Beauty trends come and go, but only a few innovations redefine an entire category. Beautyblender is one of them. What began as a practical solution for a makeup artist on a high-definition television set quickly became a global sensation—one that reshaped how both professionals and everyday consumers apply makeup. Today, Beautyblender stands as a beauty essential, a cultural touchpoint and a testament to the ingenuity of its founder, Rea Ann Silva.

In a quiet gallery of the Hispanic Society Museum & Library, a black velvet dalmatic—shimmering with gold embroidery—undergoes meticulous examination. This 17th-century ecclesiastical vestment is more than a rare textile artifact; it is a bridge between Spain’s Golden Age and the present, revealing centuries of craftsmanship, global exchange, and enduring cultural ambition. Its careful revival, made possible through a partnership between the Hispanic Society and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a vivid look at a world where fashion, faith and empire intertwined.

Christie’s is preparing to unveil one of its most remarkable jewelry lineups of the year as its Magnificent Jewels auction returns to Rockefeller Center on December 10. The sale will bring together exceptional gemstones, iconic signed pieces, and historically significant jewels from prestigious private collections. Featuring masterworks by Bulgari, Cartier, David Webb, JAR, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels, the auction promises to be a landmark moment for collectors worldwide.

Las Vegas has officially claimed the title of America’s most fun city, surpassing long-celebrated destinations such as New York, Miami, and even theme-park capital Orlando. According to a new 182-city analysis by WalletHub, Las Vegas earned the top spot thanks to its unmatched volume of attractions, entertainment options, nightlife venues, and highly rated restaurants. The findings reaffirm what millions of travelers already know: no city blends excitement, variety, and round-the-clock energy quite like Las Vegas.

Preppy style is back—and it has returned with purpose. Once associated with college campuses and nostalgic yearbook archives, the trend has re-emerged as a refined, confident, and contemporary movement. Few brands are leaning into this revival with as much conviction as Superdry, now reintroduced to the world as Superdry & Co. The rebrand marks a pivotal shift, signaling a new era for the company and a broader cultural moment where consumers want authenticity, durability, and effortless sophistication.

“Life always triumphs, and art and spirit are our engines,” wrote curator Koyo Kouoh before her untimely passing at 57. Her words echoed in my mind as I revisited a year of exhibitions across London, Europe, and beyond. In a moment marked by cultural tension and political fracture, 2025 delivered art that questioned, provoked, soothed, and confronted—all while offering clarity for the darker months ahead.

New York City is home to countless restaurants influenced by global traditions, but 1803 NYC offers something more intimate—a heartfelt homage to New Orleans. Chef-owner Rafael “Rafi” Hasid, known for his acclaimed Israeli restaurant Miriam, surprised many fans when he launched 1803 in Tribeca in 2022. While it seemed like a departure from his Mediterranean roots, the shift represented a natural extension of his culinary journey.

In Napa Valley, access often favors legacy families and global corporations. Vineyard land is scarce, and prices have skyrocketed. Yet, Memento Mori, founded by three friends with no wine background, a winemaker from Oklahoma, and a once-private art estate in Calistoga, defied convention—producing a trifecta of 100-point wines in a single vintage. The Memento Mori Mindset The name translates from Latin as “remember you will die.” Co-founder Hayes Drumwright, who survived cancer as a youth, chose it as a reminder to live boldly and focus on what matters.

Cold, wet, and gloriously grey, winter in Portland, Oregon is the perfect excuse to linger indoors and indulge in comforting food and drinks. From cozy coffee nooks to hearty bowls and spice-forward dishes, Southeast Portland has become a haven for those seeking warmth and culinary solace. Here are the best spots to eat, drink, and feel comforted when the rain falls.

After days of blizzards and high-altitude hardships, the morning of our summit attempt on Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside Asia, finally dawned clear and cloudless. From Camp IV at 19,300 feet, our team prepared for the grueling ascent in sub-zero temperatures, layering every piece of clothing we had. By 11 a.m., we reached Independencia at 21,000 feet…

Jason’s Deli, affectionately known as JD’s by longtime fans, has been a go-to destination for hearty, wholesome meals for over a decade. From its early days near NC A&T in Greensboro, North Carolina, to locations nationwide, the chain has built a reputation for fresh ingredients, comforting soups, and flavorful sandwiches that feel homemade. Seasonal Favorites Back on the Menu This fall and winter, Jason’s Deli continues its tradition of combining classic favorites with seasonal innovations.

In 1963, Nam June Paik shipped a dozen televisions to Rolf Jährling’s home in West Germany, marking one of Europe’s first exhibitions of TV-based art. With televisions still rare in households, Paik transformed the medium into a platform for avant-garde experimentation, challenging conventional broadcast content and exploring artistic potential in electronics. Zen for TV: Broken Screens as Canvas Two of Paik’s TVs arrived damaged, yet he repurposed them as art.

