The best new luxury goods: Life is short, so treat yourself to something special

School day charm A little nostalgia can be awfully cheering, and this bright blue (it says so on the tin) backpack from Fendi offers just right the amount. $2530. Tel: (02) 9231 3756 or (03) 9569 8024

Razzle dazzle Brighten a dull dinner date with a pair of Giorgio Armani sandals smattered with colourful Swarovski crystals. $1800. Tel: (02) 8233 5888

A fine tribute Penhaligon’s new scent Savoy Steam harks back to the British perfume house’s first fragrance, Hammam Bouquet, created in 1872. Inspired by the ‘Savoy Turkish Baths’ as they were known in the early 20th century, it’s a crisp and clean scent for men and women with notes of pink pepper, rose and incense resinoid. 100ml. $279. Tel: (02) 8002 4488

Loving the blues The name of Hublot’s Classic Fusion Automatic Chronograph Ceramic Blue just about sums up a watch that’s a staple of many an enthusiast’s watch wardrobe. With a 45mm case of polished and satin-brushed black ceramic, it has a power reserve of 42 hours and is water-resistant to 50 metres – so plenty of dash and good for a splash. RRP is $15,400, Inquiries: (03) 8614 4300. Bani McSpedden

Prickly glamour As Cartier illustrates, there’s beauty in that most unforgiving of plants - the cactus. The new collection from the French jewellery house is about finding beauty and one’s spirit in unexpected places. This 18-carat pink gold Cactus de Cartier necklace is set with brilliant-cut diamonds and red spinels. $29,700. Tel: 1800 130 000

Foodie heaven If a weekend of eating, cooking and talking about delicious food is your thing, then this stint at the surf shack turned boutique luxury hotel Halcycon House, under the tutelage of Danielle Alvarez from top Sydney restaurant Fred’s, is the ticket. The gourmet weekend will be dedicated to Alvarez’s farm-to-table approach to good food with relaxed dinners and masterclasses. Friday August 18 to Sunday August 20. Halcycon House, Cabarita Beach. Weekend packages start from: $1740 for a Classic room; $2040 for a Superior room; $2240 for an Ocean Deluxe and $2840 for a Master Suite. halcyonhouse.com.au

Off adventuring French/Italian leisure brand Moncler, founded in 1952, has arrived in Chadstone and it’s the place for the adventurous of spirit who still like to look schmick. These boots entirely encapsulate that promise. $1215. Tel: (03) 9564 7581

Sophisticated structure A boxy little bag is all one needs to sashay into the evening. With its gleaming gold hardware, the chic Petite Malle from Louis Vuitton will dress up any outfit. $6950. Tel: 1300 883 880

Rare treat Jonas Kaufmann, regarded as one of the greatest living tenors, is making his Australian operatic debut for Opera Australia, performing the titular role in Wagner’s Parsifal. It’s a work that Opera Australia artistic director Lyndon Terracini says everybody should see at least once in their lives. Conducted by Pinchas Steinberg, the Opera Australia Orchestra will join the cast on stage for the performances. August 9, 12 and 14. Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House. Tickets from $145. Tel: (02) 9318 8200

Keep warm Steady oneself against the chill with a jaunty striped scarf. This one from Acne Studios is a little collegiate and quite jolly. $318. Mr Porter

Excess all areas Power clash velvet with tartan and florals in an entirely glorious fashion as per this Gucci ensemble. Minimalism is overrated anyway. Single-breasted jacket, $4670; GG wallpaper silk twill shirt, $2030; cotton velvet skirt, $2705. Tel: 1300 442 878