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

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

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

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

Behind the Label: Cherie D

Who started it? Born and bred in London, Sherina Dalamal trained at the city's Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and at L'Ecole Lesage, in Paris, France, where she studied couture embroidery. With internships at Alexander McQueen and Nicole Farhi, Dalamal's Indian aesthetics gained a deeper understanding of Western cuts and sensibilities. Her collections encompass myriad silhouettes, from baby-doll dresses to tapered shirts, and outfits enhanced by subtle embroidery and beadwork to add that hint of glitz and glamour. Having relocated to Mumbai two years ago, Dalamal is creating a niche on the subcontinent while wooing international markets from Britain to Hong Kong.

Why we love it: because she proves that a quintessentially Indian brand can create a Western-inspired outfit without making it look costumey. With the right stroke and imprint of arabesque touches and handcrafted embroidery, her glamorous ensembles are a fabulous mix of the exotic and the quixotic. Her latest collection is inspired by the Jardin des Tuileries in Paris, with a palette that runs he gamut from rosy pinks to black. Dalamal skills are put to good use on fabrics such as tulle, georgette, shimmery chiffon and broderie anglaise.

What we'd pick: for its silhouette and appliqués, the black chain-mail cocktail dress (far left; HK$3,000) and the black tulle kaftan with cord-work embroidery (left; HK$3,500).

Where can you get it? Cherie D is available at Fine n' Rhine, 2/F, V-Plus Building, 68 Wellington Street, Central, tel: 3118 7338.

Caption: Pictures by Sabrina Sikora
Byline: P. Ramakrishnan
March 4, 2012

Behind the Label: Thomas Blakk

Who started it? Just launched in Hong Kong, Thomas Blakk, the man and his eponymous brand, are based in Florence, Italy. Having worked under the aegis of Pauric Sweeney, Manish Arora and other innovative designers, last year Blakk set up his own bag label, which he describes as "technical, punk, minimalist and futuristic". The look is hard-core and rebellious, yet refined, perhaps sharing similarities with a younger Rick Owens or Gareth Pugh. With a reference and reverence to pop culture, it comes as no surprise that Blakk has mentioned pop star and style icon Lady Gaga as a muse. His intricately constructed accessories, with their material mixes, feature strong lines and a hard rock'n'roll vibe.

Why we love it: because in the short time since his edgy range of accessories was launched, Blakk has become a serious name to watch in contemporary fashion. And because the products are marked with a finesse and polish expected from all things Italian. A leading fashion blogger described the bags as "not far short of gorgeous torture instruments". In an industry that is perpetually seeking something striking and innovative, Blakk provides ample eye candy. With bags and belts featuring serrated leather and metal, this collection is not for the shy and retiring.

What we'd pick: the multistudded leather clutch (above centre; HK$11,900) makes a point, as do the spiked silver and cobalt blue vanity cases (top; HK$4,130 each).

Where can you get it? Thomas Blakk is available at D-Mop, Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2175 4881 and online at www.thomasblakk.com.


Byline: P. Ramakrishnan
ramakrishnanp @ hotmail. com
February 19, 2012

Behind the Label: Azzaro

Who started it? Loris Azzaro was born to Sicilian parents in Tunisia in 1933 and launched his brand in Paris, France, in 1962. The creator of fabulously draped gowns, Azzaro, who died in 2003, was known for dressing the grand dames of society such as Romy Schneider, Claudia Cardinale, Michele Morgan, Marisa Berenson and Dalida. Last year, Brazilian-born Mathilde Castello Branco took the reins as creative director.

Why we love it: in a world of transitory fads and ephemeral fame, Azzaro's timeless outfits have withstood the vagaries of what's in vogue. From the hand-beaded, sequinned cocktail dresses to the billowy reams of red-carpet gowns, Azzaro has been providing signature pieces for women of note for the past 50 years. It's the brand of choice for iconic women (think Sophia Loren, Raquel Welch and Tina Turner, whose stage clothes were mostly created by her good friend "Loris").

