The Louvre’s director of decorative arts has declined to replace stolen jewels with replicas.
Olivier Gabet, the Louvre’s director of decorative arts, has ruled out replacing stolen crown jewels with replicas, emphasizing that copies would undermine the works’ essence. The decision follows the October 19 theft of nine objects from the Apollo Gallery, during which Empress Eugénie’s crown was dropped and slightly damaged while being extracted through slits in its case. Forensic police quickly recovered the crown, which lost a few small diamonds and a gold eagle but retained all major gemstones. The museum plans to restore the piece with jewelers and goldsmiths, aiming to preserve its symbolic value while acknowledging it will not be exactly as it was.
In a marked turnaround from forecasts earlier this year, Apple has hit a market cap of $4 trillion.
Apple has reached a market capitalization of $4 trillion, marking a significant reversal from earlier forecasts when analysts were less confident in the company’s growth. The milestone follows strong consumer demand for the iPhone 17 series, particularly in China, despite higher prices, tariff-related manufacturing challenges, and broader economic uncertainty. Unlike rivals such as Nvidia, Apple has achieved this valuation without a major artificial intelligence-driven product, though the company plans to introduce an AI-enhanced Siri in 2026. The ascent underscores that, for now, new hardware and incremental feature improvements continue to drive investor confidence and market value.
Gen Z can’t get enough of this Asics offshoot fashion sneaker.
Onitsuka Tiger, the Japanese footwear brand under Asics, is experiencing a surge in popularity among Gen Z consumers, fueled by social media buzz and global travel to Japan. The brand’s low-profile, colorful Mexico 66 and Tokuten sneakers have become must-have items for trend-conscious shoppers, with videos and TikTok posts driving international demand. A combination of nostalgia for Y2K-style slim sneakers, the closure of North American retail locations, and upcoming collaborations with high-fashion labels like Versace have positioned Onitsuka Tiger as a premium, collectible option. For many young consumers, the shoes offer a stylish alternative to ubiquitous brands like Adidas while remaining accessible through both Tokyo flagship stores and the secondary market.
According to an Art Basel report, women collectors are outspending men at art fairs.
The latest Art Basel and UBS report shows that high-net-worth women collectors are outspending men by 46% at art fairs, particularly among Gen Z and millennial buyers. Women are more willing to invest in emerging artists and nontraditional mediums, often building collections with a higher proportion of works by women. On average, collectors allocated 20% of their wealth to art in 2025, with younger collectors and ultra-high-net-worth individuals dedicating even more. Despite economic uncertainty, most respondents remain optimistic about the short-term art market.
The EU is set to ban gel manicures, deeming them as potentially carcinogenic.
The European Union plans to ban gel manicures containing trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), a chemical used to cure polish under LED or UV light and achieve a long-lasting finish. The EU classifies TPO as potentially carcinogenic and toxic to reproduction, raising concerns for nail technicians and consumers exposed to uncured products. While the UK has not yet implemented the ban, industry experts anticipate similar regulations by 2027, and global brands are expected to reformulate products accordingly. Nail professionals are also monitoring other chemicals like HEMA, emphasizing safer alternatives and clear communication with clients about ingredients.
Today’s attractive distractions:
It’s beginning to look a lot like The Nutcracker season at New York City Ballet.
Don’t get too drunk at the office holiday party this year—or do, and read this.
This “pub” was the launchpad for basically any performer you can think of.
Looking for a splurge as we leap fully into nesting season? Consider these.
