Here are 20 (+1 bonus essay) of my favorite stories from 2017. These are stories that put people at the center—that tell how style, fashion, and commerce can reveal who we are and what we want to become. Others tell stories of large-scale commercial enterprises that connect countless people across the world. Two are speculative, telling tales from imagined futures in which automated shopping and VR have reached critical mass. There's JOHN WATERS' brilliant profile of REI KAWAKUBO, and GARY SHTEYNGART's telling of his experience being pulled in to the world of mechanical watches. There are keen observations on style habits influenced by a nation and a sunny golden state. And finally, a wonderful essay by LEWIS LAPHAM, on home. They all stuck with me, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I have. Happy holidays to all.