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The 2026 Winter Olympics are in full swing in Milan. Even during the opening ceremony on Friday, February 6th, it became clear that the event is more than just a sporting arena. The Games are increasingly serving as a global stage where athletes compete not only for medals but also to capitalize on their positions outside of sports. The Olympic prize money itself remains relatively modest. The real income is primarily generated outside the track and ice rink. MASTERS has compiled a list of the highest-paid winter athletes of 2026.

Last week, the top Dutch gastronomes gathered in Utrecht for the Gault&Millau Awards ceremony. In addition to titles like Chef of the Year and Young Chef of the Year, the brand-new restaurant selection was also launched. With 908 entries, a significant increase compared to 2025, the guide confirms that the Dutch culinary scene is more ambitious than ever. The most striking new names?

Among the big names in the international design world, a Dutch player is also on the agenda this year. SUNS Outdoor Lifestyle is making an appearance at Salone del Mobile Milano, and is doing so with a first…

Valentine's Day. Even if you're not a fan of roses and candlelit dinners, it's still nice to take a moment to remember the people you love. And yes, sometimes that includes a beautiful gift. Looking for inspiration?

Freshly crowned winner of the 2026 Luxury Cruises award, presented at the Travel Gala, Explora II showcases what travel can be like: without the hustle and bustle, without stress, and without schedules. On board, travel transforms into an art form—elegant, relaxed, and meticulously cared for. As the horizon unfolds a constantly changing backdrop, from Barcelona to Lisbon, a world of understated luxury, culinary refinement, and true indolence unfolds. Because sometimes the greatest pleasure isn't what you do, but rather what you don't do.

With Valentine's Day approaching and winter still lingering in the city, the desire for warmth and intimacy is growing. A fireplace as the focal point, a good glass of wine, delicious food, and a setting that invites long evenings. On Valentine's Day, it's not about grand display, but about atmosphere. MASTERS lists her five favorite spots.

On February 17, 2026, the Chinese New Year heralds the Year of the Horse, specifically the Year of the Fire Horse. In Chinese astrology, this combination symbolizes freedom, speed, courage, and radical movement. A year in which standing still is not an option and choices must be made visible. Brands are eager to draw inspiration from this. MASTERS compiles a list of unique brand campaigns.

In February, the winter spectacle kicks off in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. Sports journalist Jaap de Groot has dusted off his crystal ball and ventures a prediction: how many times will the Wilhelmus be played in the Italian snow? If it were up to him, we'd return to our little frog country richly rewarded...

NIO was present for the second time at MASTERS EXPO. With a booth that invited visitors to see, explore, and talk, NIO showcased what the brand stands for: high-end electric mobility with a focus on experience and ease of use.

How much do you have to pay to buy thirty seconds of attention during the Super Bowl? Expect to pay close to millions per half minute. No other television event in the world boasts advertising rates of this magnitude, making the Super Bowl the most expensive night on television for years.

These will be her tenth Olympic Games. First as a speed skater, then as a celebrity, and from February 6th to 22nd in Milan as team manager of the Dutch speed skating team. Yet, Yvonne van Gennip is still considered by many to be the Queen of Calgary, where she won three gold medals in 1988. She is now working on all fronts to help the new generation secure a golden future. She speaks extensively about this and much more with Jaap de Groot.

Paris Haute Couture Week once again highlighted how major fashion houses balance between paying homage to the past and a drive for innovation. The Spring/Summer 2026 edition marked a new creative chapter, with debuts from both Chanel and Dior. And while the week was all about change, there was also room for wonder: from fairytale settings to spectacular shapes. What else did we see?

Amsterdam's restaurant scene is constantly evolving, and 2026 is kicking off with several striking new ventures. From an intimate spot where barbecue technique has been elevated to an art form to a restaurant where the evening effortlessly flows into a lively party. These are the five newest hotspots you'll want to add to your list now.

Next week, the Winter Olympics kick off in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. Before the global sporting event kicks off, MASTERS takes a look at another ranking: the numbers. These are the five most expensive Olympic Games of all time.

Where better than Italy to find inspiration for GASSAN's upcoming jewelry collections? Debora and Dustin from GASSAN traveled to Vicenza for a visit to Vicenzaoro. An inspiring trip that truly awakened their senses at this prestigious location. The absolute highlight?

On January 19th, the fashion world lost its uncrowned emperor. Valentino, the man behind the iconic Valentino red, passed away at the age of 93. He dressed legends like Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, and Julia Roberts, as well as Máxima, who said "I do" in Mikado silk with a five-meter-long train. MASTERS compiles a list of some of his most legendary creations.

Suzanne Swarts doesn't let the walls of "her" Voorlinden confine her. She visits unique places around the world where art and the environment intersect. In MASTERS, the museum director shares her experiences from these travels – this time from the Swedish Artipelag.

"Hospitality is inherent to commerce." This is the belief on which ModelBusiness BV has been built for twelve years now. Founder Merel Braber's agency provides a representative and professional presence at a wide range of events. No standard hosts and hostesses, but carefully selected personalities who understand hospitality and contribute to the organization's success. Because behind a friendly welcome, there's often more than just a good first impression.

Not every celebrity makes it into the billionaire club, but those who do belong to an exceptionally elite group. Musicians who manage to translate their creative talent into nine-figure business success are rare. According to new figures from Forbes, Beyoncé is now officially the fifth musician to join this exclusive group. Who are her fellow billionaires?

Dry January is the perfect excuse to experience Amsterdam in a different way. Because anyone who thinks you'll automatically end up with sparkling water and a meager slice of lemon without alcohol clearly hasn't been to a good cocktail bar in a while. So, where should you go?

Almost everyone who visits Japan for the first time does it this way. Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka. It makes sense. Big cities, enormous cultural differences, fantastic food. But if you look a little further and are willing to take a short detour, you'll find a place that makes you feel Japan in a completely different way. Naoshima lies in the Seto Inland Sea. A small island, once inhabited mainly by fishermen. No city, no crowds, no lists. And that's precisely what makes it so special. This isn't a place you rush through. This is an island where everything moves more slowly. Where art, architecture, and landscape don't try to drown each other out, but together create an experience.

Dustin Huisman, a former professional footballer and now one of the driving forces behind GASSAN, knows better than anyone how discipline, ambition, and perseverance lead to success. After his sports career, he transitioned to the world of jewelry and watches, where he has since built his own line, TROPHY BY GASSAN. With a focus on innovation, international growth, and a strong connection to sports and entertainment, he is giving the family business a fresh impetus without losing sight of its rich tradition. A candid conversation about working in a family business and the dynamics of the jewelry world.