Neil Armstrong’s Omega Speedmaster is expected to fetch more than $2 million at auction.
Neil Armstrong’s gold Omega Speedmaster Professional, which was gifted to him in 1969 to mark the occasion of the Apollo 11 moon landing, is expected to sell for more than $2 million at auction. The rare timepiece, one of only 26 made for NASA astronauts, features a personalized engraving and Omega’s signature vintage details. Half of the proceeds from the April 17 sale will go to charities chosen by Armstrong’s son, marking both a historic and philanthropic moment.
Myanmar’s devastating earthquake has stoked fears over the fate of Bagan’s ancient Buddhist temples.
Bagan’s ancient Buddhist temples, which have towered over Myanmar’s landscape for nearly a millennium, face renewed threats after a recent earthquake struck near the Sagaing fault line. The UNESCO-listed site, which was already damaged by a 2016 quake, holds deep cultural significance, with intricately carved stupas that have withstood centuries of upheaval. While the extent of the damage remains unclear, any loss would further compound the struggles of a country grappling with political turmoil and dwindling tourism.
The architecture industry remembers the late SOM chairman David M. Childs.
The late David M. Childs, the designer and architect of record for 1 World Trade Center, reshaped New York’s skyline with a pragmatic approach that prioritized urban values over personal style. As a longtime partner at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, he navigated complex political and commercial forces to complete major projects. His legacy lives on in structures that have come to define the skyline of modern Manhattan, like 7 World Trade Center, the Deutsche Bank Center, and Moynihan Train Hall.
J.Crew CEO Libby Wadle addresses the strategy driving the brand’s succession of collabs.
J.Crew CEO Libby Wadle recently spoke about the way the brand is relying upon a series of high-profile collaborations to reposition itself, aligning with of-the-moment fashion designers, timeless publications like The New Yorker, and zeitgeist-y television shows like The Bear in order to stay on the pulse of culture. Some partnerships, such as those with USA Swimming and U.S. Ski & Snowboard, aim to tap into broader lifestyle markets, while others serve as brand-building exercises rather than major revenue drivers. As J.Crew works to regain its footing after bankruptcy, these collaborations reflect Wadle’s strategy to expand the brand’s identity beyond its traditional preppy aesthetic.
Seoul has overtaken Paris as the biggest global beauty market.
Korean beauty brands are expanding aggressively in the U.S., now the largest export market for South Korean cosmetics, surpassing France. Private equity firms and global investors are seizing the opportunity, driving a surge in mergers and acquisitions as K-beauty’s influence grows alongside K-pop and K-drama. With American retailers embracing Korean brands and local manufacturers ramping up U.S. operations, analysts predict the industry’s rapid international expansion will continue
Today’s attractive distractions:
Miu Miu will become the latest brand to launch a school uniform-inspired capsule.
Here’s the lowdown on chef Jean Imbert’s new Disney-inspired fine dining experience.
Coldplay’s bass player on what fashion and music-making have in common.
Inside the secret world of the nannies and housekeepers to Palm Beach’s superrich.
