London’s Victoria & Albert Museum will put luxury under the scanner, with an exhibition called “What is Luxury?” in collaboration with the British Craft Council. The show, which opens April 25 and runs through to Sept. 27, will display100 objects, and interrogate ideas of luxury today. It will address how luxury is made and understood in a physical, conceptual and cultural capacity, asking questions about the role that time, space, privacy, well-being, social inclusivity and access to resources and skill may play in determining our choices and aspirations.

Extraordinary works of craftsmanship will be on display including a laser cut couture gown by fashion designer Iris van Herpen to a necklace by Nora Fok made from hand-knitted nylon bubble and fine examples of haute horlogerie by British watchmaker George Daniels, alongside cultural value of materials such as gold, diamonds and plastic.

Coming year, a special exhibition will take place in Pierre Berge-Yves Saint Laurent Foundation in Paris by bringing together 40 works by Jean Cocteau. Running from the 20th of January until the 7th of February, exhibition titled “Jean Cocteau – une donation americaine- Robert Rubin” will feature pieces owned by Rubin – the ever famous art collector.

Robert Rubin, a major collector of works related to Jean Cocteau, spent several years in the poet’s apartment at the Palais-Royal in Paris. This American, a former financier, recently made a donation to the Jean-Cocteau House in Milly-la-Forêt, in the Essonne region.

Among the exhibits included in the Cocteau retrospective at the Centre Pompidou in 2003 were portraits of the poet by Cecil Beaton, Pierre Jahan and Berenice Abbot. Visitors can also admire a collage of Cocteau (made in 1926), or even a portrait of Paul Éluard.

By – Duhin Ganju

As the year comes to an end, some inquisitive fashion enthusiasts may have surely started thinking as to what trends would be seen in the near future. Fashion is a constant dynamic force that is never going to stop, no matter what happens. Certain designs maybe become obsolete but there maybe some that gain importance during 2015 and of course… classics will never go out of style. So here are a few trends that I have jotted down, which are going to reach their pinnacle and be preferred than the rest of the styles during 2015.

SUEDE IS THE NEW LEATHER: From trench coats to jackets, this warm textile is definitely going to remain a hot number during 2015. Overpowering leather, suede is going to represent a chic era in fashion, radiating power and elegance. Overcoats, skirts and even boots are going to be made out of this preferred fabric, making the perfect fashion statement.

BROWN IS THE NEW BLACK: This New Year will mark the arrival of warmer and toned-down colors such as brown that will be preferred more that their classic counterpart, black.

PRINTS PLEASE: Prints are going to gain more importance during 2015 as compared to sequins and pattern work. Designers such as Burberry, Bottega Veneta and even Chanel have made it very clear by introducing prints into their Pre-Fall Collections.

DRAMATIC DENIM: Rich and royal, this super authentic fabric is going to be used effortlessly by designers in their various collections, be it dresses or jackets. Also, jeans will replace straight-fitted trousers in the near future making each fashion look smart as well as sexy.

WHITE LACE: Lace is an example of intricate handwork as well as craftsmanship. Used by designers such as Dolce & Gabanna, Burberry and Chanel; white will be the preferred color for this dainty fabric. Italian legend Valentino’s latest couture collection, showcased in New York, was all about rich and intricate garments made out of white lace.

GIRLY GINGHAM: An ancient classic, the Gingham style is going to reach its pinnacle during 2015. Charming and fresh, this new form of check is going to make an absolute style statement in the forthcoming year.

FLARED PANTS: Unleashing a relaxed and comfortable appeal to the whole fashion look, flared pants are definitely a must-buy for 2015.

GETTING ‘HIGH’ ON PLATFORMS: Platforms are quite positively going to outrun any style of heels next year. Since their arrival, many luxury brands such Gucci and even designers like Brian Atwood have created some simply stunning pieces. Its time to give yourself a bit of a lift…

FROM AN A-LINE TO A BOHEMIAN LOOK: 2015 will all be about ‘loosening’ yourself a bit from the straight and formal affair. Flowy drapes are definitely going to outnumber simple and crisp A-line numbers. Fashion will all be about being more relaxed and comfortable in your own skin.

A ‘FURRY’ AFFAIR: Fur is definitely going to be a frontrunner in the fashion industry. A constant stunner, fur radiates warmth and royalty from the inside as well as the outside. British luxury giant Burberry’s Pre-Fall 2015 collection is all about the generous usage of fur in a modern way. This garment is definitely expected to be used by all the designers for their various winter collections.