Luxury

Austria means Swarovski: since 1895, the cut crystal of Wattens, in Tyrol, has sparkled on runways, chandeliers and cinema screens worldwide.

Delvaux, Dries Van Noten and the «Antwerp Six»: Belgium punches above its weight in luxury fashion. Delvaux, founded in 1829, is said to be the world's oldest luxury leather-goods house.

Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, Hermès, Cartier, Saint Laurent: Paris reigns over luxury. LVMH, the sector's largest group, is headquartered here, and the «golden triangle» gathers the houses.

Montblanc, Hugo Boss, MCM, Escada: German luxury cultivates rigour and quality, beyond its premium cars. Writing instruments and leather goods are arts here.

Gucci, Prada, Versace, Armani, Bottega Veneta, Valentino, Fendi, Ferragamo: Italy dresses the world. Milan is its showcase, around the «fashion quadrilateral».

Mikimoto, Comme des Garçons, Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto: Japan blends precious tradition with radical creation. Ginza, in Tokyo, is its showcase.

Loewe, Balenciaga, Manolo Blahnik: Spain blends exceptional leather goods with creative daring. Loewe, founded in Madrid in 1846, is one of Europe's oldest luxury houses.

Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Omega and the Richemont group (Cartier): Switzerland is the sanctuary of fine watchmaking. The Vallée de Joux is its secret cradle.

Burberry, Mulberry, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood: British luxury blends tradition with cheek. Savile Row, in London, is the global birthplace of the bespoke suit.

Tiffany & Co, Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford, Coach, Marc Jacobs: America invented its own luxury, between refinement and relaxed living. New York's Fifth Avenue is its showcase.