Автор: karymsakov_qq4zn395

An incredible 75 auction records were also set across marques and models in 2025. An incredible 75 auction records were also set across marques and models in 2025.

Equal parts practical tool and personal statement, these luxury diaries offer a considered way to store your dates and words. 

Like clubbing but don’t like the queues? Love to party but don’t like… other people?
What you need, says Helena Madden, is a full-spec nightclub in your own home. 

She would attend events like Burning Man and Ondalinda with friends and party through the night, but upon returning home she kept running into the same issue. “Everything closes just when you feel like you’re about to have a great, long evening out,” she says. “And things can get messy during the wee hours of the morning at clubs — if they’re even open.” The only solution, naturally, was to design a private nightclub in her own home.

It’s not the first project of its kind that she’s been involved with recently. Kauffman is also working with a client on a screening room that can be transformed into a late-night party spot. A disco ball drops from the ceiling, and the modular, movie theater-style furniture can pivot into banquettes, leaving plenty of room for dancing. She’s attended many parties at other ‘home clubs’ too. “It’s a natural progression of private membership clubs,” she notes. “The trend comes from a desire to have complete authorship over the ambiance. So, curating the smell, the music, the drinks, and the lighting.”

Hers, for example, has a distinct creative vision. It’s currently in its very final phase of development, but has already become the go-to after-party spot for her cohort. Rather than a sprawling dance floor, Kauffman sought to create a jewel box that can fit just 12 people. The color palette balances smoky grays and blacks, with a fur carpet that allows for barefoot dancing — or a shoe shuffle in a pair of custom slippers. A trained metalsmith, she’s creating her own coasters, as well as canisters for candles. There will, of course, be a signature scent.

See also: Interior Designer Shalini Misra’s Take on Private Jets

Any club lives or dies on the quality of the sound system, and, given the nature of these venues, soundproofing is essential in order to comply with local noise ordinances and avoid disturbing grouchy family members past midnight. Kauffman chose the room for her club because the walls were solid concrete, so what happened in the club would stay in the club, sound-wise at least. In fact, noise issues were another part of the impetus. “I love to host dinners,” she says. “I live in Laurel Canyon. It’s a dense community. I would have a party outside, and people would complain.”

There are specialists who can ensure that the beats do their thing without traveling beyond your four walls. ImmersiFi, based in London, work with interior designers to ensure home nightclubs sound as good as they look. One example is a project that packed almost 50 speakers and subwoofers into a small room. The tricky part? Unlike most of these spaces, the room was upstairs, not in the basement, and the home itself was in central London.

Working with an acoustic consultant ensured that everything was soundproofed; the speakers were all concealed behind panels in the wall and ceiling. This approach allowed ImmersiFi to layer on other top-of-theline gadgets, such as smoke machines, and lighting that morphs with the mood of the music. It’s perfectly private, secluded, and replicates the feeling of a real nightclub. All that’s missing is a world-class DJ. But there’s a workaround.

“We know clients who are flying the likes of Tiësto, Diplo, David Guetta, and so on to come and perform in their homes,” says Nick Fichte, business development director at the project’s speaker manufacturer, L-Acoustics. “People don’t necessarily want to be in a club with everyone else, because a VIP area isn’t that VIP anymore.”

What if you’re a celebrity DJ yourself? Back in Los Angeles, Hollywood’s interior designer of choice, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, designed a massive ballroom for the home of drag queen and television host RuPaul Charles. “He’s become a DJ, so the large cabinet in that room actually flips open to become a whole DJ booth,” says Bullard. “He’ll practice his DJing and do his sets there; he loves to have dance parties.” The piece de resistance is the cornucopia of disco balls — more than a dozen in total — that resemble a sculptural chandelier when not in use, but spin and come to life when it’s time to party. All of the tables and chairs were built on wheels so that they can be easily rolled to the side, creating room for raving.

The DJ booth itself plays a major role not just sonically, but also visually. Designers like Bullard can even make one-of-a-kind pieces that perfectly match your nightclub’s aesthetic. In Mexico, for example, architecture and interior design firm Ten Plus Three created a custom DJ booth for a party room. The piece is clad in parchment, with a highgloss finish and acrylic accents. It’s a natural fit for the client, who also owns a recording studio. “He invites all of the artists who come to record there to his house, and they play around,” says Mauricio Lobeira, architect and co-founder of Ten Plus Three. “Many DJs have played that booth.”

