TBT to 14 June 2015: Post magazine fashion shoot with Olivier.

Incredible shoot in Post magazine by the amazing Olivier Yoan Passebecq Buyse!

To get this done... a lottttt went on behind the scenes. TBT to 2015

Shot in Hong Kong, Olivier made it look like we had the budget to shoot somewhere exotic.. 

The full shoot is up at SCMP.Com 

Some of the shots and outtakes are in the archive here.

 

School of Style: Post Magazine Fashion shoot with the Best of Menswear: French Photographer Olivier Yoan

Post magazine does a shoot every Sunday... 

Can't remember a time when I've seen a better shoot by this incredible team:
 
Photography & Art Direction: Olivier Yoan
Styling: Cheryl Leung
Hair: Tristan Waikong
Make-up: Karen Yiu
Models: Vadim, Adrien and Timur at Models Genesis accompanied by Jean Gorguet 
 

A Star is Reborn: Sridevi

Fifteen years after she stepped out of the spotlight to focus on her family, Indian film star Sridevi returns with a new movie. P.Ramakrishnan meets the Bollywood legend.

Queen, housewife, journalist, nurse, mystical snake-woman, princess, bandit, goddess, secretary, mad woman, fallen angel, police officer, drug addict, wannabe pop star, dancer, singer, embittered first wife, chief executive, Afghan tribal leader,  falsely implicated drug smuggler and streetwalker – Sridevi has been them all.

Star of  more than 200 Indian films (in five languages) and a member of the haloed pantheon of Bollywood celebrities, Sridevi is a larger-than-life figure.  She had done it all on-screen by the age of 34. With beguiling, sari-clad ease, she’d sung and danced, grieved and raged and cried and laughed on the big screen. As a child star – she won her first award before she was a teen – to a leading lady and screen icon, her cinematic journey was marked with box-office triumph, record-making paychecks and trophies galore.

Then she took a break – for 15 years.

WITH  A TEAR ROLLING down her cheek and a quivering smile, Sridevi faced a 10-minute standing ovation after the premiere of  her comeback film,  English Vinglish, at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 14. At the event, her glistening  Sabyasachi  Mukherjee sari ranked her alongside  best-dressed celebrities Zac Efron, Penelope Cruz and Monica Bellucci – and that was before she brought her most potent weapons to bear.

Sridevi at the Toronto International Film Festival. Sept 14, 2012

“Those eyes – when she looks at you, you sort of get lost,” says writer and director  Gauri Shinde, who yanked Sridevi out of her self-imposed retirement. “As a woman, I  [was affected], I can’t imagine what it does to men.

“Meeting Sridevi the first time was surreal. Is this true? Is this happening? I felt like I was in the middle of  Requiem for a Dream, not sure what was real and unreal. I sat there and just watched her.  And she looks like a diva-movie star in her natural state. She was at home in blue jeans and a shirt. She had no make-up on, her youngest daughter was running around. She has this lovely, luminous skin and the most gorgeous, heart-breaking eyes…”

Heart-breaking indeed.  Oscar nominee and  Midnight’s Children director Deepa Mehta, who ran into Sridevi at the  festival where both their films were being screened the same week, tweeted: “There is something very poignant, heart-breaking about a megastar making a comeback after eons.”

Shinde flinches at the word “comeback”: “Oh that expression means nothing to me. The movie was never a vehicle to bring anyone back. My husband [producer/director  R. Balki] was in conversation with Sridevi’s husband,  Boney Kapoor, and casually mentioned that I was working on my first film. Sridevi overheard and was intrigued by the story. She asked to meet me.”

With a background in  advertising, Shinde wrote and directed a slew of  minute-long ads in Mumbai before she took a break and flew to New York to study film.  Her first short,  Oh Man! (2001), was screened at the  Berlin International Film Festival. Her latest script, written in 2008, was penned  without a specific actor in mind.

“My first full-length feature film, with the most famous Indian actress alive – who thinks like that?” laughs Shinde, pulling back copious curls. “I’m certainly not that optimistic. I feel everything fell into place by some miracle, from my DOP [director of photography], music director, crew and cast – that includes  Mehdi Nebbou [seen in  Steven  Spielberg’s Munich and  Ridley Scott’s Body of Lies], I can’t imagine this movie without them. The script   I had written, shooting that in cinematic New York, in Pune, where I grew up, in Mumbai, where I work, it was all a waking dream come true.”

“The script made me want to do the film, and, of course, Gauri,” says Sridevi,  when I grab a few minutes with her at the  JW Marriott hotel in Mumbai. She has just finished a workout and  stands before me in a tracksuit. Her hair pulled back in a tight ponytail, her unmade-up skin showing few signs of her  49 years. She’s soft-spoken, notably shy, yet easy to smile.  And when she looks at me, I know immediately what Shinde was talking about when she mentioned those eyes …

I zone back in and ask about the reasons behind the 15-year break.

“When I had my daughters, I didn’t want to miss out on anything, so I took a break,” says Sridevi.  “I didn’t want to miss their first words, their first walk, by being on a set while the nannies took care of them. Because of my children, I didn’t miss the industry, not even a little bit.

“But I didn’t think I’d be away for so long. When Gauri gave me the script to read, I loved it. I could relate to it – so I did it. Had she come to me four or five years ago, I would have said yes then, too.”

Born to  Ayyappan and Rajeshwari in  Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu,  Sridevi was first cast in a Tamil film  at the age of four. One film led to another and  her  career as a formidable child artiste grew as she appeared in a spate of South Indian films. National recognition came a little later. Solva Saawan  (Sweet Sixteen; 1979),  her first  Hindi film, tanked  at the box office and Sridevi was happy to never do a  Bollywood  movie again. She’s often said she hated doing the film as she didn’t understand Hindi.  Years later, she gave Bollywood another try. With her voice dubbed by another artist (she learned Hindi years later), she exploded into the national consciousness in  Himmatwala (The Brave One, 1983).

So much has changed in the  15 years  she has been away from an industry that centres on the young, the new and  the endless parade of beauty queens and models with limited acting skills.  In her second act, will the audience find Sridevi as appealing as they did when  temples were created in her name? The premise of  English Vinglish is unlike any  of those that are garnering millions at the box office in India, or  elsewhere, where action-packed flicks and inane, slapstick comedies have been  filling cash registers.

And then, there’s the age factor.  As  Meryl Streep famously said in Vogue after having been offered three parts as a witch: “Once women passed childbearing age … they could only be seen as grotesque on some level.”

When Sridevi left the industry she was pregnant with her first child   and had seen the song and dance numbers peter out. She had been nominated for best actress at the Filmfare Awards – the Indian equivalent of the Oscars – consecutively for five years  and the critically acclaimed film  Lamhe (Moments, 1991) had garnered her nearly every major award, although the box office had not been kind.

If Shinde’s anxious about  ticket sales, though, she shows no sign of it.

