survival of the richest? This is how the 1 percent are hiding in plain sight with underground bunkers.
Billionaire bunkers — discreet, fortified, and increasingly designed to function as self-contained worlds – are fast becoming a new asset class. What was once the domain of Cold War paranoia and fringe survivalists has been rebranded for a post-pandemic, climate-anxious elite. Think less tinned food and tin foil hats, more filtered air systems, biometric access, and, yes, staff quarters, in case the apocalypse arrives with a dress code.
Why billionaire bunkers are on the rise
Interest in ultra-luxury bunkers has grown in recent years, shaped by a mix of global anxieties. Websites list everything from geopolitical tension and climate instability to pandemics and concerns about fragile infrastructure as reasons for investing. For many buyers, bunker projects are framed less as panic responses and more as long-term planning, sitting alongside private aviation, offshore holdings, and other tools designed to preserve mobility and security.
Companies such as UK-based Subterrenean Spaces and bespoke firms like BillionairesBunkers.com openly market high-end subterranean shelters as turnkey lifestyle solutions, offering everything from blast-resistant construction to biometric security systems and EMP shielding. These are not austere concrete vaults, but engineered environments designed to sustain families for extended periods without sacrificing comfort.
The cultural normalization of bunker ownership has also played a role. As Indulge Global reports, luxury bunkers are increasingly positioned as “wellness-forward sanctuaries,” complete with gyms, spas, and air-filtration systems that exceed hospital standards.
Location, design, and the experts behind the bunkers
Secrecy is fundamental to bunker projects, but certain regions have quietly emerged as preferred locations. In the United States, the Midwest remains popular thanks to stable geology, low seismic risk, and vast tracts of private land. States such as Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota also benefit from legacy fallout infrastructure that can be repurposed or expanded.
Internationally, New Zealand continues to attract UHNWI seeking geographic isolation and political stability, while Central Europe has seen the rise of ambitious conversions like Oppidum, a former Cold War bunker in the Czech Republic transformed into a luxury underground complex with private suites, wine vaults, and on-site medical facilities.
Design is where modern bunkers depart most dramatically from their utilitarian predecessors. Today’s builds integrate renewable energy systems, independent water and food supplies, and layered security – all concealed beneath interiors that resemble private members’ clubs more than military installations. Architects often collaborate with former military engineers, security consultants, and resilience specialists, working under strict non-disclosure agreements to protect client anonymity.
Perhaps the most widely discussed example is Mark Zuckerberg’s estate in Kauai, as reported on Wired, where planning documents revealed a substantial underground structure reportedly spanning thousands of square feet. While Zuckerberg has publicly described it as “a basement,” investigative reporting suggests the space includes reinforced doors, independent mechanical systems, and secure access tunnels. The project has become emblematic of how survival infrastructure is being reframed – not as fear, but foresight.
What it actually costs to build a billionaire bunker
At the luxury end of the spectrum, bunker construction quickly moves into eight and nine-figure territory. These are not off-the-shelf shelters, but bespoke underground estates engineered to withstand everything from natural disasters to geopolitical disruption. According to Indulge Global, large-scale projects can start in the tens of millions, with fully customized builds reportedly reaching close to $100m, depending on scale and amenities.
Members-only developments are pushing costs even higher: the forthcoming Aerie bunker in Virginia, for example, is backed by a reported $300 million construction budget, with individual memberships priced at around $20m. Even more ‘accessible’ luxury bunkers, including converted missile silos in the U.S. Midwest, command seven-figure sums.
For the ultra-wealthy, bunker construction is no longer about preparing for the end of the world. It is about control, resilience, and optionality. In an unpredictable age, the ultimate luxury may not be where you can travel, but where you can safely stay, hidden in plain sight beneath it.
The opulent four-bedroom home is only for full buyout stays, with prices starting at roughly $13,300 per night. The opulent four-bedroom home is only for full buyout stays, with prices starting at roughly $13,300 per night.
Find out which parts of the world dominate the global property market in 2026.
Perhaps you’re searching for a lucrative rental apartment; maybe it’s a complete relocation to find that dream home that always feels just out of reach. Whatever you’re looking for, it’s vital to get to grips with the global property markets and have a clear understanding of which are the most expensive.
After the ongoing uncertainty of the past few years, prime residential markets are now going from strength to strength, with prices broadly outperforming earlier predictions. After Covid-19 sent buyers heading for the countryside with longings for space, seclusion, and privacy being key driving forces behind new property sales, the masses are now back in cosmopolitan hubs – and price points reflect that. In the first half of 2025, Savills reports that average global prime residential capital values grew 0.7 percent, while rents increased 2 percent, signaling that demand from affluent buyers and renters remains robust.