The final piece that will set a nightclub apart is a good name. Kauffman has seen the trend at a number of the homes she’s visited. Hers, for a long time, was Noir, but she’s now leaning toward L’Ombre. It’s another example of the complete creative control and privacy that these spaces afford. “People feel very safe to be themselves,” she says. “It fosters a greater sense of connection.”

We reveal how restaurants achieve three-star status, as well as who decides to award them. 

The way we hear about restaurants is always changing: whether it’s from the pages of magazines or an online article, a social media suggestion or even the long faithful word-of-mouth recommendation. Yet no matter how we discover them, the standard of how we measure them has remained the same for more than a century. Enter the Michelin Guide. 

Since it was first launched in 1900, the Michelin Guide has remained the benchmark for evaluating culinary excellence. The surprising story of its unlikely origin has bounded around the internet and dinner party tables for some time, going as so: the Michelin tire company launched a ranking of French restaurants to encourage people to drive more, and ergo, go through tires at a faster rate. 

Yet despite its importance within the industry, the guide remains shrouded in mystery. Who decides which regions are covered? What are inspectors looking for? And most importantly, how does a restaurant get one or more of those all-so-coveted Michelin stars? 

See also: Next-gen Chefs in the Michelin Guide

Despite its global expansion to become the industry staple that it is today, there are still a large number of culinary-rich countries and cities not covered – a fact often hailed as the guide’s biggest downfall. New York and Tokyo, both of which have long been considered fine dining capitals, only achieved inclusion in 2005 and 2007 respectively.  It may go without saying, but if your restaurant is not in the covered region, it doesn’t matter how good the food is, you won’t be getting that star.  

It’s important to clarify that restaurants are awarded Michelin stars, not chefs. There is no such thing as a ‘Michelin-starred chef’; if the head chef leaves a restaurant, the star does not go with them. That being said, the success of many of the world’s leading restaurants is synonymous with the chef at the helm, and it’s increasingly common for a star to be reminded the next time the inspectors come knocking following a big-name departure. For example, it is universally agreed that California’s The French Laundry‘s three-star status is thanks to the talent of chef/owner Thomas Keller.

See also: See Elite Traveler’s Top Restaurants Ranking Here

How are Michelin stars awarded?

The Michelin Guide still uses similar methods to rate restaurants as it did when it launched. To allocate its coveted stars, the Michelin Guide employs thousands of inspectors, who will travel around the world to sample the finest cuisine on offer. The highly trained inspectors will visit hundreds of restaurants a year in order to identify the best of the best.

Michelin inspectors are always anonymous to ensure they don’t receive any preferential treatment during their meals. Inspectors book, dine and pay for their meals in the same way as the average guest; if their experience was different from that of anyone else the integrity of the guide would be undermined. The inspectors’ anonymity is valued so highly that they are advised to not even tell their closest friends and family about their role.

Once each restaurant in consideration has been inspected, the Michelin Guide director meets with the worldwide teams for what is called ‘star sessions’ where the rating of each restaurant is debated. These sessions often last days, with each establishment considered one by one until a unanimous decision is reached. The results are then published in a country-specific guide.

What do Michelin stars mean?

Restaurants can earn a maximum of three stars (as well as some additional awards, but more on that later). Michelin quantifies one star as being “high-quality cooking, worth a stop”; two stars are awarded for “excellent cooking, worth a detour”; and finally, the prestigious three stars represent “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey”.

Reportedly, what elevates a restaurant from two stars to three is emotion, with inspectors seeking completely unique dining experiences that last in the memory long after the meal has finished. Demonstration of a chef’s distinct style or personality in their cooking is another key criterion.

The final rating is never decided based on just one visitor or inspector. Instead, a collective of inspectors will individually visit restaurants on multiple occasions in order to ensure the quality is consistent. The rating will then be reassessed based on yearly visits, with some decisions factoring in several meals.

Although the exact criteria are kept low-key in order to avoid chefs embarking on a tick boxing exercise, it is widely known that inspectors base their selections on the quality of ingredients, culinary techniques, taste, consistency and value for money.

Crucially, the anonymous judges are instructed to take no notice of a restaurant’s décor or the service they receive when deciding the star rating. A restaurant may be stunningly fitted and the wait staff meticulously trained, but if the food isn’t up to scratch it won’t be receiving a star. Likewise, a restaurant with understated settings but exceptional food may still be eligible for the full trio of stars.

See also: A Guide to All Three-Michelin-Star Restaurants in the UK

How many Michelin star restaurants are there in the world?

Globally, there are just over 3,000 Michelin-starred restaurants, spanning more than 40 countries. The majority hold one star, with a far smaller number achieving two or three stars. While the total fluctuates slightly each year as guides are updated, Michelin recognition remains one of the most selective accolades in global dining.