What we'd pick: for a return to minimalism, the straight-as- a-rake black dress (above right; HK$39,900) with twisted gold piping at the neck, or, to channel your inner diva, the mint green Greek Goddess gown (far right; HK$68,900; also available in white).

Where can you get it? Azzaro is available at Harvey Nichols, The Landmark, Central, tel: 3695 3388.

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan
(ramakrishnanp @ hotmail. com)
February 12, 2012

Behind the label: AFH: Designer Ayesha F. Hashwani

Who started it? AFH was established in 2005 by designer Ayesha F. Hashwani and is known for its dizzying swathes of fabric, splashes of colour and timeless, luxurious and (surprisingly for a Pakistani designer) sexy ensembles. Applying the richness of traditional Eastern crafts and motifs to contemporary fashion trends from the West makes for beautiful looks with a distinct touch of exotica. AFH's colours for 2012 range from bright shades such as tangerine to soft muted tones and "fun-loving pastels", says the designer, "with lots of white chiffon, a must-have for summer". 

The main fabrics include voluminous voiles and light silks with a cotton blend. The Karachi-based designer's outfits have been flying off the racks at O'Nitaa in London and Studio 8 in Dubai - and are finally making an appearance in Hong Kong. 

Why we love it: for outfits that are both figure hugging and forgiving. Covering a multitude of sins with long kaftan-like shapes and flowing cocktail dresses, the designer provides a variety of lengths, styles and volumes for any woman. Whether it's asymmetrical hemlines, trains or pleats, there's no shortage of glamour at the label. 

What we'd pick: the airy, long, wispy white dress with arm-length embellishments (left; HK$4,100) and the ornate black cocktail dress (above left; HK$5,300). 

Where can you get it? Online at www.afhashwani.com or through Aliya Zaidi in Hong Kong (to book an appointment, e-mail aliya666@gmail.com or call 6088 9898). 

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan (ramakrishnanp @ hotmail.com)

Behind the label: Pheres: Designer Narcisa Pheres' eponymous brand

Who started it? Narcisa Pheres launched her eponymous menswear label in Milan, Italy, in 2006, and displayed her first collection at the city's Istituto di Moda Burgo. Pheres' focus on producing the best, handcrafted range of menswear and accessories from neck (silk ties) to toe (exotic leather shoes) made it a hit from the outset. Pheres opened in Japan during the same year it was launched in Milan, then into Singapore in 2008 and Hong Kong last year. 

Why we love it: because of the Italian sheen and shine that rings of la dolce vita. The clothes are lined with materials such as silk, cashmere and wool-silk blends while the bags and shoes are made of the finest - and often exotic - leather. There's a strong adherence to classic design and silhouettes: from its silk ties to classic-cut suits, crisp white linen shirts to the muted shades of the scarves, everything has a refined Italian touch. 

What we'd pick: Pheres' bow-ties (top; HK$2,000 to HK$3,000) have a timeless appeal and we love the black man's bag (below; HK$60,000), but there's also something very cool about the stingray shoes (above; HK$25,000). 

Where can you get it? Pheres is available at Lane Crawford, IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2118 3388. 

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan 

January 22, 2012

Behind the Label: Swedish Hasbeens

Who started it? Swedish Hasbeens was launched in 2007, in two small retro design, lifestyle concept stores in Stockholm, Sweden. Emy Blixt and Cecilia Wingard Neuman had come to the conclusion that modern shoes lacked the natural craftsmanship and quality of traditional Swedish footwear. The challenge was to produce shoes in organic materials and fashionable designs while using production methods from the 1970s. The idea began on a whim, when Blixt bought 300 colourful clogs from an old shoe factory. The shoes reminded her of beautiful women from her childhood growing up in a small fishing village. Blixt and Neuman took the clogs to Stockholm and gave them to friends, who helped spread the trend. Together with an old clog manufacturer, Blixt then designed a series of clogs called "Emy", inspired by the originals. Swedish Hasbeens products are now sold in 400 stores in more than 20 countries, including China, Japan and South Korea. This spring, Swedish Hasbeens outlets will open in Lane Crawford, Hong Kong; Seoul; and Shanghai.

