Skip to main content

Author: Crispin Moller

Vintage cinema mood image

What to Watch in October 2026

October’s slate leans towards prestige drama and stylish returns.

The Gentlemen: Season 2

Where to watch: Netflix, streaming now

Guy Ritchie back behind the camera, Theo James and Kaya Scodelario back as Eddie and Susie a year into running Bobby Glass’s empire – only now his decisions are looking shakier by the episode. Ray Winstone returns, Hugh Bonneville and Maya Jama join for season two, and the whole thing expands out to the Italian lakes.

 


Digger

Where to watch: cinemas, 2 October

Tom Cruise and director Alejandro González Iñárritu, together for the first time, on a story about a powerful man convinced he’s meant to save everyone. It’s a drama rather than his usual action fare, and marks Cruise’s first collaboration with Iñárritu behind the camera.

 


The Social Reckoning

Where to watch: cinemas, 9 October

Aaron Sorkin’s script, Mikey Madison as Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen. Adapted from the real story of Haugen’s 2021 leak of internal Facebook documents, and the fallout that followed inside the company and out.

 


Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger

Where to watch: Disney+, expected 9 October

The reunion documentary, following Liam and Noel through rehearsals, backstage and the stage itself – with their first joint interviews in over twenty years. Had its cinema run in September; this is the wider streaming release.

 


Sense and Sensibility

Where to watch: cinemas, 16 October

A new Austen adaptation with Daisy Edgar-Jones leading, set in Georgian England – the Dashwood sisters navigating love and money after their father’s death leaves them with very little of either.

 


Lupin: Part 4

Where to watch: Netflix, 23 October

The French heist thriller returns. Omar Sy is back as Assane Diop, still working his way through an elaborate, long-running plot with the same style and misdirection that made the first three parts such a hit.

The South Bank Centre

Exhibitions to catch before they close

London’s summer exhibition season is on its final straight, worth trying to catch the below before they close.

Dulwich Picture Gallery, until 4 October

What to see: Portrait of a City: A Century of American Photography

A hundred years of American street life told through the camera, from Alfred Stieglitz and Berenice Abbott through to Garry Winogrand and William Eggleston. The show is organised around people rather than architecture, tracing everything from Depression-era breadlines to Helen Levitt’s photographs of children playing in Harlem. Critics have called it one of the strongest photography shows London has seen this year – a reminder that many of its photographers were themselves immigrants, looking at their adopted country with real sympathy.

 


Design Museum, until 4 October

What to see: NIGO: From Japan with Love

The first museum retrospective outside Japan for NIGO, the designer who built A Bathing Ape and now runs Kenzo. Over 700 objects trace thirty years of work, from a recreation of his teenage Harajuku bedroom to a custom glass tea house built with the team behind Not A Hotel. The through-line is his gift for turning niche obsessions – vintage Americana, Japanese ceramics, sneaker culture – into ideas the rest of the industry eventually copies.

 


Hayward Gallery, until 18 October

What to see: Anish Kapoor

Kapoor’s second show at the Hayward since 1998, and a genuinely surprising one. A vast red inflatable blocks the entrance; an inverted mountain hangs from the ceiling; a floor piece resembles a coral reef seen from above. It sits alongside the 1992 Vantablack void “Descent into Limbo,” so the show reads as a conversation between the artist at 30 and at 70. Reviewers have described it as anarchic and funny in a way his recent work hasn’t always managed.

 


Royal Academy, until 25 October

What to see: Richard Dadd: Beyond Bedlam

Dadd killed his father in 1843 and spent the rest of his life in psychiatric institutions – and kept painting throughout. This is the fullest account yet of that work, including “The Fairy-Feller’s Master Stroke,” a canvas so densely detailed that the RA hands out magnifying glasses. The case the show makes is that institutional life gave Dadd the calm to paint with extraordinary control, complicating the usual “mad genius” story told about him.


V&A

What to see: Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art

The first UK retrospective for Elsa Schiaparelli, with over 200 pieces spanning the 1920s to the present, including her collaborations with Salvador Dali and Jean Cocteau. The case the exhibition makes is that Schiaparelli got to surrealism in fashion three years before the movement’s own landmark London show in 1936 – her Mayfair store was arguably Britain’s first surrealist space. Daniel Roseberry, the house’s current creative director, has spoken about her as more cerebral than her reputation for shock value suggests.

 

Budapest skyline

European weekend breaks with Eurostar

From train seat to city streets in no time

Eurostar has a knack for making a European weekend feel delightfully straightforward. No airport queues, no decanting toiletries into tiny bottles, just step on, settle in and arrive right in the city centre relaxed. A very pleasing way to travel, especially for short breaks where time matters.