“It’s been a blessing that I’ve not had a moment to think about opening weekend box-office figures,” Shinde says. “There’s always a modus operandi in the media to work a phrase into a film: it’s a ‘women’s picture’ – which it isn’t; I’m no feminist, neither is my film – it’s not a ‘comeback film’ – which is such an easy slot to pigeonhole this into – and I certainly don’t think about whether the movie will make a 100 million. I honestly haven’t thought about it as we’ve been working day and night to meet deadlines, firstly to send the final cut to Canada for the film festival, then simultaneously, as the movie is being made in regional languages, we’ve had launches and premieres in different states in India, so all that has to be overseen.

“Thankfully, my husband is Tamilian, he’s been going over all the details for the [southern] states in India.  We’ve not forgotten that Sridevi is one of the last pan-Indian stars. She’s a familiar face everywhere by the sheer volume of films she’s done.”

In English Vinglish, a linguistically challenged housewife,  Shashi (Sridevi), is  married to an educated patriarch  (stage actor Adil Hussain), who is condescending about his wife’s English. A family wedding takes Shashi to New York, where she’s traumatised by the overwhelming city and its foreign cacophony. Encouraged by her niece, she takes up English tuition, joining a class of immigrants.

Having been the leading lady in five regional languages, Sridevi  says, “I’ve always had a problem with language – so when I did this film, I could relate to it instantly. I’m not fluent in any [she says with a laugh].

“My directors used to call me a parrot,” she said in an interview with CNN. “I’d retain the dialogue, emote what was necessary, but I didn’t know what I was saying in the beginning when I did films in Kannada, Malayalam and even in Hindi in the 1980s. Now I’m better but …”

A comedy of errors and miscommunication aside, the film is a gentle probe into class structure, alienation, fear and embarrassment brought on by a world that speaks a common language – but where the lead protagonist doesn’t.

“My mother’s the inspiration and starting point for the film,” Shinde says. “She’s a businesswoman and always felt had she been fluent or at ease with English, she would have prospered much more.  She thinks the film’s about her – but it really isn’t. There’s no Frenchman in her life who comes  and whisks her around New York. She’s happily staying put in Pune.”

How did the Frenchman, played by Nebbou, who is used to working in understated American and European films, feel about his love interest?

“He, like most of our cast, was in awe of our leading lady – my husband calls her the ‘hero’ of the film,”  Shinde says. “Sridevi has this awesome way of being completely true to her character on-screen and then she just switches back to being herself when the scene’s done.   She’s very shy and  keeps to herself, mostly. Well, she did originally and most of the crew – many of us who grew up watching her – were in awe of her. But she made the effort to put her co-stars at ease.”

As the late  photographer  Gautam Rajadhyaksha, who had known Sridevi from her first few Hindi films,  once said: “There are two Sridevis. Two people as different from each other as you can imagine, leading quite separate lives, who never seem to meet even though they inhabit the same body. I first met the off-screen Sridevi. She’s shy, unsure, awkward, an almost simple-looking girl who  talks in barely audible murmurs. Then, there is the screen Sridevi, who appears as if by magic the minute you switch on the  arc lights. She’s a sensuous seductress capable of unblocking your abused arteries with one look from her smouldering eyes.

“No matter how she saps my energy and spontaneity with her obsession for perfection, the Adrenalin spurts back the moment she turns to face the camera.”

At the Toronto  festival, co-star  Adil Hussain said: “Having worked on stage for years, I’m not in awe of stars. When I heard I had to work with her, I thought, ‘Good, she’s a good actor.’ But the one time I was nervous,  was during a scene near the end of the film  when I had to dance with her.” Hussain   covers his eyes with his hands. “Dance with the Sridevi. That day I was full of doubt.”

Says Shinde: “She  doesn’t live in the past, there are no affectations, she’s supremely  … normal. She’s just so calm and collected.”

The film itself has a patina that’s more Westernised than the glitz and glam of  the average Hindi movie. The director’s proclivity for independent films as opposed to mainstream, song-and-dance flicks, is visible  in the trailer.

“I think my film is not ‘filmy’ … Despite having such a glamorous mainstream actress, I didn’t want to fall into that trap. We kept it   suited to her character, there’s no big ‘item’ song number, and this is despite the many people who told us that you can’t have a film with a dancing diva and not make her dance. But I listened to no one. You’ve got to have conviction in your own story, what’s right for her character, it’s pitched that way. There are no jokes per se, there’s no slapstick, there’s humour, drama, emotion, romance, it’s all there, but it’s subtle.

“It’s a different masala.”

English Vinglish is showing on October 5 and 6th at Chinachem Golden Plaza Cinema, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Shows: 9.30pm
Tickets: HK$120 - HK$180
Tel: Morning Star: 2368 2947



NOTES: Have written for Post magazine for years, my first cover story and that too with my fav subject in the world; Sridevi. Every teenage dream of mine came true.

Got a note from Shobhaa De, author and a power-that-be at Penguin India, to write Sridevi's biography. Hmm. Something to think about in 2013...

An archive of other interviews and features of mine with B'wood actors:

Hrithik Roshan, The Master's Apprentice 

Aishwarya Rai: Hooray for Bollywood

Abhishek Bachchan: Heir and Graces 

Priyanka Chopra: My Life 

Sushmita Sen: Universal Appeal 

Amazing to see Sridevi on the cover of Hong Kong's largest circulated magazine (in English). South China Morning Post's weekend magazinee, Post magazine.

UPDATE: Note from Gauri Shinde below. I die! =0)

Behind the label: Maria Grazia Baldan

Who started it? From her hometown of Udine, in northeastern Italy, Maria Grazia Baldan relocated to Milan to work as the Italian agent for American costume jeweller Kenneth Lane. Working from a small office in the city, she began creating pastel-coloured floral bangles. The galalite bracelets were a huge success and she launched her eponymous label in Sardinia in 1980. Using antique pieces, corals, imperial jades, ivory and coins found on frequent visits to China, she started assembling unusual designs, selling them at her small store in Via Fiori Chiari, in the charming Brera neighbourhood of Milan. In 1995, the shop moved to its current space, in Via Tivoli, also in Brera. Travelling between her Milan store and the Porto Rotondo shop in Sardinia, Baldan continues to make vintage-inspired pieces....


P. Ramakrishnan
May 13, 2012

New on the Block: Balmain

Balmain has opened the gilt-edged doors of its first Hong Kong store. The Paris-based luxury label had been available at Joyce, Swank and Lane Crawford, but the couture house's store can now be found in Harbour City....


P. Ramakrishnan
May 13, 2012

Behind the Label: Eddie Borgo

Who started it? Jewellery designer Eddie Borgo, a longtime favourite of noted fashion stylists Tabitha Simmons and Camilla Nickerson, launched his first collection just over two years ago. Borgo, who has collaborated with designers such as Marchesa and Phillip Lim, combines punk influences and urban architecture-inspired shapes, making him a favourite among today's hip young things.

