Martin Schneider writes:

The style issue of The New Yorker comes out tomorrow. A preview of its contents, adapted from the magazine's press release:

In "Check Mate," Lauren Collins profiles Christopher Bailey, the creative director of Burberry, the British fashion company. Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, who "dedicated himself to devising superior ways of protecting his clientele from the elements," the company outfitted famed explorers and outdoorsmen including Roald Amundsen and Robert Scott, and created the "trench coat" for British officers to wear in the First World War.

In "Happy Feet," Alexandra Jacobs goes inside the headquarters of Zappos, the online shoe retailer. Zappos's thirty-five-year-old C.E.O., Tony Hsieh, "has earned a zealous following by imposing an ethos of live human connection on the chilly, anonymous bazaar of the Internet," Jacobs writes. "He talks about being the architect of a movement to spread happiness, or 'Zappiness,' via three 'C's: clothing, customer service, and company culture."

In "Lady of the House," Dana Goodyear profiles Kelly Wearstler, the "presiding grande dame of West Coast interior design," who is perhaps best known nationally for her turn as the eccentrically dressed judge on Bravo's Top Design ("Most people, including her fellow-judge Jonathan Adler, say they watched just for Wearstler's getups," Goodyear notes).

In Comment, Lauren Collins compares local reactions to two recently completed New York City public spaces: the plaza in Times Square and the High Line.

In The Financial Page, James Surowiecki asks why some people are afraid that inflation is about to get out of control.

Patricia Marx shops Chicago.

In Shouts & Murmurs, Ian Frazier offers "Easy Cocktails from the Cursing Mommy."

Photographs of the flamenco women of Spain, by Ruven Afanador.

Anthony Lane traces the journey behind the photographer Robert Frank's The Americans.

Judith Thurman examines Amelia Earhart's legend and legacy.

Nancy Franklin watches the CW's new Melrose Place remake.

Sasha Frere-Jones writes about the Nine Inch Nails front man Trent Reznor's latest album, farewell tour, and thoughts on the music business.

Anthony Lane reviews 9 and District 9.

There is a short story by Paul Theroux.