Why we love it: the name is interesting; what exactly is a "hasbeen"? Well, according to the company's site: "a Hasbeen is tired; tired of being branded as a categorised target group, tired of being analysed and increasing profits of corporations. A Hasbeen shows their love for creativity, joy and quality in what they wear." The fun element is key here, and the wooden clogs are surprisingly comfortable and fashion forward. Footwear fetishist Sarah Jessica Parker started a virtual stampede by buyers when she was snapped wearing Swedish Hasbeens. Hasbeens toffels, bags and belts (available online, but not in Hong Kong stores yet) are also based on retro models, handmade using ecologically prepared natural grain leather.

What we'd pick: the open-toe black leather strap clog (above; HK$1,900) or the simple leather clog in blue or brown (left; also HK$1,900).

Where can you get it? Swedish Hasbeens is available at Kapok, 5 Saint Francis Yard, Wan Chai, tel: 2549 9254, or online at www.swedishhasbeens.com.

January 8, 2012
Post magazine
Byline: P. Ramakrishnan

Behind the label: Flair by JOC

Who started it? This ready-to-wear collection was designed by Hong Kong native Joanna Chu Liao. Having been exposed to fashion at an early age through her family's garment business, Chu's first career step saw her working for a German designer, where she focused on beading and embroidery. Itochu and Look Japan then invited Chu to design ready-to-wear collections for the Japanese market. Her pieces have been stocked by the likes of Barneys New York, Mitsukoshi, Daimaru, Matsuzakaya and Seibu. During her Japanese sojourn, she designed uniforms for Estee Lauder and Folli Follie. Last year, she launched her own collection: Flair by JOC. Combining her know-how in tailoring, knitting and craftsmanship, Chu created a range of colourful, textured and comfortable womenswear.

Why we love it: the fine knits in the latest collection show great attention to detail while the bright colour scheme will counter dull grey skies and wintry moods. Flair by JOC is a curve-hugging line that flatters a woman's silhouette in all the right places. The sleek designs, contemporary looks, handcrafted knits and artfully assembled pieces are casual yet elegant. As the designer once put it: "The brand's muse is an independent woman who leads a contemporary lifestyle - one who is always sure of herself."

What we would pick: the off-white knitted top (below right; HK$4,500) or, for a shot of bold colour, the vermilion cardigan (above right; also HK$4,500).

Where can you get it? Flair by JOC is available at Harvey Nichols, The Landmark, Central, tel: 3695 3388

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan
January 1, 2012

Behind the label: Melanie Georgacopoulos

Who started it? Half French and half Greek, Melanie Georgacopoulos gained a master of arts degree in jewellery design at the Royal College of Art in London. During a much-travelled youth, she absorbed the artwork, monuments and architecture of Athens and other historic cities across Europe. Although she studied sculpture in Edinburgh, Scotland, Georgacopoulos' interests shifted to fashion and soon she was designing accessories. After Georgacopoulos exhibited her collection during last year's Paris Fashion Week, at the Valery Demure showroom, her multisyllabic name was on the lips of many of the rich and fashionable. Her latest line, the stunning Pearl collection, was inspired by a pearl necklace she inherited from her grandmother.

Why we love it: for taking the classic pearl necklace and accessories and reworking them into a contemporary style. The pearl necklace is no longer solely in the realm of women of a certain age. Georgacopoulos often incorporates pearls with silver and gold. Her rings and necklaces, which come with a creative twist and a flourish of interesting geometry and lines, have an art-deco feel. Impeccable quality adds to the allure and, with the different sizes and shapes of the freshwater pearls used, the price tags vary, too.

What we would pick: the three-in-one Butterfly Shell bangle (below; HK$22,480), studded with white freshwater pearls on gold wire; the "X" bracelet (above right; HK$13,720) with ascending white freshwater pearls and gold-plated silver chains, and the Arlequin pendant (above left; HK$8,730).