Why we love it: the architectural, geometric pieces are edgy and have a mystical vibe, which appeals to the likes of Alexa Chung, Blake Lively, Diane Kruger, Rihanna and Victoria Beckham, and are often seen in editorial fashion shoots.

What we'd pick: the bow-pendant (above; HK$10,790) is beautiful and we are loving the chunky, gunmetal-plated, crystal cone bracelet (left; HK$9,990), both of which are versatile enough to match any look.

Where can you get it? Eddie Borgo is available at Lane Crawford, IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2118 2288.

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan
April 22, 2012

Behind the Label: Yael Sonia

Who started it? American Yael Sonia established her jewellery label in 1997, at her studio/showroom in Sao Paulo, Brazil. In 2002, her intricate Spinning Wheel necklace won the Tahitian Pearl Trophy of International Jewellery Design, and she has continued the toy-inspired theme with the Spinning Top, Perpetual Motion, and Kite collections. The designs elicited rave reviews from fashion magazines such as Vogue, W and In Style. Sonia now has her own boutique on Madison Avenue in New York, the city in which she grew up.

Why we love it: inspired by art of kinetic energy, Sonia's jewellery has a "sculptural allure" that led one critic to label her pieces "mini-feats of jewellery engineering". Rolling spheres, swinging pen-dulums and spinning tops incorporate gemstones that are free to move within their settings. There's a consistently playful element to Sonia's work, bringing a sense of fun to some serious bling. Prices range from HK$8,000 for diamond earrings and other small trinkets, to more than HK$1 million for Tahitian pearl necklaces.

What we'd pick: the reverse-fit rectangle earrings (above; starting at HK$8,000) and the spinning top pendant (below; HK$59,280).

Where can you get it? The brand's latest collection will be available from April 20 at AME Gallery, 12/F, Tin On Shing Commercial Building, 41 Graham Street, Central, tel: 3564 8066; or visit www.yaelsonia.com.br.

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan
April 22, 2012

New on the block: Seed Heritage

For Hong Kong yummy mummies, and some severely fashionable tots, Seed will be an all-too familiar name. Seed Heritage, on the other hand, may not be.

The childrenswear and womenswear collections of the Australian brand are combined under that name, in the comfortable surrounds of stores in Queen's Road Central and The Peninsula hotel, both of which opened in January.

Launched in 2000 as a childrenswear store only, head designer Karla Fitzpatrick introduced a womenswear collection back in 2008.

"My design aesthetic is simple and graphic, with a strong focus on colour and print," says Fitzpatrick, "I like my collections to communicate a sense of fun, with relaxed, bohemian styling."

The stores have a warm and homely vibe and stock affordable casual clothing (T-shirts cost from HK$385 while dresses range from HK$385 to HK$1,895).

Sold from more than 75 outlets around the world as well as through an online store, the clothes' modern yet conservative quality is clearly a winner.

Seed Heritage is at 41 Queen's Road Central tel: 2577 0721; and The Peninsula hotel, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2721 4638.

April 1, 2012
Byline: P. Ramakrishnan

Behind the Label: Imogen Belfield

Who started it? Imogen Belfield is a jewellery graduate from London Metropolitan University. Having interned under the aegis of renowned jeweller Shaun Leane, Belfield branched out with her own brand of experimental jewellery. Inspired by nature and architecture, she uses hand-carving techniques on textured metals such as gilded bronze, silver and gold. Belfield has won some heavy metal of her own, with prizes from the British Jewellers' Association, The Goldsmiths' Company and The South Square Trust. Having showcased her work at London's Business Design Centre, Coutts London Jewellery Week, and London and Paris Fashion weeks, she has developed a following among the famed and the fortuned. In 2010, she won the New Designers One Year On Award.

Why we love it: because it's a return to nature, but with a heavy metal vibe. No wonder Belfield's unusual pieces have been donned by the catwalk divas of Alexander McQueen, with whom she collaborated for a one-off collection.

What we'd pick: for their quirkiness, the anchor-like pendant in gold (above right; HK$3,880), the honeycomb ring (above left; HK$4,850) and the eye-mask shaped bracelet (top; HK$3,280).

Where can you get it? Imogen Belfield is available at Russell Street in Central (10c Aberdeen Street, tel: 2815 3839) and Wan Chai (6 St Francis Yard, tel: 2866 0800). Go to www.russell-street.com for details.

April 1, 2012
Byline: P. Ramakrishnan

Out shopping

A fine vintage

This season's bright and easy collection from American Vintage fuses high-fashion silhouettes with accessible prices. The green jacket (above; HK$860) stands out but the sun-kissed orange top (left; HK$1,295) just about exemplifies the label's philosophy of "purity, lightness, femininity". American Vintage is in IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2234 7859.

Head for the heels

Kick into high gear this season with a pair of Jimmy Choos. For a touch of golden luxury, there's the Vivian sandal (far right; HK$8,090), or for something a little wilder, there's the leopard-print Gail sandal (right; HK$10,200). Jimmy Choo is in The Landmark, Central, tel: 2525 6068.

An oval idea

Once the pride of the Russian elite, Fabergé is now available the world over, albeit for a notable price. The artist-jeweller's latest pendant collection includes the stunning gold and diamond studded Oeuf Cadeau (above left; HK$81,250), the piercing Oeuf Impératrice Bleu (above; HK$206,000) and the charming Oeuf Matelassé Empereur Diamants (above right; HK$112,000). Fabergé is available at Lane Crawford, 3 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2118 3428.

From the heart

Created by the designer at childrenswear label Bonpoint, and with a name that means "being in love" in Italian, we're indeed loving the feminine ensembles by Innamorato. The white and orange print dress (left; HK$4,090) is chic and fun while the long olive dress (above; also HK$4,090) moves beautifully when worn. Innamorato is available at Rue Madame, Lee Gardens Two, Causeway Bay, tel: 2972 2021.

April 8, 2012

Red alert


These are the ruby slippers Dorothy might wear if she were to negotiate the yellow-brick road today. The red satin heels (above; HK$3,900) are by Badgley Mischka and are available at Harvey Nichols, The Landmark, Central, tel: 3695 3388.

Parisian dolls

Celebrating its 10th year in the business, Paul & Joe (named after designer Sophie Albou's sons) is keeping it simple this season. The baby-doll look of the Talence dress (above; HK$7,035) is easy to wear, while the trench coat (right; HK$9,030), worn over the Calme dress (HK$7,680) and with peep-toe heels (HK$4,500), has a certain Parisian je ne sais quoi about it. Paul & Joe is in Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, tel: 2523 3866.

Perfect timing

If you've ever found yourself lamenting that there aren't enough hours in the day, New York-based designer Phillip Lim appears to have heard you. His 31 Hour Bag, available in brown and black (right) and black and white (below; HK$8,590 each), was designed with today's busy woman in mind, with its cavernous interior and multiple pockets. 3.1 Phillip Lim is in Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2113 0311.