While the Michelin Guide has expanded its global reach in recent years, earning a star remains a rare achievement. One-star restaurants account for the vast majority of listings, recognizing kitchens that demonstrate strong technique and consistency, while two- and three-star establishments represent a far smaller, more exclusive tier. For chefs and restaurateurs, inclusion in the guide can be career-defining, often transforming a restaurant’s international profile and placing it firmly on the global culinary map.

Are Michelin stars annual ratings?

Michelin stars are reviewed and awarded annually. Restaurants are reassessed each year and may gain, retain or lose stars based on consistency, quality, and execution. This annual evaluation is part of what gives the Michelin Guide its authority: stars are not lifetime achievements, but a reflection of current performance.

See also: Michelin Star Recipes You Can Make at Home

Who are the Michelin inspectors?

Michelin inspectors are anonymous, full-time professionals employed by the Michelin Guide. Trained to assess restaurants using strict criteria, they dine unannounced and pay for their meals like any other guest. Their anonymity is closely guarded to ensure impartiality and consistency across regions and cuisines.

What is the highest Michelin star rating?

The highest possible accolade is three Michelin stars. Reserved for exceptional restaurants worth a special journey, three-star status represents the pinnacle of culinary achievement and is held by only a small number of restaurants worldwide. In London, just six establishments have earned this distinction, including Core by Clare Smyth and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, each celebrated for their technical precision, depth of flavour, and consistently exquisite dining experiences. Meanwhile, the US has 14 three-star restaurants.

See also: A Guide to All Three-Michelin-Star Restaurants in the USA

What is the difference between one, two, and three stars?

A one-star restaurant is recognised for high-quality cooking. Two stars indicate excellent cuisine, often defined by technical mastery and refined flavors. Three stars signify extraordinary cooking, where precision, consistency and originality combine to create an experience worth travelling for.

What chef has the most Michelin stars?

Historically, Joël Robuchon remains the most decorated chef, having held a total of 32 Michelin stars across his career and global restaurant portfolio. His legacy continues to influence modern fine dining long after his passing.

“There are many awards that I have been fortunate to receive, but the first time I received a Michelin star, with Jamin in Paris, that was very important and an incredible feeling,” Robuchon told Elite Traveler in 2017.  “Michelin back then, more than 30 years ago, was really the one guide, the one measure of excellence. Receiving that first Michelin star is something I still cherish.”

See more: The Chefs with the Most Michelin Starred Restaurants

What is the most expensive Michelin star restaurant?

The title of most expensive Michelin star restaurant is ever shifting, but Ginza Kitafuku in Tokyo has a consistent reputation as one of the world’s most expensive Michelin-starred dining destinations. Tucked discreetly into the Ginza district, this three-Michelin-starred counter restaurant has an uncompromising devotion to one extraordinary ingredient: Echizen snow crab.

At the pinnacle of its offering is the legendary Echizen Crab Kiwami Course, an experience where price is dictated by scarcity of the ingredient. Guests are seated at the counter, where the crab is presented whole before being meticulously prepared using time-honored Japanese techniques. 

Alternative Michelin awards

While the Michelin stars are its most famous awards, they are not the guide’s only recognition. In addition to star ratings, Michelin has also awarded the Bib Gourmand since 1957, the Michelin Plate since 2016 and most recently, the Green Star, which was first revealed in 2020.

Not to be confused as a lesser award than the star ratings, the Bib Gourmand is a separate category that recognizes excellent cooking at more pocket-friendly prices. While a price limit on starred restaurants is non-existent (despite value for money being among the deciding criteria) Bib Gourmand restaurants must offer a three-course meal for less than a certain price, which is set by local averages.

The Michelin Plate recognizes good food that is not quite of the same caliber as that served in Michelin-starred or Bib Gourmand restaurants but is still worthy of recognition. The title is awarded using the same criteria by the same judges; establishments will often enter the guide at this level before moving up based on a later inspection.

How to get a Green Michelin star

The Green Michelin star is separate from all of the guide’s other distinctions and is awarded only to those restaurants going above and beyond to operate in a way that is both ethical and environmentally friendly. Only those restaurants already in receipt of another Michelin award can receive a Green star, be it Michelin star, Bib Gourmand or Michelin Plate.

With the launch of the Green star, the Michelin guide revealed that its inspectors do not follow specific criteria in awarding the title, given that each restaurant and region have unique conditions. However, the inspectors are likely to consider several factors including whether a restaurant uses local and seasonal ingredients, food waste levels and waste management, environmental footprint, and supplier credentials.

