For an empire that collapsed more than 1,500 years ago, ancient Rome maintains a powerful presence. About 1 billion people speak languages derived from Latin; Roman law shapes modern norms; and Roman architecture has been widely imitated. Christianity, which the empire embraced in its sunset years, remains the world’s largest religion. Yet all these enduring influences pale against Rome’s most important legacy: its fall. Had its empire not unravelled, or had it been replaced by a similarly overpowering successor, the world wouldn’t have become modern.

There are no big trends this season, with the exception of slingback pumps from Prada, everything orange, and lots cable-knit sets. For the first time in a long time, I can say that this is the season where styling comes before the trends. There is less attention on what you buy, but what you do with the pieces you buy or already have.

When it comes to memorialization, nothing beats a martyr—even when your culture has done the martyring. So it has seemed, anyway, in a nation where no fewer than twenty-six states—along with countless towns, sports teams, summer camps, and recreational vehicles—bear names meant to evoke those humans who came before.

YES, IT’S TRUE we are not often drawn to ultra-modern spaces, but there is something about this penthouse by Melbourne-based CJH Studio that is very appealing at this time of year. As the days are getting longer, perhaps it’s the space’s brightness that pulls us in …

YESTERDAY WE HAD drinks on the terrace of one of the local pubs for the first time in six months. It’s been a bit chilly lately, but yesterday it was sunny with clear blue skies and it felt, to be honest, a bit strange to be doing something so normal, but also really nice …

Facebook has repeatedly allowed world leaders and politicians to use its platform to deceive the public or harass opponents despite being alerted to evidence of the wrongdoing. The Guardian has seen extensive internal documentation showing how Facebook handled more than 30 cases across 25 countries of politically manipulative behavior that was proactively detected by company staff.

Creating your closet with the right investment pieces can save you money over time. Investment pieces may cost more upfront, but they will be more valuable in time as you will wear them over and over and still be timeless and in good condition.

Almost as soon as the word Covid is coined, my parents update their “advance decision” documents. They’re constantly adjusting them, fine-tuning their wishes for future medical treatment. “Like a dowager with an elaborate will,” I tease them, blowing the ink dry on yet another signature.

WE CAME ACROSS the work of interior photographer and stylist Aimée Mazzenga from the beautiful images she created of other people’s homes, but only recently came across her own home in Chicago’s Gold Coast Historic District.