Armani Hotel Milano

In a career that spans almost 60 years, Japanese-Brazilian architect Ruy Ohtake has played a pivotal role in shaping the cityscape of his native Sao Paulo, counting more than 300 projects in the city alone. When Ohtake was handed the brief for Hotel Unique he faced one of his career’s greatest challenges: craft a design that will become a landmark.

Selling seasonal baubles and providing a festive atmosphere, Christmas Markets have been around for nearly a millennium. The tradition originated in German-speaking Europe, and as German immigrants spread throughout the world, so did the Christmas Market. Nowadays, most major cities will host one, and herein we highlight eight around the globe, with a corresponding dash of hotel inspiration.

Fashion Month is primed to turn Paris, Milan, New York and London into a giant catwalk over the coming weeks, providing the perfect excuse for a city break to these style capitals. While in town it’s a must to stay in suitably trendy digs, so we’ve brought together eight hotels that are at home in the world of high fashion.