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Seamlessly balancing strong durability with an edgy and elegant aesthetic, Coach has been crafting the finest leather goods since 1941 – and although the brand’s identity may have evolved over the years, the dedication to quality and focus on refined expression has remained the same.

The brand’s humble beginnings trace back to 1941, with a small, family-run workshop in the heart of New York City. Inspired by the precise design of a baseball glove, company founder Miles Kahn and his team of six artisans created a collection of 12 handbags using the same meticulous stitch work  – and so the Coach brand was born.

The classic pieces struck a chord with the fashion crowd and gradually the label began to expand. In 1962, American sportswear pioneer Bonnie Cashin designed the famous duffle bag, firmly securing Coach a coveted spot on the luxury landscape – but it was the appointment of new CEO and future Chairman, Lew Frankfort, that really enabled Coach to find its niche. Frankfort recognised consumers’ desire for affordable luxury and by bridging the high street and high-end gap, Coach rapidly grew into the iconic fashion brand that it is today.

Recognised across the globe for its distinctive representation of American style, Coach beautifully captures the vibrant energy of New York through its carefully crafted pieces. Resonating with fashion-forward men and women of all ages, the label has been worn by high-profile icons such as Madonna and Prince – and, today, has caught the attention of a younger celebrity crowd, thanks to British visionary Stuart Vevers.

Leading the brand’s reinvention in 2013, Vevers’ editorial eye and offbeat energy propelled Coach in an edgier direction, introducing a fresh, urban attitude while still keeping the rich heritage intact. From city-ready baseball jackets to clean, contemporary high-tops, the designer’s collections defy traditional dress rules, casting aside luxury age codes with their universal relevance.

DINE

Akrame

Renowned for its innovative approach to food, Akrame is without a doubt one of the city’s hippest hotspots. Carefully sourcing the freshest ingredients, Chef Akrame Benallal invents dishes that truly push creative boundaries. Combining tastes, flavours and textures in unexpected ways, Benallal delivers each dish to your table to discuss and describe the ingredients. The opulent yet understated interior only adds to the ambience – this is a Michelin-starred dining experience not to be missed.

19 Rue Lauriston, 75016 Paris, France

Septime

DINE

Carlo e Camilla in Segheria

This unique dining concept opened in 2014, but its unexpected offering and pioneering aesthetic continues to make waves across the city years later. Created by Michelin-starred chef Carlo Cracco and art director Tanja Solci and set in a former sawmill, take in the restaurant's soaring structure as you savour exquisite dishes. The graphic, monochromatic space is part of a new wave of creative dining – and it’s worth noting that this is as much a social experience as any, with visitors dining side by side on the elegant, elongated tables.

Via Giuseppe Meda 24, 20141 Milan, Italy

Pasticceria Cucchi

It’s a watch minefield out there, or a timepiece smorgasbord, or an overwhelming, overcrowded horological marketplace. Whichever way you look at it, we’ve broken it down to a few of the basics and some.

Quartz or mechanical

The issue of how your watch is powered is probably the biggest pre-purchase decision you will need to make. Quartz timepieces are more accurate, invariably cheaper and more convenient – you should only need to get the battery replaced every couple of years. If you love the inner workings of a watch and you have the budget, you should invest in a mechanical one – your choice is hand-wound (exactly that) or automatic – which relies on the movement of your wrist to store kinetic energy to power the watch.

Get with the lingo

The face of the watch is called the dial. The numbers are called indexes. The button that you wind and adjust the time with is the crown. The ring around the dial that protects the glass is the bezel. The parts of the case that join to the strap are the lugs. The amount of time your mechanical watch will last without being wound is the power-reserve. Any functionality that measures time, such as a race, is a chronograph. This is enough to get you through most ‘watchy’ chats with ease.

In this era of expressive, individualised fashion, accessories are witnessing a renaissance with a whole array of joyful, playful pieces that add a sense of character to any look. Hunt for designs that are meaningful to you, whether that’s a crystal hair clip or a tapestry handbag.  

Brooches

Right now, personal, symbolic jewellery should be top of any wish list with badges, brooches and pins decorating everything from jackets to heels. More is more – so go for excess with a multitude of crystal clips to ‘do up’ tousled locks and an array of brooches to soup up utilitarian jackets.