From culture-heavy capitals to creative port cities, these Eurostar destinations prove that a few days away can pack in plenty. We’ve rounded up where to stay in each city, from Belle Époque beauties to grand dames, with everything lined up for an easy hop from platform to check-in. Read on to find out more.


Brussels

Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is quietly enjoying a glow-up, swapping stiff stereotypes for contemporary art, design and a surprisingly playful mood. Wander around Place de la Bourse or plan your visit around Art Brussels for a proper dose of the international art world, then settle into the city’s serious food scene of chef-led counters and old-school cafés.

Members gravitate towards Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria near the Grand-Place. This Belle Époque landmark by Henri van Dievoet offers polished rooms, serious dining and a Sisley Paris spa for post-gallery recovery, with evenings ending in the cocktail bar where the Mr Wilde soon becomes a familiar order.


Paris

Paris, France

A few days in Paris go a long way. Many of the big sights follow the curve of the Seine, making it easy to wander between museums, monuments and riverbanks at your own pace. Beyond that, neighbourhoods reward curiosity with galleries, bakeries and restaurants shaping the city’s current food conversation.

Bulgari Paris brings contemporary style to the Golden Triangle and a spa that proves particularly welcome after a day on foot, while at Shangri-La Paris a Little Emperors upgrade at the time of booking might just put the Eiffel Tower in view, with almost half the rooms facing the landmark.


Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam’s compact scale makes it easy to slip into its rhythm. Museums sit comfortably alongside neighbourhood cafés, bike paths and quiet streets lined with canals. Spend time in Jordaan for shopping and people-watching, stretch out in Vondelpark, then see the city from the water on a small open boat.

At Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium near Museumplein, a few laps in the pool come before dinner at Taiko, where the Asian-inspired cuisine makes a strong case for staying in. Rosewood Amsterdam sits along the Prinsengracht and hides a speakeasy-style distillery inside the bar producing its own house jenever, Provo, a guest favourite.


Antwerp

Antwerp, Belgium

Arriving at Antwerpen Centraal sets the tone straight away, all vaulted ceilings and grand details before the city opens up around you. Fashion, art and design are never far away here, from independent boutiques to galleries and museum spaces. Climb to the MAS museum rooftop for views over the Scheldt, then walk towards the port to see the striking Port House by the water.

Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is a firm favourite with our members and, with five restaurants (holding three Michelin stars between them), it’s easy to see why. The two-Michelin-starred restaurant Hertog Jan, known for its stunning cuisine, beehives and herb garden, is usually where the evening ends up.


London

London, United Kingdom

London rewards repeat visits like few other cities. Beyond the headline sights, its neighbourhoods are where things get interesting, each offering their own restaurants, markets and galleries. Follow the Thames for culture and architecture, then strike out somewhere new.

Brown’s Hotel delivers classic Mayfair comfort, with afternoon tea in the Drawing Room the standout ritual, famously taken here by Queen Victoria, right down to scones still made to a long-guarded recipe. The Connaught, meanwhile, draws people to a bar regularly ranked among the world’s best, largely thanks to its martini trolley.

Fashion as a Reflection of Broader Cultural and Economic Trends.

Fashion is often viewed as a form of artistic expression, but it is much more than just clothing and accessories. Throughout history, fashion has been a powerful reflection of society, capturing the mood, values, and changes in culture and economics.

Each season, as designers showcase their collections, they not only offer a glimpse of the trends for the year ahead but also reveal the underlying shifts happening in the world. For investors, understanding these deeper connections between fashion and broader cultural and economic trends can be a valuable tool in identifying new opportunities within the luxury market.

Continue reading

Fashion Week Preview 2025: A New Era of Innovation and Luxury

The 2025 London Fashion Week (LFW) promises to be a defining moment in the fashion industry. A season that will not only showcase the most innovative designs but also set the course for a future where luxury and sustainability are seamlessly intertwined.

Taking place between February 20 and 24, LFW will feature a selection of globally renowned designers alongside some of the brightest emerging talents. This year’s event will provide a rare opportunity to witness fashion that both honours tradition and pushes the boundaries of what’s possible.

Sustainability Meets Luxury

In 2025, sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity. Leading brands such as Burberry, Vivienne Westwood, and Victoria Beckham are integrating sustainability into their collections without compromising on craftsmanship or luxury. Expect to see collections made from eco-friendly fabrics, with designers focusing on reducing carbon footprints and ensuring ethical production practices. This shift marks the beginning of a new chapter in fashion, one where sustainability is as luxurious as the garments themselves.