Netflix’s Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 delivers a shocking twist as Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) discovers a hidden connection to Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower). The confrontation reveals that the trauma inflicted on Will has granted him unique psychic abilities, reshaping the battle against the Upside Down. Volume 1 Finale: A Dark Bond Emerges In Volume 1, titled “Sorcerer,” the Upside Down’s monsters attack the military zone, overwhelming soldiers while Robin (Maya Hawke) and Murray (Brett Gelman) flee from Demogorgons.

While overall tourism in Las Vegas has seen a slight dip, special events like the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix continue to draw large crowds. Meanwhile, the city’s renowned restaurant scene is expanding, with new national and international names enhancing its culinary landscape. From Italian seafood to Indian fine dining, Las Vegas is solidifying its status as a global gastronomic destination.

For true music fans, discovering a new favorite artist and seeing them live is an unparalleled experience. The thrill of anticipation, the nerves of expectation, and the joy of a performance that exceeds all hopes can create memories that last a lifetime. Studies show that music discovered between the ages of 13 and 17 tends to hold the deepest, most lasting impact.

NFL Week 13 continues with a full slate of matchups, and tight end Oronde Gadsden of the Los Angeles Chargers stands out as a top player prop pick. Facing the Raiders, Gadsden is set with an over/under line of 40.5 receiving yards at Fanatics Sportsbook. The Chargers are heavy 9.5-point favorites, and while they may rely on the run if they secure an early lead, Gadsden’s route participation and air yards share make him a key contributor.

Global demand for infrastructure—from roads and housing to wind farms and data centres—is surging, driven by clean energy initiatives and AI expansion. Yet construction productivity has stagnated for decades, and experienced operators are retiring faster than new workers are entering the field. Gravis Robotics, a Zurich startup spun out of ETH Zurich, is addressing this challenge by adding AI autonomy kits to standard heavy machinery such as excavators and loaders.

Germany’s defence technology sector, once considered slow-moving and restrictive, is emerging as one of Europe’s most attractive investment arenas. Companies like Quantum Systems are driving the surge, drawing capital from prominent investors and accelerating innovation at a pace the continent has rarely seen. Quantum Systems Hits €3 Billion Valuation Drone manufacturer Quantum Systems recently secured €180 million in funding, led by Balderton Capital and supported by backers including Peter Thiel, Porsche Automobil Holding SE, and Notion Capital.

Deutsche Börse is making a strategic push into the fund-distribution market with plans to acquire European fund-technology leader Allfunds in a deal valued at roughly $6 billion. The German stock-exchange operator confirmed that a nonbinding proposal has already been submitted, immediately boosting Allfunds’ share price. Strategic Expansion into Fund Distribution The proposal values Allfunds at €8.80 per share, equating to an implied equity value of €5.29 billion ($6.13 billion).

The race to build the world’s most powerful AI infrastructure has reached unprecedented heights. OpenAI recently finalized a landmark agreement with Oracle to purchase $300 billion worth of computing power over the next five years. This deal, central to OpenAI’s Project Stargate, is among the largest cloud contracts ever recorded and aims to establish next-generation data center infrastructure capable of supporting advanced AI workloads.

Europe’s energy networks are under unprecedented pressure. The surge in AI data centers and the continent’s push toward renewable energy have exposed a critical gap in grid stability. While U.S. tech giants are investing $330 billion into AI infrastructure in 2026, Europe’s funding barely reaches $10 billion, highlighting a significant imbalance. Skeleton Technologies Steps In Estonian startup Skeleton Technologies is tackling this challenge head-on.

For years, startups relied on traditional playbooks when launching their products. Today, artificial intelligence is reshaping the way companies prepare to go to market, enabling teams to move faster, target more precisely, and scale with fewer resources. “You can do more with less than ever before,” said Max Altschuler, general partner at GTMfund, speaking at TechCrunch Disrupt last month. However, he noted that AI is not a magic replacement for expertise.

Indian e-commerce platform Meesho, a key rival to Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart, is preparing to launch a roughly $606 million initial public offering (IPO), highlighting investor confidence in India’s booming online retail sector. Unlike many global tech IPOs where early backers have cashed out, Meesho’s marquee investors, including SoftBank and Prosus, are not selling any shares, signaling long-term conviction in the business.

Warehouse real estate in the United States is entering a new phase—one defined by stabilization, strategic demand, and a recalibration after years of dramatic swings. Following a pandemic-fueled boom and a corrective pullback, the sector is inching toward equilibrium. Both supply and demand are aligning more predictably, while tenants are narrowing their priorities to power, efficiency, and proximity rather than sheer square footage.

For decades, Black Friday was synonymous with long lines, doorbusters, and chaotic crowds fighting for once-a-year discounts. But the retail event that once defined U.S. consumer culture is undergoing a dramatic shift. Stores are opening later, foot traffic is flattening, and shoppers increasingly choose online deals over in-store experiences. As promotions begin as early as September, many consumers now question whether Black Friday bargains are even worth the hype.