As expected, there are some regions that not even a global pandemic or political unrest can shake. According to a recent report by Savills, Monaco remains at the top of the list as the most expensive place to buy property, thanks in no small part to its abundance of wealthy residents.
Ranked: The most expensive property markets in the world
Find out below which other regions and cities topped Savills’ list of the world’s most expensive property markets and the key reasons that buyers flock to them, even in troubled times.
Monaco topping the list of the most expensive property markets in the world should come as no surprise, with the French principality long regarded as a playground for the global elite.
But what exactly is it that makes Monaco’s property market so expensive? Firstly, its size: spread across a minuscule 0.8 sq miles (making it smaller than New York City’s Central Park), Monaco is beaten only by the Vatican City in the battle to be crowned the world’s smallest country, putting prime real estate in high demand.
The ultra-exclusive lifestyle afforded by owning property in Monaco is another major contributor to the cost of buying in this coveted destination. The Principality is brimming with fine-dining restaurants and designer boutiques, as well as a number of luxury yachting clubs – not to mention an extensive sporting calendar. If anywhere on earth has been designed specifically for wealthy individuals, it’s Monaco. The year-round sunshine, wealth-friendly taxes and prime location on the French Riviera don’t damage its immense appeal, either.
Despite a muted price growth, Savills has reported that Hong Kong remains the second most expensive residential property market (and the most expensive city) in the world, with an average prime capital value of $3,720 per sq ft.
The density of population is a key factor that makes Hong Kong so expensive, with over 7.5m people living in under 430 sq miles. And, despite demand, new properties are scarce with the city clinging on to its limited green spaces. Savills notes that political uncertainty and policy factors continue to constrain the market, which has seen modest declines in recent months.
New York’s appearance on a list of the most expensive property markets in the world is another one that comes as little surprise. The average prime price is now $2,610 per sq ft, up slightly from earlier figures.
Several factors contribute to the cost of property in New York, most notably the lack of space; with virtually every bit of ground accounted for, the only way to build in the Big Apple is up and air space continues to be highly sought after. Savills also pointed toward rising domestic wealth, border re-openings, and city migration as key driving factors.
Of course, aside from the development intricacies, one of the main reasons why New York’s property market continues to be so expensive is the city’s sheer curb appeal. While Washington, DC is the US’s political hub, New York is the home of everything else: from fashion and art to finance and tech, the city that never sleeps remains the place to be.
While the Swiss capital of Zurich has its own impressively lucrative property market, it is the lakeside city of Geneva that has the world’s fourth most expensive with an average asking price of $2,460 per sq ft (per H1 2025). To those in the know, the high property prices in Geneva, and indeed the rest of Switzerland, are a no-brainer. Geneva not only boasts easy access to world-class skiing resorts in the form of the Alps and the Jura mountains but also acts as a worldwide hub for diplomacy and finance.
However, the Swiss government has taken measures to regulate the country’s housing market, with regulations preventing non-residents from buying in areas that aren’t designated ‘holiday zones.’ Unfortunately, Geneva doesn’t come under this jurisdiction, meaning international buyers will need to fully relocate and obtain the relevant visa to buy property in the city.
Behind the bright lights of Tokyo’s most recognizable tourist spots and financial districts is an equally prosperous – and increasingly competitive – property market. Savills reports prime values at $2,330 per sq ft with one of the fastest capital growth rates globally: 8.8 percent.
Tight supply, strong domestic demand, and renewed international investor interest have all contributed to Tokyo’s competitive pricing. Tokyo’s most expensive residential neighborhoods include Azabu, Omotesando, and Toranomon.
Coming in at eight on Savills’ report of the most expensive property markets in the world is Sydney, where prospective buyers can expect to pay an average of $1,990 per sq ft following positive price growth throughout 2021.
Of course, Sydney speaks for itself when it comes to explaining its ever-growing property market. Its oceanfront location, laidback lifestyle, and unrivaled climate make it one of the world’s most desirable locations to live in, with the suburbs of the sprawling city proving to be more in demand than inner-city properties.
Seoul is now one of the world’s most expensive cities for prime residential property, with an average price of $1,950 per sq ft. Growth remains solid, supported by limited new supply, strong local demand, and a steady inflow of international buyers seeking lifestyle and investment properties.