Fur purses

Enjoy the visceral appeal of a faux fur or sheepskin handbag. Once worn, you will never forget how friendly they feel to the touch and how effective they can be as icebreakers in social circles. The only word of caution is to keep these furry wonders out of the rain.

We hate to break it to you, but come September you’re tousled hair and sandals just won’t cut it for the office. Time for our annual reinvention. From what to throw on when you’re running late to nailing that Pinterest-worthy desk, three fashion insiders share how they go ‘back-to-school’ in style. You might even make it in for 9am.

THE STUDENT: Lily Kate of www.jolihouse.com

On her capsule working wardrobe

Currently coveting…

DINE

Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings

Light, airy and eclectic, this Clerkenwell brasserie is a botanical paradise simply perfect for a spot of brunch. The characterful interior is a bespoke mix of old and new – with antique armchairs, sumptuous textures, clean lines and tropical plants. As for the menu, from homemade granola to Huevos Benedictos, B&H has got you covered – and don’t miss the bottomless Bellinis made with fresh fruit puree.

Salmontini Le Resto

Situated in the heart of Belgravia, Salmontini le Resto is our go-to for a decadent dinner in the city. This luxurious restaurant specialises in exquisite salmon dishes, sushi and other Middle Eastern fare, all served in an opulent setting. Stuck for choice? We recommend the Alaskan black cod with sweet miso marinade followed by the chocolate dome for dessert.

From luxury city breaks to week-long retreats, a summer holiday can instil a sense of creative inspiration, providing the perfect opportunity to experiment with your style. This season, pack beautifully with statement pieces that combine bold design with delicate detail. Here are our top picks for your favourite destinations…

BEACH BREAKFor long days by the water, rich hues will lend a refined aesthetic when layered under free-flowing silhouettes. Think luxe separates with bold undertones for subtle summer vibrancy. 

CITY BREAKThe key to city packing is to curate a contemporary capsule that moves seamlessly from day to night. Covet a quirky mix of tailored shapes and transformative jewellery for effortless elegance.

COUNTRY BREAKFor a country escape, opt for bohemian prints in soft pastel shades for a romantic twist on summertime style. Keep the look beautifully balanced by pairing your statement pieces with neutral accessories. 

ACTIVE BREAKFrom rejuvenating yoga retreats to hiking in the sun, nothing boosts wellbeing like a fitness-focused break. Supercharge your holiday workouts with our collection of dynamic, design-driven activewear.

Festival season is just around the corner, and whilst you may start off with the perfect side braid and artfully applied make-up – crowds, camping and crazy weather can really throw your look off point.  So to get you ready for the most Instagrammed season of the year, we’ve asked three top bloggers to share their style, beauty and wellness secrets. Selfie sticks at the ready!

Sophia from theskinnyandthecurvyone.com

Style tribe:Edgy urban.

Where she’s going:Chiemsee Summer Festival.

While dynamic workouts are a crucial component of that summer body reboot, the steps you take before, during and after exercise are integral for keeping your lifestyle goals on track. From mood-boosting superfoods to supplement-infused oils, energise your body and balance your mind with our top tips to training harder…

Invigorate

Upon waking: For your first glass of the day, try infusing freshly squeezed lemon and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper into your water. The vitamin C, antioxidants and electrolytes in the lemon stimulate the liver’s natural enzymes, helping to oxygenate and detoxify the body. Meanwhile the cayenne pepper helps to regulate blood sugar and kick-start the metabolism by raising body temperature.

Mood-boosting breakfast: For a revitalising twist on your usual smoothie or protein shake, why not experiment with different natural boosters? Try aloe vera for troublesome digestion, echinacea for its flu-fighting properties or ginseng for natural stress reduction.

The power of scent: If you tend to lose your focus mid workout, pack a small bottle of scented oil into your gym bag and massage onto your skin before you begin. Energising scents such as orange, peppermint and eucalyptus have been shown to improve concentration and hand-eye coordination.

Three top beauty gurus on their go-to summer rituals…

When it comes to summer beauty, mastering that effortless post-beach glow isn’t always easy. Sun, salt and chlorine can all interfere, wreaking havoc on our hair and skincare regimes. From textured waves to beautifully bronzed skin, the perfect sun-kissed finish calls for a touch of beauty prep – so we’ve asked three top bloggers to share their rituals for the season ahead…

Monica of mesvoyagesaparis.com

Beauty muse:I adore a chic daytime vibe – Olivia Palermo and Chiara Ferragni are my make-up muses.