Simply Posh

There's no denying Victoria Beckham's sartorial selection is on point these days. The Victoria Beckham Denim Line is great for its simple aesthetics. We love the cut of the navy striped top (below; HK$1,220) and the multicolour blocking of the layered vest (left; HK$1,690). Victoria Beckham is available at Russell Street, 6 St Francis Yard, Wan Chai, tel: 2866 0800.

April 1, 2012

April 2012, The Goods

In stitches
Prada's latest handmade collection of shoes is, in a word, perfection. We love the black slip-on boot (below; HK$9,900), and for something a bit more fun, the all-white tasselled leather loafers (below right; HK$8,900). The Prada Milano Handmade Collection is available exclusively at Prada, Alexandra House, Central, tel: 2522 2989.

Jean therapy
True Religion has blessed us with its latest collection of designer denims in a multitude of shades. We are loving the summer blues of the Logan Trials End jeans (below left; HK$3,350). For something a little darker, there's the Bobby-Blue Grass version (below right; HK$2,790). True Religion is in IFC Mall, Central, tel: 3101 0734.

Making a spectacle
Geeks looking for something chic should consider American Eagle Outfitters' matte-black shades (right; HK$150) or, if you're the more outgoing type, there's a pink floral pair (below; also HK$150). American Eagle Outfitters is in Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2730 6939.

Above: Calvin Klein Jeans. 

Test shoot with Mathew T. 

Blazing a trail
Sarah Burton's menswear designs for Alexander McQueen are setting fire to the catwalk this season, with outfits such as the fiery jacket (HK$47,900) and matching shirt (both above left; HK$9,500). And why pick just a stripe when you can look great mixing it with checks, as seen on the black and white jacket (HK$22,000), trousers (HK$6,500) and tee (all above; HK$4,500)? Alexander McQueen is available at Lane Crawford, IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2118 2288.

April 22, 2012

Fit for a king
For flawless Italian tailoring, Canali is a mecca for the modern dandy. The brand's latest collection includes the dreamy print jacket (left; HK$16,000), with a black satin lining, and trendy accessories such as the suede messenger bag (below; HK$20,000), with rope-leather straps. Canali is in Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 1745.

Heavenly handbags
Longchamp's men's accessories range may pale in comparison to its vast collection for women, but fans from both sides of the fence will love the French brand's chic leather totes. The Le Pliage Cuir in navy (above left; HK$4,600) and the Balzane Toile bag (above right; HK$4,600) in beige have just arrived in stores. Longchamp is in The Landmark, Central, tel: 2523 6121.

From Brussels with love
Nathalie Bouhana - a former knitwear designer at Hermes, Salvatore Ferragamo and Jean Paul Gaultier - is known for impeccably cut jumpers, cardigans and blazers in rich fabrics under her Belgian brand, Chauncey. We are big fans of the three-button knit blazer (left; HK$3,950) and the nautical-inspired long-sleeved crew-neck knit top (far left; HK$2,480). Chauncey is available at Kapok, 5 St Francis Yard, Wan Chai, tel: 2549 9254.

Cool character
Turning the silly into stylish, a group of Hong Kong celebrities have created the "Disney Collection by Giordano", which showcases their take on Mickey Mouse. The Simply Me range was created by Canto-pop stars Khalil Fong Dai-tung, Fiona Sit Hoi-kei, Chau Pakho, Shiga Lin and punk band Dear Jane. We are particularly tickled by the funky range of T-shirts (above; HK$160 each). The collection is available at Giordano's flagship store, Manson House, 74 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2746 4668.

April 15, 2012

Picture perfect

We've always loved the ease and accessibility of the menswear lines at Club Monaco, and the brand's spring-summer accessories, such as the Charles cotton woven belts (below right; HK$690 each) are no exception. In addition, the brand's recent collaboration with photographer Tommy Ton for a capsule collection of unisex bags has gained a loyal following, and with the stylish lines of the Tommy Ton messenger bag (right; HK$2,250), it's easy to see why. Club Monaco is at 16 Queen's Road Central, tel: 2118 2987.

Steal the scene
It takes a certain amount of pluck to rock a complete outfit by Dolce & Gabbana. The brand's long-sleeved T-shirt (HK$2,300) worn with the brown, diaphanous, net leather jumpsuit (HK$56,900), accompanied by a matching pair of brown leather net shoes (all above; HK$6,300) are definitely for the more daring among us. For something a little more restrained, there's the dark green shirt (HK$3,900) and charcoal leather trousers (both left; HK$31,000). D&G is in Alexandra House, Central, tel: 2877 5558.

Spring in your step

Known for super comfortable shoes, Ecco has launched a great mix of trendy and traditional footwear for spring-summer. We like the sombre Windsor black leather shoe (below; HK$2,299) for its polished refinement, while the Roadstar trainer (right; HK$1,499) is a more chilled-out choice for weekends. Ecco shoes are available at IFC Mall, Central, tel: 3151 7973.

Preppy pride

Casual simplicity has great appeal, especially when it comes to summer menswear. Jet 8, a menswear subsidiary of ST Dupont, has nailed the look with its striped polo shirts (above; HK$890 each). The range is available at Harvey Nichols, Pacific Place, tel: 3968 2668.

April 8, 2012

Tee time

Forget casual T-shirts this summer and go for something a little quirky, such as C'N'C Costume National's two-toned white and grey-blue shirt (below left; HK$4,300) or the half-fringed, denim shirt (below right; HK$3,950). C'N'C Costume National is in Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2506 0700.

Sun kissed

Trust the house of Hermes to brighten men's summer accessories, with its polished leather goods, such as the selection of men's wallets (bottom; HK$3,400 each). Furthermore, the ties in bright print (left; HK$1,780) are enough to perk up any suit. Hermes is in Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2522 6229.

Reboot

As basketball season hits sports-bar screens across Hong Kong, we predict a shocking rise in casual accessories being rebooted in bold colours. First off the mark is Reebok and its trainer in bright primary colours with black (left; HK$1,299). Reebok is available at Lane Crawford, IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2118 2288.

Suit success

Brioni has a range of menswear that's summer light and summer bright. For just the right hint of lavender, we love its semi-casual look, with a polo shirt (far left; HK$3,995), a matching pocket square (HK$1,095), lined jacket (HK$34,995) and slim white trousers (HK$4,895). For a more genteel sheen, there's the suave and swarthy look of the classic blue jacket (left; HK$45,995), shirt (HK$4,895) and tie (HK$2,195). Don't forget the matching pocket square (HK$1,095). Brioni at The Swank is in The Landmark, Central, tel: 2810 0769.

April 1, 2012 


UPDATE

American Eagle in Hong Kong.

