Cicero once described Syracuse as “the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all,” and the Mediterranean metropolis inspires French tableware designer Arielle de Brichambaut today. Her new “Syracuse” pattern for Robert Haviland and C. Parlon contrasts hand-painted turquoise hues with 22kt gold detailing ($190–$320). The collection, like the city itself, is a timeless classic. Neimanmarcus.com

The book by Fendi titled The Whispered Directory of Craftsmanship: A Contemporary Guide to the Italian Handmaking Ability ($70) is a dedication to the artisan handiwork of Italian companies, boutiques and restaurants that have produced some of the country’s most prized products. The A-to-Z guide takes readers through the pride of Italian heritage—from Marie Brandolini d’Adda’s Murano glass factory to Capri’s bespoke sandal maker Costanzo Ruocco. It is a must for anyone traveling to Italy or for anyone who wants to better appreciate the cachet of a “Made in Italy” label. Fendi, 677 Fifth Ave., 212-759-4646

Cole Haan’s signature oxfords get a makeover for fall. The Handpainted Collection features an 11-step hand-painting process that produces gorgeous, rich colors for the women’s Stephanie Air oxford pumps ($328) and men’s Air Colton Saddle oxford ($228). Cole Haan Soho, 128 Prince St., 212-219-8240

Gucci just launched its special-edition 1921 sunglasses in celebration of the brand’s 90th birthday. The frames ($1,390) are covered in natural leather (available in cherry, beige or brown) and feature an 18kt gold plaque on the left temple engraved with G. GUCCI FIRENZE 1921. 840 Madison Ave., 212-717-2619

Olivia Palermo's satin sandal with fuchsia feathers ($425)

Stuart Weitzman joined forces with Scarlett Johansson, Hayden Panettiere, Olivia Palermo and Michelle Trachtenberg to raise money for ovarian cancer research. Each worked with Weitzman to co-design a shoe whose proceeds will benefit Marsha Moses’ ovarian cancer research at the Folkman Institute. The styles will be available in stores and online in September.

The folks at Treasure & Bond stress that the new two-story store on West Broadway in Soho is not a Nordstrom, or anything like a Nordstrom, despite its being owned by the Seattle-based company. Opening today Treasure & Bond is a charitable store that will donate 100 percent of its profits to nonprofit organizations benefiting children of New York City. More than 150 brands make up the eclectic merchandise—much of which is exclusive to Treasure & Bond, including jewelry from Akong London, bags from A.toy, Bliss Lau’s hybrid apparel-jewelry-accessory pieces, custom hats from Satya Twena and vintage eyeglasses from The Vintage Frame Company. The bazaar-like store has clothing for men, women and children as well as items for the home and small gifts.

Treasure & Bond’s very un-Nordstrom, very unfinished look of rolling racks and wood shipping crates for display may look scrappy and temporary, but it’s part of the company’s economical operation. It pinches pennies and uses hand-me-downs from Nordstrom stores to make sure as much gets to the charities as possible.The profits get distributed between two New York City-based programs each quarter. For the August-October 2011 quarter, Treasure & Bond has selected The New York Public Library Programs for Children and Young Adults and New York City’s Young Men’s Initiative. So get shopping—it’s for a good cause. 350 West Broadway, 646-669-9049

The Elements Showcase hosted its second expo this week at Skylight West. Since Frederick Bouchardy, Jeff Lawson and Ulrich Lang launched the first showcase in January 2011, it has more than doubled in size. More than 80 emerging and established brands were there to show off the latest in niche fragrances, personal care and home ambiance. Tea scents reigned. From candles to perfumes, tea in all its varieties could be found in many designers’ brews.

Anthousa has a Parisian White Tea candle and diffuser set that balances white tea with wild lilies and meyer lemon. Newcomer Atelier Cologne has a collection of six citrus fragrances including Oolang Infini, a full-bodied scent that captures blue tea and bergamot with hints of smoke and leather. Belle Fleur, which is launching soaps in November, has a line of home fragrances that includes an ethereal White Orchid Tea, which blends orchids, peonies and Asian bergamot with green tea leaves. Joya’s black porcelain candles and reed diffusers come in four scents, one of which is Gunpowder Green Tea, a blend of shiso tea leaves, mint, cape jasmine, lily and Sicilian lemon. Candlemaker Cire Trudon has a refreshing Moroccan Mint Tea and heady Tea and Vetiver scent. The Hype Noses’ Thé & Kimono candle smells precisely like a fresh brewed pot of strong black Japanese tea. Jacomo’s #8 goes a little sweeter by evoking Massala chai with black tea mixed with milk, cinnamon and cardamom.

On the beauty end there was a strong bend towards organic and natural products, including beautifully packaged bath and beauty goods by Ursa Major, Susanne Kaufmann, Tay, Absolution, and Mayron’s Goods. Other notable launches at the showcase included Blood Concept, a line of unisex fragrances based on the four blood types, and Caron Paris’ highly anticipated women’s fragrance L’Accord Code 119 and men’s Yuzu Man.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Silk scarf ($280), billfold wallet ($310), carryall ($545), tie ($140)

The late British sculptor Henry Spencer Moore recently became a source of inspiration for Paul Smith. The designer, in collaboration with the Henry Moore Foundation, sampled Moore’s drawings for his Fall 2011 collection. Scarves, ties, dresses, jacket linings, bags and wallets all got the Moore touch. Smith has said this is the first time a contemporary designer has been granted permission to use Moore’s drawings on clothing. The Paul Smith & Henry Moore collection is now available in Paul Smith stores, with each piece accompanied by a swing ticket relating to the original print. 108 Fifth Ave., 212-627-9770

Barbara Barry’s design philosophy is that living simply with quality is the highest form of luxury. The credo holds true in her newest collection for Baker. “I wanted to create the feeling of stepping into a beautiful painting where the summation of the elements come together in a composition that feels balanced and inviting,” says Barry. The 62-piece line includes soft neutral furnishings, tabletop trimmings in watery tints of pale gemstone hues and lighting in opulent materials ranging from white onyx to gold leaf. Baker Tribeca, 129-133 Hudson St., 212-343-2956

Tucked away in the back of Double Crown restaurant is Madam Geneva, a bar that boasts more than 40 bottles of artisanal gin. Its signature concoction is the jam cocktail—a refreshing, not-too-sweet drink that features fruits, spices and herbs at their seasonal peak. (Mixologist Laura Lashley demostrates how to make one here.) The preserves are made in-house at the bar, but jams from the local farmers’ market make a great substitute when making these drinks at home. Right now Madam Geneva is highlighting the summer flavors of blueberry rosemary, lemon black pepper and strawberry ginger, and in keeping with the bar’s prohibition style there is also a secret jam for Gotham readers upon request (it’s plum vanilla right now, but changes every two weeks). Madam Geneva, 4 Bleecker St., 212-254-0350

Madam Geneva’s Jam Cocktail
2 ounce Beefeater Gin
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
1 ounce simple syrup
Ice
Spoonful of jam of choice

Toss the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and a cup of ice into a shaker and shake briskly. Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice and top with a spoonful of jam. Gradually stir in jam to taste.