See also: A Guide to All Green Michelin Star Restaurants in the US

We unveil exclusive Ultimate Gift Guide offerings, plus venture to Egypt and road test Audi’s new Concept C convertible. We unveil exclusive Ultimate Gift Guide offerings, plus venture to Egypt and road test Audi’s new Concept C convertible.

Visiting Milan for the Winter Olympics? Here’s where to eat, drink, and explore away from the crowds. 

While we’re more accustomed to heading to Milan with fashion and design at the forefront, early 2026 is bringing something new to the city: the Winter Olympics. Come February, the northern Italian metropolis will share the limelight with Cortina for the 25th Winter Games, with the Paralympics following in March.

Milan will host ice sports, including figure skating and short track speed skating, at the Unipol Forum di Assago; speed skating at the Fiera Milano Rho Exhibition Center; and ice hockey at Rho Fiera and the new Arena Santa Giulia.

There will be official fan zones and public screenings across the city, but for those more accustomed to bouncing from one fashion party to the next, you may be a little, well, on your own. But fear not – we’ve tapped into the expertise of some of the individuals who know the city best, so that if you’re left to your own devices, or simply need a break from the crowds, you can enjoy Milan’s best local spots.

See more: The Must-See Moments From Milan Design Week 2025

The best restaurants in Milan to visit during the Winter Olympics

World-class pizza and pasta are, of course, aplenty in this Italian city, but be sure to make the most of Milan’s specialties and more traditional Northern Italian dishes, often found in low-key, relaxed trattorias.

In winter, Lombardians gravitate toward cassoeula, a braised veal shank cooked slowly until the meat yields to a fork, often served with gremolata. Risotto alla Milanese is also a must-try: a rich, buttery, golden-colored rice dish flavored with saffron. 

For something a little meatier, order cotoletta alla Milanese — a bone-in veal cutlet, pounded thin, breaded, and fried in butter. Crisp on the outside, tender inside, it is usually served simply, with no sides aside from a wedge of lemon.

“In Milan, my favorite place for lunch is Bacaro Montenapoleone,” says Fortela creative director Alessandro Squarzi. “It’s a hidden courtyard tucked away on Via Montenapoleone, with just a few tables. Their vitello tonnato is one of my absolute favorites, and they offer a well-curated wine selection.”

For traditional dishes, Ezio Indiani, general manager of the iconic Milanese hotel Savoia di Principe, recommends Trattoria Milanese. Or for something a little more contemporary, book into Ratanà – a beautiful old building in Isola.

The best bars in Milan

Milan’s drinking culture is built around routine, so if you want to blend into the background and not stand out as a tourist, you need to learn the rules. Days start with coffee (pastry optional) taken quickly and usually standing at the bar. For this, Indiani directs you to Caffè Cova, “a true Milanese institution.” A cappuccino is fair game in the morning, but ordering one after lunch will mark you as a visitor.

In the early evening, the city shifts into aperitivo mode, Milan’s signature drinking ritual: a pre-dinner pause enjoyed with friends and unhurried conversation. Classic orders include a Negroni, Americano, or spritz, enjoyed with small plates that range from olives and crisps to more generous spreads, depending on where you go.

“For a good Americano cocktail, I always choose La Pesa Pubblica,” says Squarzi. “In the Liberty District, right next to the Fortela boutique, it’s a very low-profile spot with surprisingly well-crafted cocktails.”

Milan native Michele Lupi, of Italian shoe brand Tod’s, backs locals-only bar Norah Was Drunk, “a refined spot, even if not located in the center of town.” Named after the owner’s small dog, Norah, who would lick leftover glasses after dinner and end up a little tipsy, Lupi suggests ordering the Oyster Martini – a saltier take on the classic, served with an oyster inside. For side plates: “a plate of Pata Negra, an exquisite cheese assiette, and wonderful smoked salmon with sour cream.”

Then comes wine. Aperitivo hour can be enjoyed at one of the city’s historic wine bars – Indiani recommends N’Ombra de Vin for an intimate get-together – but for a true Milanese experience, let the evening be food-led. “Peck is ideal for a gourmet experience with fine wines,” he recommends.

See more: Heads or Tails? The Double-Sided Fashion Coin of Milan

The best things to do in Milan, aside from the Olympics

Beyond the Duomo, the Galleria, and the boutiques, Milan’s other landmarks often go overlooked. Indiani suggests a visit to Casa Museo Boschi di Stefano, “a small but stunning museum that combines modern art with Milanese history.” Make time for the Brera Botanical Garden, Via Lincoln in the Porta Venezia area, and Villa Necchi Campiglio, “a hidden architectural gem with beautiful gardens.”