Designers like Stella McCartney and Phoebe English will continue to lead the charge in proving that luxury and eco-consciousness can co-exist. Their collections will highlight the art of sustainable design, offering pieces that not only look extraordinary but also tell a story of conscious luxury.

Tech-Integrated Fashion: The Future Is Now

This year, technology will take a central role at LFW, offering a more immersive and interactive experience than ever before. Virtual runways, augmented reality, and 3D-printed accessories will be at the forefront of presentations, ensuring that fashion’s future is as innovative as it is stylish. The boundaries between digital and physical fashion are blurring, with designers using smart fabrics, wearable tech, and digital garments to create new experiences that redefine the fashion industry.

Fashion is embracing a digital transformation, and LFW 2025 will showcase this shift. Expect virtual wardrobes, interactive digital presentations, and real-time consumer engagement, all adding layers of sophistication to the fashion experience.

Emerging Designers: Fresh Perspectives on Luxury

LFW 2025 will also shine a spotlight on emerging talent, offering a platform for the next generation of designers to share their visionary work. The BFC NEWGEN programme, which highlights the most exciting up-and-coming talent, will introduce names such as Patrick McDowell and Sevda London, whose collections promise to challenge traditional concepts of luxury fashion.

These new voices in fashion will offer fresh perspectives on style, blending craftsmanship with bold innovation. Their work promises to be a testament to the ever-evolving nature of fashion, with designs that represent a fusion of the past, present, and future.

Exclusive Venues and Experiences

London’s prestigious venues will provide the perfect setting for LFW 2025, with key shows taking place at iconic locations such as 180 The Strand and the Barbican Centre. These venues combine the city’s rich fashion heritage with contemporary design, creating a unique atmosphere where fashion meets architecture.

Throughout the week, exclusive after-parties, designer meet-and-greets, and private showcases will be held across the city. These events will offer a rare opportunity to experience the latest trends, meet the designers behind them, and engage with the global fashion community in an intimate, sophisticated environment.

The Future of Fashion

LFW 2025 marks a pivotal moment in the industry, where tradition and innovation merge seamlessly. This year’s event will showcase the best of both worlds: collections that honour the art of couture while embracing technological advancements and sustainable practices. Designers are not only rethinking the way fashion is produced and consumed, but they are also redefining what it means to create timeless, luxurious garments in an ever-changing world.

With key trends such as neo-minimalism, gender-fluid collections, and climate-responsive designs taking centre stage, LFW will continue to challenge the norms of traditional fashion. As we move into a new era, the focus will shift from quantity to quality, and from fast fashion to investment pieces that last a lifetime.

LFW 2025: A Must-See Event

For those who appreciate the art of luxury fashion, London Fashion Week 2025 is a must-attend event. With its blend of innovative designers, sustainable practices, and immersive experiences, LFW 2025 promises to be a showcase of fashion’s future—a future where luxury, sustainability, and technology exist in perfect harmony.

As this season’s fashion calendar unfolds, expect to see LFW at the forefront of a movement that will define the industry for years to come. The runway is set, the designers are ready, and the world will be watching. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this unforgettable fashion revolution.

The Art of Slow Living – Elevate Your Sunday

Sundays are not just a day of rest; they are an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and savour life’s finest moments.

For those who navigate a high-performance lifestyle, Sundays are an opportunity to recalibrate—an intentional pause to focus on quality, meaning, and fulfillment. It’s time to embrace slow living, a philosophy that prioritises mindfulness and deliberate enjoyment over the hurried pace of everyday life. Here’s how you can transform your Sundays into a luxurious ritual that fuels your passions, purpose, and wellbeing.

Continue reading

Redefining Luxury: From Extravagance to Purpose

As the year begins, there’s an urge to fill our calendars with plans—exclusive restaurants, luxury destinations, and the latest must-visit spots. But amidst the rush, how often do we stop to ask: What makes an experience truly meaningful? For those who value quality over quantity, the pursuit of meaningful experiences is more than just a trend—it’s a way of life.

Luxury, at its most authentic, isn’t about ticking off the next exclusive experience or rushing through the latest destination. It’s about indulging with intention—finding depth in every moment, and making space for experiences that resonate personally.

Continue reading

Battered Black Book Expands Senior Management Team 

Long-time BBB community member and seasoned operations executive Sara Durante joins as Head of Operations, and Brand Marketing professional Ged Lawson-Buick signs on as Head of Marketing 

(London, 10th January, 2025)  

Battered Black Book, the exclusive digital members club connecting the world’s finest brands to gatekeepers supporting high-profile and HNW individuals, is ramping up to expand its offerings to the community in 2025 by hiring two experienced executives.  