Fuss-free, low key and city ready, stay cool and comfortable on the go with our pick of the best summer sneakers…

The high top

 

Add a touch of city cool to your look with a pair of clean and contemporary high-tops. Slip under summer dresses for an effortless, edited feel and choose rubber soles for a little extra bounce.

 The low topWhilst tempting to stick with a pure and simple aesthetic, hand-crafted details complement low-cut styles in unexpected ways. Try studded leather, a bold trim or an appliqué finish to elevate your daytime look.

We’re kickstarting the new season with a mood-boosting juice from Le Pain Quotidien...

One a Day Green Juice (serves 2)

Ingredients800 grams seasonal apple150 grams celery75 grams Swiss chard25 grams ginger150 ml orange juice20 ml lime juice

MethodMeasure all ingredients (keep the stalks on Swiss chard)

Transfer into a bowl and wash with cold water

From on-trend flares to edgy ripped roll-ups, make a statement with our handpicked selection of denim icons.

MEN

The slimClean and refined, a pair of slim-fit skinnies can be worn however you like. The distressed texture and light wash works best with basics, so add a white tee and leather slip-ons for effortless off-duty cool. Roll them up, stack them down or crop them at the ankle.

The skinnyPush sartorial boundaries with a skinny jean that’s both traditional yet defined. The tight fit draws attention to your shoes, so ensure your footwear is on point with a classic pair of converse or a leather Chelsea boot.

The straightFor a sharper take on casual, mix it up with luxe textures or embrace the utilitarian feel of straight-fit jeans with a relaxed shirt and lace-ups. We love cashmere crew necks in paler shades that really bring out those inky-blue tones.

Fashion Director Sorrel Kinder shares her top looks for the big day…

Beach wedding

WomenFor a beach-inspired feel, go for a loose-fitting jumpsuit - not only does this versatile piece look ef-fortless with a delicate sandal in the day, but it can also be dressed up with a pair of heels for the evening celebration.

MenA beach wedding is the perfect opportunity to play with softer tones such as creamy beige and ice blue. A tie isn’t necessary, so opt for suits in lightweight fabrics and team with loose linen shirts. Keep the outfit pulled together with suede lace-ups or leather loafers without socks.

Country wedding

Discover the best hotel for your stay…

The Merrion

Housed in four gorgeous townhouses sharing a lovely garden in the centre of Dublin, the Merrion ex-udes elegance, from the graceful white marble reception through to suites and living rooms lavishly decorated with vintage furnishings and chic chandeliers. It’s also home to Ireland’s most decorated restaurant, two-Michelin star Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud.www.merrionhotel.com

Number 31Probably the cosiest of the lot, this award-winning small hotel – with just 21 guestrooms – is all natural tones, dark wood, sensual fabrics and soft lighting. Built by and formerly the home of Sam Stephen-son, a celebrated Irish architect who studied under Frank Lloyd Wright, Number 31 was always a glo-rious place to stay – Ted Kennedy and Grace Kelly were among the many house guests. After a small refurbishment, Number 31 now has a more contemporary feel, yet remains intimate and unpreten-tious, still more home than hotel. And if that wasn’t enough, they serve what many believe to be Ire-land’s best breakfast.www.number31.ie

MorrisonAmong the hippest hotels in the city, once owned by Irish designer John Rocha and recently refur-bished by celebrated local architect Nikki O’Donnell, the Morrison brings a modernist edge to the old stone streets of Dublin. Clean white walls and bold furnishings give the Morrison some serious class, while the artwork – from intricate sculptures to colourful fabrics – comes from Ireland’s newest de-sign talent.www.morrisonhotel.ie

Exquisitely crafted, elegantly cut and timeless in form, picking the perfect suit is an art. We’ve asked some of Europe’s top menswear bloggers for a sartorial snapshot of formalwear across the continent…

IRELAND: Damien of damienmbroderick.blogspot.co.uk/

Hackett is a favourite brand of mine, it’s very Savile Row. Not to mention Hugo Boss and Ted Baker – no corners are cut with their pieces and every detail is as important as the last. It's easier to look after these suits too, a trusted dry cleaner can keep them looking new and altering will not compromise the structure of the garment. I bought my first suit when I was 22 – a three-piece tweed ensemble. To achieve the perfect cut, I’ll fit the jacket to the chest and shoulders and then get the sleeves altered. Same goes with slacks, if you fit them to the waist you can alter the length as de-sired. In terms of accessories, I’ll invest in a smart pair of Chelsea boots or brogues and a simple trench coat.

