It’s that time of year that brings new starts and reboots, when the first whiff of woodsmoke can be detected in the morning air, when the sun is lower in the sky and its golden light illuminates our autumnal lives before we retreat into the shadows of shorter, duller days. And with it comes a newly minted season of creativity in town that’s positively pulsating with energy. The London Design Festival may just be pulling down the shutters on nine full days showcasing the city as a powerhouse for creative industries, but we have other artistic and inventive displays to look forward to, such as the impressive Frieze London and Frieze Masters in Regent’s Park next month. Brummell Autumn 2024 delves into celebrations of design excellence, previewing the latest edition of the PAD Fair. Held in Berkeley Square, the nonconformist fair presents not only 20th-century design but also art, photography, collectible jewellery and decorative works from 60 international galleries across the world.

Elsewhere, we salute the new generation of Swedish designers also subverting expectations by moving forward from a minimalist aesthetic, and we take a look at some innovative horological creations. We also check in at The Emory, London’s first all-suites modern luxury hotel from the same stable as The Connaught and Claridge’s, while enthusing about the airy architecture of a Malibu beach house, and exploring the nature-respecting design of a Maldives haven where you can look to the sky and dream.

Speaking of the firmament, we proudly present Brummell’s annual Ones to Watch listing, honouring 30 under-40 rising stars who are trailblazers in the City’s financial and allied sectors. This dynamic group comprises individuals who not only excel in their day job, but revel in off-the-side-of-the-desk work too. Reading their brief résumés leaves you inspired, but exhausted. We thank the judges for their time and expertise and congratulate those who made the final cut.

As a new austerity looms, it’s good to know there’s reason to be cheerful, that there is an amazing generation of innovators and champions of charitable initiatives out there. And also that London’s vitality, verve and pre-eminence in the global arts and design scenes continues to shine.

We hope you enjoy Brummell Autumn 2024.