Sara Durante and Ged Lawson-Buick join Managing Director Ben Arnold and Head of Events Alex Popoff as part of the senior management team to help lead the company into a new phase of growth that will see further development of the Partner Directory and significant broadening of the membership base, with the introduction of new and improved initiatives for all members of the community. 

Sara Durante will serve as Head of Operations.  A business operations executive with over 20 years of experience in the media sector across the UK, US and Italy, Sara’s career spans roles in Business Operations, HR, C-suite support, Board Management, Comms, Content Development and Production. Sara joins BBB having been part of the community for over fifteen years, to help lead the management and operations of the company, as well as develop an ‘ambassadors’ programme to be announced soon.  

New Head of Marketing, Ged Lawson-Buick is a tech-savvy digital strategist and experienced brand marketing professional with over 20 years of expertise in driving brand growth through strategic multichannel marketing initiatives.  With a background in the luxury sector, Ged is uniquely placed to help take the club to the next level and enhance the partners’ and members’ experience.   

Managing Director Ben Arnold said: “I am thrilled to welcome Sara and Ged to the team. I have known Sara for many years and I am very pleased to be able to join forces with her in running the company, not to mention take on board her unique perspective as a long time BBB member.  Ged is equally talented and extremely experienced, and I can’t wait for our partners and members to see what he has in store for them!”  

Sara Durante added: “Ben was the very first person I met professionally when I arrived in London seventeen years ago, so it’s very special to partner up with him after all this time and join forces with Alex, also a long-time friend, and Ged.  I have been a huge fan and member of BBB for years, and I can’t wait to get stuck in and help contribute to BBB’s continued success.” 

Ged Lawson-Buick said: “I am incredibly passionate about creating impactful strategies that resonate with customers and drive real results, so I couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to join this unique company at such an exciting time of growth and expansion.”  

The Future of Luxury Travel: Trends for 2025

As we move into 2025, the world of luxury travel is undergoing a remarkable transformation. No longer solely defined by opulence, luxury today embodies authenticity, purpose, and meaningful connection. The modern luxury traveller seeks experiences that are not just indulgent but transformative, underpinned by sustainability and curated to perfection.

Let’s explore the key trends shaping the future of travel in 2025.

Hyper-Personalised Journeys:

Luxury in 2025 is deeply personal. Travellers no longer settle for cookie-cutter itineraries; instead, they demand experiences crafted to reflect their unique preferences. With Joro Experiences, BBB members can enjoy bespoke journeys such as private art tours in Paris or off-the-grid island escapes. Advances in technology, including AI and predictive analytics, are making such hyper-personalisation the new standard.

Sustainable and Purposeful Travel:

Luxury travel now aligns with a greater sense of responsibility. From carbon-neutral private jet charters to eco-conscious retreats, the desire to travel sustainably is paramount. Steppes leads the way with experiences that positively impact the planet and local communities, ensuring journeys leave a lasting legacy.

The Art of Slow Travel:

In an increasingly fast-paced world, the trend for slow travel is here to stay. Discerning travellers are swapping whirlwind itineraries for longer stays in fewer destinations, savouring the culture, cuisine, and character of each location. Belmond Trains offer a quintessentially slow and immersive travel experience, encouraging deeper connections with people and places.

Wellness Escapes and Transformative Travel: 

The pursuit of holistic well-being continues to dominate luxury travel. Beyond spa treatments and yoga retreats, travellers are seeking life-changing experiences that nourish the mind, body, and soul. Healing Holidays delivers transformative retreats and exclusive detox programmes, redefining what it means to travel luxuriously.

Technology-Enhanced Luxury:

In 2025, technology is seamlessly integrated into the luxury travel experience. From virtual reality previews of destinations to AI-powered concierges, cutting-edge innovations elevate every touchpoint of the journey. Smart suites, biometric check-ins, and always-on connectivity redefine convenience and ease.

Exclusive Privacy: 

Privacy remains the ultimate luxury. High-net-worth travellers prioritise private experiences, such as exclusive-use resorts, remote lodges, private islands, and superyachts. BBB members can access private escapes in Lopud in Croatia, along with bespoke stays at estates and islands offered by our trusted Hotel Representative partners available to BBB members. These luxurious retreats provide unparalleled seclusion and the freedom to tailor every aspect of the experience.

The future of luxury travel is rich with possibility.

At BBB, we’re proud to help you create unparalleled opportunities to explore the world in meaningful and extraordinary ways. Whether it’s bespoke adventures, eco-conscious escapes, or transformative experiences, our partners and recommendations are redefining what it means to travel luxuriously in 2025 and beyond.