Follow Damien’s style:Facebook: @DamienBroderickTwitter: @broderickdamienInstagram: @damienbroderick

UK: Ronan of thewild-swans.com

From skin-nourishing elixirs to health-boosting superfoods, four top bloggers share their health, fashion and beauty tips…

BEAUTY: Holly of www.articleofstyle.co.uk

Skincare investmentAs I've got older, my list of skincare concerns has not only got longer but also more specific. Long gone are the days of renewing my skincare routine every month, I’m now focused on finding holy grail products that I can rely on year after year. A generic high-street chemists’ cleanser just doesn't cut it anymore, and if there's one thing you can justify investing in, it has got to be your skin. Think skin-loving elixirs, rejuvenating masks and miracle cleansers!

The triple effectAfter a long day at the office, there's nothing more exciting than removing all the of the day's grime, jumping straight into my pyjamas and forgetting about the beauty queen I felt like at 8 am. With that said, ensuring I’ve gone the extra mile and incorporated three crucial steps (cleanse, tone, moisturise) into my regime makes such a difference to my skin. If I use a night cream, serum or oil to treat myself, I really notice the results overnight. So, 2016 is going to be all about the ‘triple ef-fect’ – an extra five minutes out of my evening to ensure my skin gets the pampering it deserves.

Time to give backI’m going to start volunteering this year - being wrapped up in such digital, materialistic lives means we often forget there are elderly people that aren't fortunate enough to have the simple but vital love from family and friends to get by. Dedicating even just an hour out of your week can make someone’s day and I think it’s really important to show older generations that they aren’t being left behind in this fast-paced age.

Whether it’s a classic carry-all or an elegant mini bag you’re lusting after, Europe’s street style icons are here to help…

 IRELAND: Martina of www.martinasmark.com

I'm a girl who’s constantly on the go, so my favourite has to be the bucket bag. I'm a massive fan of Longchamp bags as they allow me to carry a lot. Kildare Village is a must-visit for handbag lovers as it caters for all. From the likes of Furla and Mulberry to the more affordable ranges of Cath Kid-ston and Ted Baker. One brand that I'm obsessing over at the moment is kate spade new york – her bags are so durable and match my aesthetic perfectly. I consider my bag an extension of my apart-ment as I carry a lot in it, from my Filofax to an umbrella! Needless to say I've been called Mary Poppins on a few occasions. I currently am using a blush-coloured leather bucket bag that goes sur-prisingly goes with everything. I also love leather handbags for their durability and longevity.

Follow Martina’s style:Facebook: @Martina’sMarkTwitter: @MartinaReynoldsInstagram: @martinasmark

Shop the latest handbags at Kildare Village

Dressing for exercise doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. With a wealth of sportswear brands offering products that combine both cutting-edge performance and style, you can make your every move look chic.

Skiing

Skiing calls for artful dressing that will both keep you warm and protect you from the elements. Keep cosy with a base layer of long underwear or a skin-tight, breathable top and leggings together with a mid-layer of a jumper or fleece, and invest in waterproof outer layers to protect you from wind, rain and snow. With a wide selection of separates available in block colours or prints, you can really have fun translating your own personal style into your look. If you’re an occasional skier, try to consider longevity when making your selection – if you’re planning on keeping your kit for several years, you might like to choose something classic in a subtle colour rather than something fashion-led, which could date more quickly. If you’re a serious skier, build an interchangeable capsule wardrobe in complementary colours – you can even coordinate your outfit to match the colour of your boots and skis. Look the part on piste with specially developed ski collections and accessories from The North Face or Tog 24.

Hiking

Hiking is demanding and requires stamina – so you’ll need a kit that can keep up. It goes without saying that the right footwear is essential, so head straight to Tog 24 or Asics for high-performance hiking boots. Depending on the severity of the conditions through which you are going to hike, comfortable, light yet durable layers are preferable: a breathable T-shirt should the sun break through, a lightweight fleece that will insulate you against the cold and a waterproof to protect you from the elements. The North Face have a great selection. Of course, you’ll also need a backpack to accommodate all of your gear – see again Tog 24 or The North Face for a wide range of practical kit.