March 2012, The Goods

The Daks man

For the perfect smart-casual outfit, see Daks' dark jacket (HK$7,190), blue shirt (HK$2,290), scarf (HK$2,990), beige trousers (HK$2,390) and belt (all above; HK$1,590). We also like the casual chic ensemble of white jumper (HK$3,390), checked shirt (HK$2,550), shorts (HK$2,650), belt (HK$1,590) and Panama hat (all right; HK$3,690). Daks is in Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, tel: 2196 8151.

Strapping lad

Already a favourite among women, Sergio Rossi also has an incredible men's collection. As beach weather approaches, we're going gaga for the label's leather-strap sandals (left; HK$5,750). Sergio Rossi is in Pacific Place, tel: 2918 0872.

Smart moves

Alberto Guardiani's beautiful styles have come to Hong Kong from Florence, Italy, and we're loving the signature loafers (below; HK$4,395 a pair). Available in six colours - black, navy blue, dark brown, grey, green and sand - the shoes epitomise the polished look of fine Italian craftsmanship. Alberto Guardiani is available at The Swank, The Landmark, Central, tel: 2810 0769.

Bright sparks

Not one for subtlety, Versace's spring line is a return to vintage 1980s form with Grecian prints and fluorescent colours. Get an eyeful of the silk print shirt (HK$12,000) and matching jeans (both below left; HK$9,600). Another outfit that's hard to miss is the camp pink jacket (HK$16,800) with matching shirt (HK$4,200) and bright orange jeans (all below right; HK$4,000). Versace is in Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 1008.

March 25, 2012

Down the country road

If you can't escape the city, let these signature pieces from MCS Marlboro Classics bring the country to you. For some respite from the sun, grab the fedora hat (below; HK$1,190). The plush, leather bag (below right; HK$4,590), on the other hand, would make a good weekender. MCS Marlboro Classics is in iSquare, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2971 3847.

Touch of the blues

Whatever your tastes, Kent & Curwen has an outfit to suit, ranging from the conservative to the colourful and everything else in between. For casual cool, there's the blue windbreaker (HK$5,900) with striped polo T-shirt (HK$2,200) and white lightweight golf trousers (all far left; HK$2,300). For something more formal, there's the blue window pane and gingham jacket (HK$7,500) with pale blue khakis (HK$2,800) and light blue dress shirt (all left; HK$1,900). Kent & Curwen is in IFC Mall, tel: 2234 7373.

College cool

For the young, and young at heart, looking for casual clothes with a university vibe, British brand Jack Wills has just the thing. The brand's striped scarves (HK$490 each), which come in navy and white, or navy, yellow and red, are a quick and easy way to perk up any ensemble. Jack Wills is in the Leighton Centre, Causeway Bay, tel: 3105 1798.

Colour me rad

Why pick one colour, when you can have them all? Check out the Technicolour leather shoe (bottom; HK$2,700) from Repetto Homme. Too colourful for your tastes? The brand also does black leather footwear (below; HK$3,400). Repetto is in IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2521 2068.

March 18, 2012

Guess again

For casual cool, Guess is consistently on trend and cost effective. Get the relaxed vibe of the check shirts (top; HK$590 each), available in blue or green, or a pair of its beach-friendly striped shorts (above; HK$790 each). Guess is at 2 Kingston Street, Causeway Bay, tel: 3422 8568.

Case study

To put a little spring in your step, head to Lancel, where the brand's latest accessories collection has just the right dose of colour. The Apollon briefcase (right; HK$10,250) is made from full-grained leather and is available in black, mocha and blue, or there's the Grand Hotel suitcase (far right; HK$7,790) made of drummed Andean leather in white. Lancel is in Ocean Centre, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2377 0787.

Wrap it up

There's still a slight nip in the air, so if you want to hit the streets with a dash of flair, grab this printed John Galliano scarf (right; HK$2,650). John Galliano is in Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2151 0822.

Show your stripes

Brooks Brothers may be most known for impeccable suits but the label's casual attire also demands attention. We are fans of the cotton stripe waistcoat (HK$2,350) worn with the tartan zip jacket (HK$7,950). The jockey stripe patch pocket jacket (HK$11,800) might be overkill, but it's a great standalone piece. To get noticed, match them all with the seersucker striped trousers (HK$2,950) and the Mackintosh duffel bag (all left; HK$6,500). The nautical vibe of the striped polo jumper (HK$3,500), paired with seersucker striped trousers (HK$2,950), cricket trainers (HK$3,250) and canvas tote bag (all far left; HK$1,500), is another great option. Brooks Brothers is in Prince's Building, Central, tel: 2523 3366.

March 11, 2012

Class apart

The latest collection by Cerruti 1881 pays homage to the universities of France, with a palette of blues and greys. Check out the wool waistcoat (HK$4,690), cotton polo (HK$1,950), navy silk scarf (HK$1,990) and silk trousers (all far left; HK$4,990). Then there's the silk cotton block shirt (HK$2,650) worn with navy cotton and ramie trousers (all left; HK$2,750). Cerruti 1881 is at Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 9149.

Homme boys

We are loving the elegant simplicity of Dior Homme's backpack (below right; HK$27,000) and tote (right; HK$16,500), both of which are made of wool and leather. Meanwhile, the linen and white leather high-top trainer (below; HK$7,500) hits all the right strides. Dior Homme is in The Landmark, Central, tel: 2524 8277.

Pockets dreams

Leonardo da Vinci once said, "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." And it seems Italian label Hogan has taken note, as can be seen from its latest wallets (above; HK$1,800 each). Hogan is in Pacific Place, tel: 2918 0181.

Bag to black

Not one for wild splashes of colour, Emporio Armani is back to monotone basics. We are loving the Modular bag (below; HK$11,500) in crocodile leather, with detachable double pockets, a handle in raw edge leather and a shoulder strap. For an uncomplicated leather boot, take a look at the simple tone on tone boot (below; HK$4,900). Armani is in Chater House, Central, tel: 2532 7700.

March 4, 2012

February 2012, The Goods

Of lace and leather

C'N'C Costume National, the Italian fashion house of edgy menswear, specialises in interesting accessories. Check out the lace-up trainers (far right; HK$2,700) with a blue ink-stain effect on the ankle, or there's the strong but understated slip-on brown leather boots (right; HK$3,850). C'N'C Costume National is in Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2506 0700.

Tang twisters

Not one to shy away from variations of a classic, we're all for the washed cotton red Mao jacket (HK$3,500) from Shanghai Tang's Rite of the Phoenix collection, matched with a cotton pique shirt with grosgrain trim (HK$1,880) and simple stretch cotton chino trousers (all left; HK$1,980). For something lighter, grab the linen shirt (HK$1,980), worn over a long-sleeved T-shirt (HK$1,480) and accessorised with a Scuba Class 888 watch (all above; HK$4,500). Shanghai Tang is in 1881 Heritage, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2368 2932.

Belt it out

Looking to perk up your wardrobe? Head to Galliano for a sift through the accessories. The multi-hue knit belt (far right; HK$1,750) hits all the right notes while, for a tough rocker look, there's the studded black leather version (right; HK$1,550). Galliano is in Times Square, tel: 2151 0822.

