A List of Useful Recommendations — May 2026

Gertrude Stein said beauty is beauty even when it is irritating and stimulating — not only when it is accepted and classic. For May, we are drawn to things with that quality: purposeful, considered, and each beautiful in their own way.

— The Adidas Tokyo Mary Jane is based on an archive model designed for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

— How many tote bags is too many? The Cottage Tote by Kallmeyer is made in Italy and holds everything.

— Ottolenghi’s roasted pistachio and sour cherry ripple is the most delicious (and chic) supermarket ice cream. Serve in a retro Italian ice cup for a zero-effort dessert that will delight dinner guests.

— Olivia Simorré hand makes jewellery using found antique spoons, her label La Caterina finds new meaning in objects that have already had a life and carry a cultural memory.

— Eliana Gil Rodriguez studied political science before a decade at American Apparel. The Lou Pant is the logical conclusion — utility without waste and the kind of thing you reach for without thinking.

— Ilia Limitless Lash is a clean mascara with arginine and biotin to strengthen lashes. Ideal for modern, subtle definition: curl first with Surratt Relevée, then apply to the top lashes only.

— Deborah Levy’s latest fiction My Year in Paris with Gertrude Stein follows a woman in Paris trying to write about Stein, the godmother of modernism and mentor to Picasso, Hemingway and Fitzgerald. Stein lived in Paris with her lifelong partner Alice B. Toklas, who ran their legendary weekly gatherings on the Rue de Fleurus. A book about what we have to lose to become modern.

— A patchwork cushion from Luna Del Pinal — founded by two former JW Anderson and Christopher Kane designers who travelled to Guatemala to learn ancient backstrap weaving. Clothes and homeware made the same way. Each piece different.

— “Kallmeyer doesn’t shout. It introduces itself, and you’ll meet us when it’s time.” We love how founder Daniella Kallmeyer presents tailoring — worn here with a casual 90s ankle-length skirt and flip flop, the contrast does everything.

— The Chan Luu Chloe tunic floats in sheer silk chiffon with black sequins. Discovered on Vestige, a Patter favourite store, with an inspired curation of pieces.

— Azur pieces are hand pleated by two sisters in a hundred-year-old Marseille workshop, naturally plant dyed in organic silk. Pack it, crumple it, arrive in it. The dress does the rest.

— The Muji Nylon Mesh Organiser is a system for the things you need most, picked up and dropped between bags without thinking. Functional, transparent, exactly the colour it should be. It’s the kind of object Muji does better than anyone.

— Alaïa built a reputation on understanding the body rather than dressing it. These sunglasses are made in Italy and constructed to frame the face with architectural precision.

— The Lemaire Tong Sandal is exactly the right height. This is the kind of shoe that makes everything above it look more considered.

— A baggy denim short with cargo pockets gets interesting with a clean jumper and good flat.

— Minimal and compact, this beautifully designed espresso machine from Swiss brand Zuriga is small enough to sit on an A4 footprint. Handmade in Zurich.

— An everyday no-mirror required balm that behaves like a lipstick. Westman Atelier’s new HydroBalm uses hyaluronic acid, ceramides, seaweed extract and shea butter to refresh, and enhance your lips.

—  Proven to fade hyperpigmentation, restore radiance and fortify the skin barrier — the Lesse Ritual Serum is 100% organic, built from acerola vitamin C, turmeric, rosehip and camellia. Founder Neada Deters created it because nothing else worked, and it remains her most essential formula.