Where can you get it? Melanie Georgacopoulos jewellery is available at Hammer Gallery, 8 Tai On Terrace, Sheung Wan, tel: 9166 3757.

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan
December 18, 2011

Behind the label: Prerna Kumari: Traditional Indian jewellery designer in Hong Kong

Who started it? Indian-born, Hong Kong-bred and London-educated Prerna Chainani launched her exclusive line of Indian-inspired jewellery in New York, in 2003, originally selling exclusively at Neiman Marcus. The name of the brand sets the tone for the authentic bejewelled pieces: Prerna (Sanskrit for "inspiration") and Kumari (Sanskrit for "princess") are indicative of the designer's obeisance to a bygone regal era. The pieces are resplendent with chunks of precious stones of the kind that adorned India's royal dynasties. "[The brand is inspired by] a mixture of items I found in my mother's jewellery boxes, which were more 70s, and the really traditional stuff from a previous century, the inheritance items," says Chainani, who has recently relocated to Hong Kong from the United States. "The idea was to modernise it, to make it more relevant to my life in New York." The brand has been featured in fashion magazines such as W, Surface and InStyle. 

Why we love it: finely crafted, with rose-cut and brilliant-cut diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, rubies and tourmalines all set in 22-carat gold, the jewellery evokes a sense of history, but with a fresh approach. Hand-crafted by artisans and goldsmiths in Jaipur, in Rajasthan state, and Maharashtra, with stones picked from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the intricate designs are a hybrid of Western-inspired jewellery (chandeliers, cuffs and hoop earrings) with the patterns and styling of Hindu regalia combined with Arabesque swirls. The Asiatic feel of the chunky bracelets, neck pieces and art deco-style cuffs can be mixed and matched with any outfit, be it Occidental or Oriental. 

What we'd pick: the 22-carat gold necklace studded with multicoloured tourmalines, rose-cut diamonds, quartz crystal and hand-painted enamel (above; HK$224,000) should adorn a swan-like neck and makes a stop-and-stare statement piece. Or else, there's the art deco-inspired gold cuff (left; HK$187,000), which glisters with white and coloured diamonds, blue and pink sapphires, peridot, amethysts and citrine stones. 

Where can you get it? Prerna Kumari jewellery can be bought online at www.prernakumari.com or by direct appointment with Chainani (e-mail: info@prernakumari.com). 

December 11, 2011 

Byline: P.Ramakrishnan 

Post Magazine, 

The South China Morning Post

Behind The Label: Titikaka X Johanna Ho: Hong Kong Designer shoes: Post magazine

Who started it? It's a collaboration between Hong Kong designer Johanna Ho and local shoe company Titikaka. The two new collections of fun, funky and fashionable footwear were inspired by the 1980s American sitcom Punky Brewster. This goes some way to explaining why the shoes are sparkling and effervescent with a tongue-in-chic vibe. 

Why we love it: because the shoes are gleeful and girlish, with equal amounts of edginess and femininity. Using materials as diverse as gold-sprayed leather, snake skin and metal studs, Ho hasn't neglected style (see the ankle- length platforms) over comfort (see the simply stitched flats). The designer was also inspired by her children's glitter artwork. The result is a footwear collection filled with mirth - and, yes, a little reminiscent of this season's sparkly Miu Miu shoes. 

What we'd pick: we like the silver almost-flat shoe (below left; HK$2,280) for everyday wear. For evening events, there's the beige stitched platform (below right; HK$3,880) and the more outrageous multicoloured glittery peep-toe platform (below centre; HK$3,880). 

Where can you get it? Titikaka X Johanna Ho is available at Titikaka, 15 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, tel: 2850 8684. 