Shanghai continues to attract wealthy buyers and remains one of the most expensive cities in the world, with prime residential values averaging $1,980 per sq ft.
While transactional volumes have been subdued due to policy tightening and mortgage uncertainty, Shanghai’s standing as a financial and cultural hub preserves its pricing strength.
Although at one point the rise of working from home threatened to undermine London’s appeal, the threat failed to truly materialize, with the city currently undergoing a bounce-back. Savills reports average prime values of $1,900 per sq ft, noting a slight softening in some central districts.
London’s cosmopolitan appeal, prime property offerings, strong job market, abundance of culture, and wealth of green spaces continue to support high pricing. The rental market also remains robust, with prime rents rising faster than capital values.
Singapore is a standout for both cost and complexity of acquisition, with prime residential values averaging $1,810 per sq ft. While growth is modest, the city’s tightly controlled supply, high demand from affluent domestic and international buyers, and significant transaction costs make it one of the costliest markets globally.
The midcentury modern-inspired residence showcases coveted pieces by Paul Evans and Vladimir Kagan. The midcentury modern-inspired residence showcases coveted pieces by Paul Evans and Vladimir Kagan.
From electric hypercars to next-generation SUVs and autonomous concepts, these are the future cars set to shape the road ahead in 2026 and beyond.
As we look toward 2026 and beyond, manufacturers are reinventing everything from compact city EVs and high-performance electric sports cars to luxury SUVs with advanced driver interfaces and even autonomous vehicles that blur the line between car and tech device.
Just as we keep a watchful eye on the most anticipated hotel openings each year, discerning drivers and enthusiasts now watch the calendar for the next wave of future cars – vehicles that promise to redefine performance, design, and how we think about personal mobility. Some will be radical; some evolutionary. All aim to address the industry’s most pressing challenges: cleaner energy, smarter connectivity, and a more intuitive driving experience.
As the year progresses, we’ll be watching closely for the most compelling future car launches on the horizon – from bold electric debuts and hybrid flagships to next-generation autonomous concepts.
Following its European premiere in May 2025, sales for Lexus’ electric version of its long‑running ES sedan as part of its wider electrification strategy will start this spring. Expected to sit alongside hybrid variants, the ES EV will focus on comfort, refinement, and reliability – key pillars of the Lexus brand – while delivering competitive electric range.
The model underscores how future cars will increasingly cater to drivers seeking understated luxury rather than overt performance.
Ferrari Elettrica (expected early 2026)
Ferrari’s first fully electric production car represents one of the most closely watched launches of the decade. Built on a bespoke EV platform and produced at the marque’s new e‑building facility in Maranello, the Ferrari Elettrica is expected to deliver performance figures that rival – and potentially surpass – its combustion-engine predecessors, while introducing an entirely new driving character for the brand.
The model signals Ferrari’s long-term commitment to electrification without abandoning its focus on performance, craftsmanship, and exclusivity, a defining moment in the evolution of high-performance future cars.
Mercedes‑Benz GLC EV and C‑Class EV (expected mid 2026)
Mercedes‑Benz is rethinking its electric strategy by integrating EVs directly into its core model lines. The electric GLC and C‑Class are expected to arrive in 2026, combining familiar luxury design cues with next-generation battery technology, fast charging, and advanced driver assistance systems.
Rather than positioning these vehicles as alternatives, Mercedes is embedding electrification into its most recognizable nameplates, a move that reflects how future cars will increasingly blur the line between electric and traditional models.
Hyundai Ioniq 3 (expected mid 2026)
Positioned as a compact, urban-focused EV, the Hyundai Ioniq 3 is expected to expand the brand’s electric portfolio with a smaller, more accessible model. Built on Hyundai’s E‑GMP platform, it is likely to offer competitive range, rapid charging, and a design tailored to city driving.
As manufacturers push to democratise electrification, models like the Ioniq 3 highlight how future cars will need to balance affordability, technology, and everyday usability.
The Alpine A390 marks the French marque’s transition into electric performance beyond its lightweight sports car roots. Designed as a compact electric crossover with performance credentials, the A390 is expected to blend dynamic handling with practicality, offering an alternative to larger performance EVs.
It reflects a broader shift in how performance brands are interpreting electrification — prioritising agility and driver engagement alongside zero‑emissions power.
Aston Martin Electric SUV
Aston Martin is developing its first dedicated electric vehicle, expected to take the form of a large, DBX-sized SUV. While details remain closely guarded, the model is currently slated to arrive in 2026 or later and will draw on high-performance battery and motor technology from American EV specialist Lucid.
