The Other Side of the Arno Just steps from the Pitti Palace is Florence's best-kept secret: a warren of ateliers and workshops whose wondrous handcrafted wares make you feel you're stepping back in time.
All That Glitters
As You Like It There's something magical about a one-of-a-kind piece that exists nowhere else in the world. Six designers show how to make jewelry your very own.
By Design
In Pursuit of the Provençal The colorful styles of Provence have made their mark on the world of design. Here we uncover the shops, ateliers, and markets where it all began.
Consuming Passions
Buying into Napa Lush landscapes, a terrific climate, America's best wines—who wouldn't want to live in Napa Valley? But paradise, of course, comes at a price.
The Trend Report You've gotta have it, right? Not necessarily. The following 42 items have captured our imagination, not to mention our pocketbooks. But are they really worth it, asks Adam Sachs.
What's in Store? Two windows on New York, created especially for Departures and on view this season, illuminate the art of shopping.
Culture Watch
Photo Futures In these days of shaky investments, collecting photography—whether blue-chip favorites or up-and-coming discoveries—more than holds its own.
Dress Code
A Great White The story of one man's search for the shirt of a lifetime.
Get a Grip Antoine de Saint-Exupéry thought "he who would travel happily must travel light." Please. May we suggest that he who travels happily travels with the right luggage.
The Couture Shop Around the Corner We'll always have Paris. But six American couturiers bring the glorious tradition right to your door.
The Perfect Fit A bespoke suit is the most personal garment a man can own. But it's critical that you know two things: yourself and your tailor. You and your shrink can take care of you. We, however, have taken care of the second part: Meet six of the best custom tailors in New York.
Home Front
A Range of Options Among serious cooks, the debate over the perfect cooktop is hot stuff. David Rosengarten tests four of the best ranges on the market today.
Making the Perfect Bed To sleep, perchance to dream—as well as watch TV, curl up with a good book, nurse a cold, or take dinner à deux atop the duvet. Eliza Scott Harris puts it all together.
Smart Houses Adjusting your thermostat from your Palm Pilot is no longer a sci-fi fantasy. Just ask your talking touchpad.
In Profile
Mr. Lauren Builds Your Dream House With the click of a mouse, David Lauren reinvents the world of high-end home furnishings—Gosford Park or Jamaican chic? Keep clicking.
Worldly Goods
Dream Machines We've all fantasized about that one special car. No longer. Mark Healy shows you how to get it.
Pen Ultimate In the competitive world of luxury pens, a company called Omas writes its own ticket. Simone Girner discovers how.
Rocks on the Block A pair of antique chandelier earrings? Or how about a vintage 478-carat sapphire or 20-carat flawless diamond ring? Coming to an auction house near you.
You've Got Mail Three custom stationers engrave their way to success.
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Departures Editor in Chief Richard David Story introduces the wildest innovations in contemporary luxury, airing on Plum TV®. The segments will be broadcast during Connections with Jennie Saunders beginning August 23. View programming schedule
