What makes the perfect souvenir? The more virtuous amongst us will say it’s something sweet, almost intangible, like a sea shell, a feather or “memories”. The more honest ones might say: stuff! I love shopping for mementoes whenever I go on holiday – my suitcase always ends up filled with fridge magnets, mugs, T-shirts and totes. I got a great beer bottle opener in Milan recently, decorated with a sparkly version of the Duomo.

I therefore direct you to our roundup of The World’s Best Souvenir Shops, which highlights our coverage of great local stores from around the globe. Where does President Macron get his ties? Where did the late pope get his socks? And what’s the best place in Venice for velvet slippers? We have something for every need. Do also head to Maison Empereur whenever you’re in Marseille, which is pretty accurately described here as a “tool shed on steroids”. I bought a heavy-duty apron, a measuring pint glass and a Venetian blind cleaner last time I went, and my life has never been the same. Please feel free to send in your own suggestions by replying to this email – we’ll be publishing the best ones later in the month.

If we’re still in the holiday mood, check out Rhodri Marsden’s assessment of the latest summer food gadgets. It’s paradise for anyone who wants to make a soft serve, or a slushie, or who wants to do surprising things with ice: one machine shaves it, while another turns it into mini-sculptures. As someone who lives for a large gimmicky ice cube — as long you don’t stint on the drink — I am all ears. 

On to style. I had often clocked a guichet watch in stores or museums, but didn’t know what they were called; those timepieces where most of the face is covered by a metal plate, with only a small window revealing the time. I’m glad to hear from Nick Foulkes that they are back in a big way with Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Jaeger-LeCoultre all providing their take on the ultimate “hands-free”. 

Finally, the pillbox hat is back. This arch little spherical headpiece (the clue is in the name) was once loved by Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn, but now Divya Bala reports that it’s being favoured by influencers, fashion designers and Pamela Anderson. Illustrator Jenny Walton tells Divya that once she wore a pillbox to a party in New York and Patti Smith walked up to her, looked her up and down, and bowed. “Didn’t say a word, just walked away,” says Walton. What, you wonder, was racing through Patti’s mind?

‌

‌

THREE MORE STORIES TO READ THIS WEEK

The Amanu founder Anita Patrickson’s guide to summer in Cape Town The stylist and entrepreneur loves the city’s penguins, picnic spots and pear Martinis Five under-the-radar jewellers to know now From angular diamond pinky rings to stacking “totem” pendants, these designs will refresh your jewellery box The best kit for festival goers and cautious campers What to pack for a weekend under canvas (or Airstream)

‌