COVER

Luxury Fever (Cover Story)

Consumers are buying up everything from diamond-encrusted handbags and private jets to souped-up trash cans and designer toilets. How long will the boom last?

BRIEFING

The A List: Handbags (Notebook)

From logos in Honolulu to Rasta style in Sydney, here's what's selling globally in the booming handbag business

It's All in the Details (Notebook)

The architecture firm Yabu Pushelberg employs sophisticated design techniques to tell its clients' stories

Silence on Seventh Avenue (Notebook)

Go ahead and wear designer labels, but when it comes to politics, don't ask designers to label themselves.

SPECIAL SECTION

Rock Star (Icon)

From 18-karat-gold yo-yos to chestnut-size diamonds, Cartier has outfitted everyone from Indian maharajas to Hollywood royalty

PEOPLE

10 Questions for Robert Polet (10 Questions)

Two months into the job, Gucci's new CEO talks about helming the global luxury group and his growing personal shoe collection

The New Luxury Leaders (Who's Who)

From the Internet to the cosmetics counter and from Kuwait City to Kansas City, 15 ambitious innovators are redefining the high life

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

On the Prowl (Right This Minute)

Something wild is overtaking fashion and home furnishings

Tokyo, Japan (Navigator)

Architect Peter Marino, creator of stores for Louis Vuitton, Dior and Chanel, reveals the traditional secrets of one of his favorite cities

Everything Is Illuminated

Luxurious details like crystal and sequin embroidery, diamond cuffs and fur collars are lighting up designer looks for fall

The New Androgyny

From tuxedos to trench coats, furs and even kilts, men and women are suddenly dressing a lot alike

Feast Your Eyes

From minimalist swank to melting Buddhas, in the newest high-end restaurants high style is the rule

The Joy of Spending (Working It)

The designers of Juicy Couture teach Joel Stein a few things about shopping--especially when price is no object