Aug 1 to 7

People, places and things on our hot list this week.

We used to think space was for nerds. Then we saw a shuttle launch at Cape Canaveral that literally rocked our world, and so it was hard for us not to get excited over the recent 40th anniversary of the moon landing. We might not have had the courage to go public with our geek selves if it hadn't been for Louis Vuitton, which is launching a campaign in conjunction with the anniversary featuring three astronauts: Buzz Aldrin, the second man to set foot on the moon; Jim Lovell, the commander of Apollo 13; and Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. Annie Leibovitz photographed them on a high plateau of the California desert at night, looking up at the moon, and if you go to www.louisvuittonjourneys.com, you can witness them chatting with each other about their experiences by choosing from various camera angles. Our eyes teared up hearing these great yet humble members of a very exclusive club share their observations about what it's like to be in space - Aldrin calls it "magnificent desolation", while Lovell marvels at how he could cover Earth with his thumb. Style note: Fittingly, Leibovitz's photo features Vuitton's Icare travel bag in Monogram canvas, which is an allusion to the mythical figure Icarus. Now if only Marc Jacobs would get to work on designing some space suits in preparation for a fashionable future in another world.

We all want to channel master chefs in the kitchen, but sadly cooking isn't everyone's natural talent. This lucky wish-bone charm by Dogeared makes a nice housewarming gift for all those lonely bachelors/bachelorettes in the UAE looking to strive for something beyond a life of eating out of takeaway containers. The wish that comes with it: "Make a wish and hang this kitchen blessing. Wish for all the wonderful things to come, from delicious meals to the burnt-to-a-crisp ones, may your kitchen be a place for you and your loved ones to laugh, grow, create, learn and love!" Dh265, Luxecouture, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 04 423 0633

These days we're piling pearls around our necks like Rihanna on the red carpet, so this necklace by Babylon Sister adds nicely to our collection. Dress it up with a little black dress, or down with a white T-shirt and jeans. Either way, Audrey would be proud. Dh440, S*uce, Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, 02 681 8651

Dolce & Gabbana's travel case is sleek, simple and perfect for men on the move: there is now no excuse for fishing out your things from the bottom of your suitcase or storing them in a plastic bag. The waterproof case is made with quality leather handles, so you can hang it up, too. Dh780, Saks Fifth Avenue Men's, The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence, 04 435 5681

It takes a rare talent to go to Venice and say something new and amusing; Geoff Dyer does just that with Jeff In Venice, Death In Varanasi. The narrator, a 40-something journalist, nicknamed "Junket Jeff", who is bored with his job but either unwilling or unable to do anything else visits the Biennale modern art exhibition. As well as downing Bellinis, he meets a lovely young American girl and, with echoes of Thomas Mann's Death In Venice, falls in love. In the second half of the book, the unnamed narrator, possibly Jeff again, finds inspiration in Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges. Sexy and spiritual, smart and very funny, the heat bounces off the pages, making this the perfect summer read. Dh85, Kinokuniya, Dubai Mall, 04 434 0111