CEO Adrian Hallmark has suggested the brand will lean heavily on advanced tech to set its electric models apart, including the possibility of systems that allow the car to physically resonate with the driver, recreating some of the sensory feedback associated with a traditional combustion engine.
The Testarossa name returns as Ferrari’s new flagship supercar. Unveiled in Milan in September 2025 as the successor to the SF90, the 849 Testarossa is a plug-in hybrid berlinetta pairing a mid-rear twin-turbo V8 with three electric motors.
Total output stands at 1,035bhp – 49bhp more than its predecessor – allowing the car to accelerate from 0–62 mph in just 2.35 seconds. First customer deliveries are expected in spring 2026, with US deliveries following in the summer.
Bentley’s first fully electric SUV will mark a significant milestone for the British luxury marque. Expected to retain Bentley’s hallmark craftsmanship while incorporating cutting-edge EV technology, the model will sit at the intersection of sustainability and ultra‑luxury.
As high-end brands adapt to a zero‑emissions future, this launch demonstrates how future cars can preserve heritage while embracing technological change.
The Porsche Mission X is a hypercar concept previewing a potential electric successor to the Carrera GT and 918 Spyder, with a projected output of around 1,500bhp.
Designed to resemble an aircraft cockpit, it features a lightweight glass dome with a carbon-fiber exoskeleton and a Daytona-style windscreen.
Described by Porsche CEO Oliver Blume as a “technology beacon,” the Mission X is intended to target the Nürburgring lap record for a road-legal car, with a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio, a high-performance electric drivetrain, and extreme downforce figures. First revealed in June 2023, a production version is not expected until 2027.
Autonomous EV Robotaxis
Flying cars might still be the stuff of science fiction, but cars without drivers are already pulling up to the curb. Hyundai-backed Motional plans to deploy fully driverless EV robotaxis in Las Vegas by 2026, giving passengers a glimpse of a future where mobility is a service rather than a possession.
Waymo, a pioneer in autonomous ride-hailing, continues to expand in select U.S. cities, showing that the self-driving revolution is accelerating faster than most car enthusiasts expected. While still limited in scope, these projects hint at how future cars may increasingly operate without a human behind the wheel, reshaping both city streets and the way we think about owning a car.
The 964-generation restomod examples we drove are snarling, spritely, and eager to accelerate. The 964-generation restomod examples we drove are snarling, spritely, and eager to accelerate.
The Reservation: Harry’s Bar is opening at The Alpina Gstaad hotel this month.
Gstaad’s ski season might be in full swing, but one of the Swiss resort’s new apres highlights is yet to even open: from February 10-20, London hotspot Harry’s Bar will be popping up inside The Alpina Gstaad hotel.
Harry’s Bar first opened in 1979 by Mark Birley — and was taken over by London hospitality tycoon Richard Caring in 2007 — and has retained its status as one of the city’s most refined dining rooms since. Birley pinched its name from the world-regarded Venetian institution of the same name, and despite nearly 40 years in action, still retains its Italophile character. Venetian chandeliers hang from the ceiling, maximalist Fortuny fabrics cover virtually every surface, and drinks are served in specialist Murano glassware.
This appreciation for Italy is being transferred to the Gstaad outpost, with a menu of regional northern Italian classics, intended to be shared. There’s the signature beef carpaccio (a dish first created in Harry’s Bar’s namesake restaurant), Genovese-style beef ragù, veal cutlets, and, to finish, the classic Harry’s Bar tiramisu.
But, while the pop-up’s dishes nod toward Italian grandeur, the interior style leans more toward Alpina Gstaad’s own minimalist identity. Temporarily taking over the hotel’s Martin Göschel restaurant, the setting is pared back and cool, with crisp white linens, exposed woodwork, and a vast stone centerpiece — a quiet contrast to the London bar’s more lavish look.
Another core difference between the original Harry’s Bar and the Swiss pop-up? The entry requirements. While the London iteration is famously exclusive, with access granted strictly to members (and their guests) only, the Gstaad version is open for lunch and dinner to anyone. Making an advance reservation is highly recommended though, and don’t forget your smart slacks and shoes – the Harry’s Bar dress code has been transported to the Alps, too.
Harry’s Bar’s trip over to Switzerland marks but the latest confirmation that a ski destination’s cultural currency is no longer just in the quality of its powder. Fresh blankets of snow still matter, of course, but so too does what happens off the slopes, and just as much attention is being paid to extra curricular activities — from the standard of restaurants (and their visiting chefs) to art scenes.