Way of the dragon

There's no running from the dragon this season. And German brand Hugo Boss has picked up on the trend, as seen in the Densor reporter bag (bottom; HK$4,600) and Deviton wallet (below; HK$1,800), both of which sport an embossed Chinese dragon. Hugo Boss is in Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 1802.

February 26, 2012
Keep it short

Alright guys, it's time to get in shape and show some leg. As the latest Jil Sander spring-summer runway demonstrated, a perturbing trend of short shorts is on offer for men this upcoming season. A plastic jacket (HK$16,900) with a knit top (HK$9,900) and shorts (all below right; HK$5,700) took the look to extremes. But we rather like the purple pleasures of a simply cut printed tee (HK$6,900) paired with black shorts (both below left; HK$5,700). Jil Sander is available at Lane Crawford, IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2118 3388.

Eye on style

Proving it's not just about diamond-coated felines, Cartier's range of accessories for men is equally bedazzling. These tortoiseshell shades (below right; HK$12,000) and funky oblong-shaped wraparound shades (far right; HK$5,250) with panther-head arms are well worth a look. Cartier is in Prince's Building, Central, tel: 2522 2963

Original spin

Anyone for tennis? Loro Piana is ready to outfit those of you who are with its garment-washed, yarn-dyed cotton, denim and suede shoes (left; HK$5,900), a thin, two-toned striped pattern Egyptian cotton St Martin scarf (centre; HK$5,800) and an eye-catching Delon leather tennis bag (far left; HK$24,900) with cotton shoulder straps. Loro Piana is in IFC Mall, tel: 2234 7398.

February 19, 2012

Mark of distinction

It's not just the vivid colours and razzmatazz that makes Versace so distinct. We also like the more subtle look of the embossed belt (left; HK$3,200) and caramel leather holdall (above right; HK$27,900). Versace is in Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 1008.

Tipping the scales

The Homme Lizard collection at agnes b has an understated and reptilian tongue-in-chic feel about it. For elegant wristwear, there's the Homme b. Yourself Bracelet (below; HK$750) and the Homme two-tone bangle (above; HK$890). For its militant machismo, we also like the dogtag-style necklace (right; HK$890). Agnes b is in IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2805 0678.

Welcome black

Bulgari's simple and sophisticated leather accessories collection has an unmistakably refined and polished sheen. We like the travel bag in black grain calf leather (below right; HK$21,200), and love the flat messenger bag in black coated canvas and calf leather (below left; HK$5,800). Bulgari is in Pacific Place, tel: 2918 1221.

Class act

Gieves & Hawkes, once the go-to bespoke tailoring house for British military officers and the House of Windsor, is still dressing gentlemen of note. For your own bit of blue-blooded finesse, try the light grey Prince of Wales check wool silk suit (HK$14,500) with sky blue striped shirt (HK$3,350) and red and white fine patterned silk tie (all above left; HK$1,050). If it takes a more nautical look to float your boat, there's the red jacket (HK$6,950), casual striped T-shirt (HK$1,350) and white trousers (all far left; HK$2,350). Gieves & Hawkes is in IFC Mall, tel: 2234 7220.

February 12, 2012

Beckham beckons

David Beckham's line of underwear designed in collaboration with H&M will land in Hong Kong this week. The inexpensive, body-conscious collection is uncomplicated and deft, much like the man himself. Check out the grey boxer briefs (right; HK$149) and black square-cut briefs (far right; HK$149). The vests and T-shirts (HK$149 each), and long johns and pyjamas (HK$249 each) are also worth a look. H&M is at 68 Queen's Road Central, tel: 2110 9546.

Pack a punch

To celebrate the opening of MCM's first satellite store in Asia, the German brand has unveiled its latest leather goods collection, Munich by Night, in Hong Kong. Inspired by Munich's vibrant 1970s music scene is the black leather metal- studded Musik backpack (above left; HK$23,800). For a softer look, there's the Handwerkskunst backpack (below left; HK$23,800). These limited-edition backpacks are available exclusively until March 31 at MCM, Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 3425 4051.

Tribal glance

Burberry Prorsum's menswear line for spring-summer has an African vibe inspired by designer Christopher Bailey's travels. We love the dark moss twill cotton oversized heritage parka (HK$22,000) with chrome yellow scoop-neck top (HK$7,300) paired with the bright ink chambray linen skinny leg trousers (HK$7,300), the bright amber viscose crochet cap (HK$3,900) and the tan/tangerine Arundel moccasin (all far right; HK$7,700). For a dashing option, we like the chambray linen two-button jacket (HK$13,000) with white cotton poplin oversized shirt (HK$4,100) and ink-blue bleached Ikat cotton trousers (HK$8,100) topped with the primrose white viscose crochet cap (HK$3,900) and finished with dark Raffia Wallabee shoes (all right; HK$6,300). Burberry is in Alexandra House, Central, tel: 2868 3511.

Cool call

The Prada Phone by LG 3.0 (below; HK$6,300) is a stylish option for fashion-conscious types seeking an Android handset. Incorporating the fashion brand's distinct minimalist elegance, the no-fuss gadget has one of the biggest and brightest screens available. It features a glossy touch screen (127.5mm by 69mm) and Prada's signature Saffiano pattern on the back, with minimal hard keys completing the sleek simple finish. Prada is in Alexandra House, tel: 2522 2989.

February 5, 2012

January 2012, The Goods

Colour code

Too much black on yet another fashion page? How about a splash of colour from the fine fashion house of Paul Smith? Renowned for classic shirts and suits, the British brand carries accessories that have just the right amount of fashion-forward hues. The striped scarf (below; HK$1,950) and leather wallet (right; HK$1,390) are handsome enough, but our vote goes to the tartan chukka boot (bottom; HK$2,490). Paul Smith accessories are available at Harvey Nichols, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 3968 2668.

Noir reason

If you've got travel plans this year, head back to basics. From iconic British brand Dunhill, the all-black flight headphones (above; HK$6,900) will let other passengers know when you're not up for a chat while the Bourdon single-zip briefcase (left; HK$8,995) has a suave simplicity that says you mean business. Dunhill is at Pacific Place, tel: 2537 1009.

Nice and easy

For Roberto Cavalli, taking a simple dinner jacket or coat and injecting it with the brand's sense of easy luxury comes all too easily. Take the python shawl collar jacket (right; HK$24,995) and the shearling duffle coat (above; HK$99,995) as proof. Roberto Cavalli is available at The Swank in The Landmark, Central, tel: 2810 0769.

Basic gear

For most Hongkongers, buying anything from British brand Topman meant going online and waiting for a delivery - or popping over to a neighbouring country. Well, no more. The brand has landed on our smoggy shores at long last. A wide range of casual menswear can be found, and we're loving the biker jacket (left; HK$1,150) for its simplicity and utility. And do try to resist the urge to flash your partner while wearing the elegant trench coat (above; HK$1,390). Topman is available at Harvey Nichols, Pacific Place.