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan

Behind the label: jac5

Who started it? Former investment banker James A. Christopher, founded the brand, which launched last month, in frustration over the lack of quality and personality in many men's underwear departments. The New Yorker found that while designer undies were luxurious, they were either over-priced or lacked style. In 1996, he co-founded, along with Australian designer Peter Reeve, interior design firm CRD. In 2005, when Christopher and his partner moved to Hong Kong, he decided to harness his collective interests in design, the arts and travel to creating jac5. Using designers and manufacturers in Australia, he launched his premium brand of cosy and fashionable garments imbued with his mischievous sense of humour. The brand name is the founder's initials and the number of Jack Russell terriers he keeps - which also provided the logo for this distinctly cheeky label.

Why we love it: in an industry swamped with pictorials and pectorals of adonises in barely-there undergarments, here's a range of comfortable attire that's both fun and stylish. You won't find the usual assortment of grandpa shorts and dull-as-dishwater colour schemes; instead it's a range of vibrant colours and prints with cheeky taglines sewn into the waistbands (ranging from "loyal" to "supersmart" to "barking mad").

What we'd pick: the "barking mad" black briefs with orange piping (left; HK$225) and the "loyal" Rodney Retro trunk (far left; HK$235).

Where can you get it? Jac5 is at 81 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, tel: 2545 6100.


December 4, 2011
Byline: P. Ramakrishnan

Behind the label: Causse

How did it start? The House of Causse, founded in 1892 in the little French town of Millau, was a place where nobility and couturiers could mingle, and where the creme de la creme commissioned exquisite gloves to be made from the finest materials. Also that year, the label opened a boutique at 12 Rue de Castiglione, Paris. A century later, fourth-generation glovemaker Olivier Causse began working with prize-winning designers Nadine Carel and Manuel Rubio. In a Millau factory designed by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, exquisite gloves are created under the house label, as well as for Hermes, Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent. Marrying rich traditions with new materials, Causse has remained one of the most acclaimed glovemakers in the world.

Why we love it: for bringing the elegance of a bygone era to a rather reluctant 21st century, in which the wearing of gloves is an option born of necessity more than fashion. The label is pure French chic and reminds us that there are categories for glove love (for example, evening gloves, town gloves and summer, winter and cock- tail gloves) for which the fabric, colour and style depend on the occasion. Laces, knots, pendants and buckles are suitable for day events, whereas fur with supple lambskin with a glace or nubuck finish, or peccary, work better for night. Whether it's a metallic finish on python skin, ostrich, crocodile or iguana - lots of possibilities come into play.

What we would pick: the soft fur-trimmed pair (centre left; HK$6,900), the elegant long, black beaded gloves (top left; HK$8,500) and the Swarovski-studded leather version (bottom left; HK$4,600).

Where can you get it? House of Causse is available at On Pedder, 18 Queen's Road Central, tel: 2118 3489.

By P.Ramakrishnan
(ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com)
November 27, 2011

Behind the label: Moustache

Who started it? Ellis Kreuger (who originally trained as a tailor) and Alex Daye founded Moustache in September 2009, as a bespoke tailoring house. The American designers had arrived from New York with bags full of attire unsuitable for Hong Kong's balmy humidity. First they launched a bespoke menswear service, and two years later they kick-started the label's ready-to-wear collection, intended as a casual, weekend wardrobe for a Hong Kong lifestyle.

Why we love it: because it pays homage to Hong Kong style of the 1960s and 70s, making us nostalgic for a time when the city wasn't dominated by corporate logos and designer duds. In addition to the little shop's idiosyncratic charms, its styles also display a sense of humour. Its shirts and suits are finely crafted, but stand out with their clever mixture of textures and odd splashes of colour. There are also other stylish essentials, such as bespoke shoes from ODM, Geo. F. Trumper colognes, and a boatload of vintage sunglasses and bags from a recent jaunt to Calcutta.

What we'd pick: we love the feel of the cotton corduroy jeans (bottom; HK$1,600) and the square-cut "Prince of Whales" swimming trunks (HK$100) are good fun, but it's hard to beat the impeccably stitched chambray patchwork jacket (below; HK$3,500).

Where can you get it? Moustache is at 31 Aberdeen Street, Central, tel: 2541 1955.


November 20, 2011
By P. Ramakrishnan