“Among my favorite hidden gems is the Cimitero Monumentale, a place of silence and contemplative beauty, perfect for stepping away from the city’s rhythm,” says Valeriano Antonioli, CEO of Lungarno Collection and Portrait Hotels and Resorts.

“More than a cemetery, it is an open-air museum and the final resting place of many notable Italians, including Gae Aulenti, the visionary architect whose passion for design has left a lasting mark on Milan. It is a powerful space where art, sculpture, and romanticism intertwine with reflection on life and death.”

There’s also Villa Necchi Campiglio, which Antonioli heralds as a “masterpiece.” Nestled in the city’s Neighborhood of Silence, the building was designed by Milanese architect Piero Portaluppi and offers a rare glimpse into Milanese high society of the 1930s, with elegant interiors and serene gardens.

To experience a true taste of Milan without the crowds of the Olympics, Indiani points you toward the Isola and Porta Nuova districts. “This is a vibrant area combining contemporary architecture, street art, and independent boutiques.” Other districts worth a visit include Porta Romana and Porta Vigentina, historic areas with charming streets, local cafes, and artisan shops.

And for an early morning or late evening walk, stroll along the Navigli canals. “It offers the opportunity to see a quieter, more local side of the city,” says Indiani.

This is the second release of Texas’s Still Austin distillery innovative cigar blend. This is the second release of Texas’s Still Austin distillery innovative cigar blend.

Dubbed Couleur Vivante, the collection co-designed by Raf Simons features the new, eye-catching Prada Cut. Dubbed Couleur Vivante, the collection co-designed by Raf Simons features the new, eye-catching Prada Cut.

Made up of just 12 European winemaking estates, Primum Familiae Vini has no application process and is harder to join than a popular high school clique. Made up of just 12 European winemaking estates, Primum Familiae Vini has no application process and is harder to join than a popular high school clique.

With just 50 private pool villas in a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo Maldives offers a discreet, design-led take on island living. 

Set in the heart of the Baa Atoll, a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, the island offers a more intimate vision of Maldivian luxury; one that favors calm over excess and personalization over scale.

Home to just 50 private villas, each with its own pool, Milaidhoo is deliberately small, creating an intimate island setting that feels both personal and unhurried. The experience is shaped around thoughtful service, generous space and a rhythm that encourages guests to slow down and settle into island life. Days unfold easily here, guided less by schedules and more by the natural pace of the surroundings. 

From the moment of arrival, the atmosphere is quietly reassuring. The island’s serene, intimate setting is the perfect place to disconnect from the outside world. Overwater decks open onto clear lagoons, shaded paths lead to soft-sand beaches, and the island’s low-density layout preserves a sense of seclusion throughout. Whether swimming in the lagoon, walking the shoreline or spending unhurried hours on your villa deck, Milaidhoo offers the freedom to disconnect from the outside world and write your own story of the island.

Dining at Milaidhoo is a celebration, and central to the island’s identity. Across four restaurants, menus draw on fresh local ingredients, produce from the Chef’s Garden and a considered mix of global influences. Ba’theli, the resort’s signature restaurant, presents modern Maldivian cuisine inspired by the ancient Spice Route, with dishes rooted in island heritage and the surrounding sea.

Elsewhere, the dining experiences range from refined seafood and open-fire grills to lighter Mediterranean flavors, each setting designed to feel relaxed rather than formal. The emphasis throughout is on flavor, craftsmanship and a strong sense of place, with each meal thoughtfully crafted to reflect its surroundings.

Milaidhoo’s ocean experiences reflect its location within one of the Maldives’ most important marine environments. Snorkeling and diving reveal coral gardens and abundant sea life, while seasonal encounters with manta rays remain a defining highlight. For moments of complete stillness, private sandbank excursions offer rare solitude in an open seascape and a sense of peaceful escape.

Wellbeing is approached with the same sense of restraint and intention at Milaidhoo. Yoga sessions, tailored spa treatments and quiet spaces across the island support a slower, more balanced way of being. The setting itself does much of the work, calm, open, and naturally restorative, offering space for true relaxation and inner peace.

Whether you seek quiet reflection or exciting adventure, Milaidhoo offers a world of possibilities. Be it exploring the underwater house reefs to sleeping beneath a star-filled sky, each experience is concocted for you to connect deeply with the natural beauty of the island.

milaidhoo.com