January 1, 2012

Rest his sole

Eugene Heschung created his brand back in 1934, with shoes made traditionally in France, with Norwegian or Goodyear stitching. Decades later, the label is still making grand strides with its fashionable and comfortable footwear. We particularly like the slip-on black Heschung Cerato black ankle boot (above; HK$5,280), for its minimalistic cut and polish. The Malus Texas brown shoe (right; HK$4,780) has a classic silhouette and sheen. Eugene Heschung is available at Harvey Nichols, The Landmark, Central, tel: 3695 3388.

All covered up

There's a nip in the air, so you need a jacket that shields you from the wind and covers up those extra pounds gained over the holidays. Calvin Klein Jeans has a couple of solutions: a padded shearling brown leather jacket (top; HK$2,990) and an even more forgiving soft black leather jacket (above; HK$6,990). Calvin Klein Jeans is in Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2506 9506.

Nuts and bolts

The Elis Nova line of accessories for men has a distinctly masculine ring to it. We were amused by the silver bolt ring (HK$2,690) and cufflinks (both above; HK$2,590). Elis Nova is available at Harvey Nichols.

Military precision

For DKNY this season, clean, modern military lines are the inspiration, with a natural palette of ash, sombre greys, dark navy and black. We love the slim silhouette of the grey wool, single-button, slim-lapel suit jacket (HK$3,990) matched with graphite-wool, pin-tuck trousers (HK$2,390) and cotton polo top (all left; HK$990). For a more formal affair, the black wool two-button suit (HK$5,990) with a white cotton, slim-fit shirt (HK$1,590) and black silk tie (all far left; HK$790) is flawless. DKNY is at Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay, tel: 2890 2799.

January 8, 2012

About lace

British brand Marwood launched its debut collection a year ago and has found an audience for its vintage designs and traditional silhouettes. We're not sure how functional the mesh pocket square (left; HK$780) would be but we're definitely up for the cloud bow-tie (below; HK$1,400), made from traditional English lace. Marwood is available at Kapok, 5 St Francis Yard, Wan Chai, tel: 2549 9254.

Right foot forward

Without judging wearers of the easy, slip-on, uncomplicated, laceless shoe, embodied by JM Weston's leather moccasin (right; HK$5,445), there's something to be said for the striking elegance of the lace-up leather shoe (below; HK$7,625). JM Weston is in The Galleria, Central, tel: 2234 7288.

Carry your cargo

As an iconic menswear designer and now filmmaker, writer, art collector, stylist and more, Tom Ford sure has a lot of tricks up his sleeve. So, what's next? Before we get wind of his next endeavour, how about grabbing a bag (below; HK$12,000) of his divine design? Tom Ford is in IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2234 7802.

Plum pickings

Sometimes, you just need to return to the simple pleasures of a timeless classic. To do so, head to the Ralph Lauren store and peruse its Purple Label. We fawned over the classic suit (HK$46,600), with purple tie (HK$1,500) matched with a dress shirt (HK$3,550) and polished shoes (all right; HK$12,500). And we were floored by the cinematic elegance of the topcoat HK$62,800) and waistcoat (both below right; HK$8,900). Ralph Lauren is in The Landmark, Central, tel: 2869 0388.

January 15, 2012

Wrap stars

If the biting winds are giving you the chills, wrap yourself in a warm silk and wool tartan scarf (right; HK$5,700) by Hermès. And if the holiday excesses have gone to your waist, look to the brand's flattering black leather belt (below; HK$3,400). Hermès is in Pacific Place, tel: 2522 6229.

Style check

Kenzo's simple yet striking cardholders (top; HK$1,490 each) have been guest-starring in the pockets of the fashionable and famous all season. The printed canvas tote (above; HK$3,190), however, is playing the leading role with the truly fashion-forward. Kenzo is in Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2175 4233.

Eye catching

We're always keeping an eye out for Prada's men's accessories and instantly fell for the new vintage-inspired wrap-around shades (below right; HK$2,100), which have a sporty feel and classic look. For a splash of colour, we also like the sleek cobalt blue shades with a thin bridge and classic silhouette (below; HK$2,200). Prada is in Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 9233.

Minimal instinct

Much has been written about Belgian designer Kris Van Assche's stint at Dior Homme and his early work with Yves Saint Laurent. It's therefore no surprise that his namesake brand features a minimalist aesthetic and formidable attention to detail, as seen in the long black jacket (HK$17,900), trousers (HK$6,490) and boots (HK$8,900), foiled with a simple white shirt (all above far right; HK$3,990). The zipper jacket (HK$13,900) and trousers (HK$6,490) with eye-catching caramel boots (all right; HK$8,900) are effortless and pan-seasonal. Kris Van Assche is available at Harvey Nichols, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 3968 2668.

January 22, 2012

December: The Goods

Mono mania

Designer Steve Mono launched his namesake brand in 2007 in Spain. Many of the items remind us of accessories and props from Mad Men, and with good reason. Mono says he loves "the kind of briefcases and wallets that men from the 1950s and 60s used to take to work". We like the minimalist simplicity of the leather folders (below left; HK$4,290 each) and navy leather bag (below right; HK$5,190). For a more casual look, there's the dual-toned tote with leather base (right; HK$3,890). Steve Mono is available at Harvey Nichols, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 3968 2668.

Claim to frame

In collaboration with Italian eyewear brand Marcolin, Diesel has launched a series of funky glasses in technicolour shades. The bold look of the round two-toned glasses (below right; HK$2,200) will help you channel your inner rocker while, for some retro-biker glamour, there's the dark shades with leather side panels (above right; HK$2,200). Diesel is at 20 Queen's Road Central, tel: 2525 0540.

Play it cool

Derrick Rose's signature basketball shoe, the adizero Rose 2 (left; HK$949) by adidas, is being increasingly coveted by the trainer- loving set. Designed exclusively for the youngest player to receive the NBA's "most valuable

December 4, 2011

Play it again

Denim brand Replay has launched the Red Seal collection, aimed at the "go-getting, essential character that represents the appeal of 'modern indigo'," whatever that means. Push aside the PR spiel, however, and you'll find a fantastic range of casual clothing. For grunge appeal, there's the casual tee (HK$1,150) worn under a printed shirt (HK$3,150) on top of premium denim jeans (all below right; HK$2,790). To keep the winter chills away, there's the relaxed jacket (HK$3,930) worn over a more formal double-buttoned grey cardigan (HK$2,990) and logo-embossed T-shirt (HK$450), all anchored by distressed jeans (all below left; HK$1,550). Replay is in Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2808 2423.

Loud and proud

With its technicolour splendour, bold prints and Greek mythology-inspired logo, Versace has never been the label of choice for the wallflowers among us. As much as we're eyeing the red leather gloves with a silver stud shaped in the brand's signature Medusa head at the wrist (far left; HK$6,000), we're also taken with the simple charms of the black leather satchel (left; HK$17,900). Versace is in Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 1008.

Opposites attract

Italian designer Brunello Cucinelli says he takes inspiration from the youth of America and names the Kennedy clan as his fashion icons. These diametrically opposite influences perhaps explain the wide range of men's accessories that pour out of his design house, from the polished elegance of the classic leather shoe (right; HK$7,595) to the sturdy, sporty dual-toned boot (below right; HK$9,915). Brunello Cucinelli is in IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2311 3068.

Get the party roaring

A little bling can go a long way, so add a bit to that party outfit with John Hardy's silver lava dogtag pendant with white sapphires (above; HK$10,400). For the more ferocious fashionista, there's the Macan animal-head silver bracelet with blue-sapphire eyes on a black-sapphire head (left; HK$23,600). John Hardy is in The Landmark, Central, tel: 2533 3895.

December 11, 2011

Candy man

Ermenegildo Zegna, known for flawless, muted shades on impeccable suits, has launched a line of candy-coloured cashmere jumpers that customers can customise. On offer are personalised crew-necks, V-necks and half-zip jumpers, made from "white" cashmere (from the fleece of Mongolian mountain goats). Buyers can lengthen or shorten the torso and sleeves by up to 6cm and/or have their name or initials embroidered on the lower hem. Make merry with a V-neck jumper (above right; HK$9,600 each) or a soft crew-neck version (right; also HK$9,600 each). Ermenegildo Zegna is at 1 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 3417 3088.

High fliers

Let's face it, aviators are never going to be out of style, so head to Loro Piana and grab a pair of its patented solar filters, originally made for glider pilots. The dark shades (above; HK$12,400), made with NPELP optical glass lenses (NPELP stands for the three rare metals used in the lenses - neodymium, praseodymium and erbium - plus LP, for Loro Piana) come with a titanium frame and each pair in the limited production run is numbered. Loro Piana is at IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2234 7398.

Grey areas

Giorgio Armani's autumn-winter line has a notable softness to it, be it the cut, fabric, colour scheme or silhouette. Epitomising the collection are the dark jacket (HK$8,700), pinstriped shirt (HK$4,900) and grey waistcoat (HK$6,300) worn with matching trousers (HK$4,700) and gloves (all above left; HK$2,300). Also have a look at the silver-grey jacket (HK$18,900), which shimmers over the casual waistcoat (HK$8,300) and classic trousers (HK$4,900), accessorised with shadowy gloves (HK$5,700) and shoes (all above right; HK$5,700). Giorgio Armani is in Chater House, Central, tel: 2532 7700.

Think pink

When the Italian house of Versace collaborated with Swedish retail goliath H&M, a splash of colour was only to be expected. For those endowed with derring-do, there's the classic shoe in neon pink (below; HK$799). For the more traditional among us, there's the same shoe in simple black (right; also HK$799). H&M is at 68 Queen's Road Central, tel: 2110 9546.

December 18, 2011


By P. Ramakrishnan
(ramakrishnanp @ Hotmail. com)

Behind the Label: Daisy Knights

Who started it? British-born Daisy Knights graduated from London's Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in 2009 and soon set up her own studio in the Cotswolds. Growing up in the English countryside and spending summers by the sea on the Isle of Wight have informed Knights' work and her jewellery is heavily inspired by nature. She received the Bright Young Gem award in 2009 and, a year later, was named one of the "Hot 100" by Professional Jeweller magazine.

Why we love it: for its unusual mix of pretty bangles and brooches with tough skull and serpentine rings. The latest collection is inspired by vintage comics, the muse being Isis, a science teacher with superpowers. A gamut of celebrities has been seen sporting Knights' accessories, from Hilary Alexander and Alexa Chung to Rihanna and Daisy Lowe. We also love the fact that all the pieces are handmade from recycled silver and ethically mined gold.

What we'd pick: the blackened silver Feather ring (below right; HK$2,600), the gold studded wrap ring (above right; HK$2,600) and the studded bangles in silver (HK$2,115) and gold (all below left; HK$3,315).

Where can you get it? Daisy Knights is available at online boutique www.pretty-dangerous.com.hk.


Byline: P. Ramakrishnan
March 25, 2012

Behind the Label: Cesare di Pino

Who started it? Founded in Milan, Italy, in 1987, Cesare di Pino is a menswear brand with production bases in Naples and Florence. Created by a group of designers, the label embraces casual trends, with smart, unfussy clothing inspired by a 1960s la dolce vita attitude. With its relaxed silhouettes and vibrant range of colours, Cesare di Pino is aimed at the young at heart and those looking for something unusual and evergreen.

Why we love it: because we're slaves to the charms of beautiful knits and all things tailor-made. The quality fabric, high thread count and soft linen are marks of this excellence. There's also a generous palette to choose from, with few uniform colours. The relaxed styling of the deconstructed jackets and polo shirts makes for stylish yet comfortable clothing. And what's not to love about the gregarious Bonhomie and Colorant collections?

What we'd pick: the light blue jersey-knit cardigan (HK$2,895) and seersucker navy and brown-striped cotton sport shirt (HK$1,495) with slim-fit cotton trousers (all left; HK$3,795). To stand out in the crowd, the striking multicoloured, interlaced woven belt with metal buckle fastening (left; HK$1,495) will do the trick. For a touch of pink, there's the soft, unconstructed, jersey-knit jacket (right; HK$11,955).

Where can you get it? Cesare di Pino is available at The Swank, in The Landmark, Central, tel: 2810 0769.


Byline: P. Ramakrishnan
March 25, 2012

Behind the Label: Awon Golding Millinery

Who started it? Former magazine editor and Hongkonger Awon Golding (left, wearing her award-winning diamond-shaped hat). After a stint at the London College of Fashion, Golding worked for couture milliner Edwina Ibbotson and followed that up with a millinery course at Kensington Chelsea College, where she was pushed to enter international competitions and, in 2010, was named Hatmaker of the Year by the Worshipful Company of Feltmakers of London.

Why we love it: although horse racing is big in Hong Kong, the choice of headwear seen at Happy Valley and Sha Tin cannot hold a candle to that worn at Britain's Ascot or Australia's Melbourne Cup, where Golding's hats add just the right accent and lift to an outfit. Her flights of the imagination have led to, well, feathers - a notable motif in her latest collection.

What we'd pick: for a touch of Parisian chic, the Bonjour Boater (bottom right; HK$4,680), the flora of Jersey Cream Silk Flowers (centre right; HK$2,980) and the flattering feathers of the Cerulean Coolie (top right; HK$7,800).

Where can you get it? Awon Golding Millinery is available at Hatwoman, Man Yee Arcade, 68 Des Voeux Road, Central, tel: 2167 8337, www.hatwoman.hk. For one-off pieces and be-spoke commissions, visit www.awongolding.com.

Caption: Pictures by Jeff Hahn
February 26, 2012
Byline: P. Ramakrishnan