All consuming desires: How to buy a suit in Hong Kong?

 

Hong Kong is expensive. Here are some tips to help you maximise income and minimise spending

Hong Kong presents many mysteries to the everyday consumer. There is so much variance in prices and so many opportunities to make money. The goal, of course, is to maximise value and one's opportunities. But how to proceed? Here is a guide to navigating some basic, utterly practical issues many Hongkongers face, with advice from people on the inside.


How to buy a suit - as explained by tailors


Raja Daswani of Raja Fashions says people need to be clear what budget they are working with when buying a suit. "For the budget-conscious, I say go for something durable, conservative. I'd suggest buying a quality but non-branded fabric," he says.

"I'd suggest conservative because it's realistic - a suit from 1950 that's well made can be suitable now because it's timeless. But a suit made in the 1970s with its signature trend and fashionable tailoring now collects dust in cupboards."

In case there is any doubt, there is a vast difference in quality among tailored suits out there, and the tailors can clearly spot the good from the bad. After all, they have trained eyes.

"When a man is walking down the street, I can tell [the quality of a suit] by the material, how rough it is, what kind of yarn has been used, what kind of machinery," says Sam Melwani, 63, of Sam's Tailor.

Why does a suit in Shenzhen cost only a few hundred dollars? "When you pay at a noted shop, you're really paying for the artisanship. What the customer is really paying for is the superior quality of the work," Daswani says.

"A fresh graduate who is trying to make a start in the business will not have the same expertise of a cut like a man who's been doing it for 30 years. Then there's the material; fabric can cost anywhere from HK$20 to HK$2,000 per yard."

Daswani says a person should expect to pay HK$4,000 to HK$5,000 for a fine suit.

Fabric counts for a lot. It is a big component of the price, and it will go a long way to determining how comfortable a suit is, and how good it will look over the years. "Some people cannot take heavy suits, as they literally choke in the heat. It may be in fashion, but so what?" Daswani says. "If you're a banker in Hong Kong, in the heat of summer you'll really suffer if you don't make sensible choices with your fabric."

Seth Rogan: Coffee

 

Comedy. 

The Glamour Industry in Hong Kong: The Top 11 Modeling Agencies of 2026

Originally, I thought of just calling this: How to Get Into Modeling in Hong Kong: The Insider’s Guide to Legit Agencies and Industry Scams!! 

As a veteran fashion insider, Rama breaks down how the 852 casting scene really works, red flags to avoid on social media, and the top vetted agencies to contact.

After 107 photo shoots spanning two decades, the inquiry becomes as predictable as it is persistent. It comes from proud parents, well-meaning neighbors, and ambitious friends, all posing the same basic question: My daughter—or son, or niece, or cat—wants to break into modeling. Where do they start?

The pragmatic answer is straightforward: find a reputable agency, hire a trainer, and adopt a sensible diet. (The latter advice, admittedly, double-counts as a personal note to self.) Yet behind that simple advice lies the unvarnished reality of the Hong Kong fashion industry.

Despite the endless volume of commentary celebrating diversity and body positivity, the city’s commercial engine still runs on uncompromising metrics: you fit the sample size, or you do not get the job. Casting calls remain decidedly curt, often defined by a sea of polite "thank you for your time" nods—assuming you receive a response at all.

While a global shift in modeling standards may be underway, the momentum has largely bypassed the 852. The industry’s treatment of models of color, plus-size talent, and minority groups—from booking frequency to fair pay—remains glaringly out of step with contemporary standards.

Navigating this landscape requires extreme caution, particularly as a wave of quasi-agencies capitalizes on Instagram-fueled ambition. The primary rule of engagement is absolute: if an agency demands payment up front to "build a portfolio" or "book a photographer," walk away.

Consider a recent incident involving two aspiring models, Lena and Emma. Both received unsolicited Instagram messages from an individual claiming to be a stylist and scout, requesting lingerie photos in exchange for promised introductions to international photographers and shoots for Vogue. In truth, established publications like Vogue Hong Kong rely almost exclusively on vetted, professional agencies rather than ad-hoc social media castings. The instinct to cross-check mutual connections and vet credentials saved them from a predatory scam. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it invariably is.

To navigate the market safely, aspiring talent should focus exclusively on established agencies—firms with verified track records, direct relationships with major brands, and valid business licenses that carry legal accountability.

vetted Hong Kong Agencies

• Cal-Carries Models

• Elegance Management

• Elite Model Management Asia

• Genesis Models

• Liberté Model Management

• Model Factory

• Model One

• Primo Management

• Quest Artists Models

• Sun Esee Model Management

• Synergy Model Management

(Note: Legacy agencies such as Starz People and Model International have historically shaped the local scene, though their operational footprints have shifted significantly in recent years.)

Digital Footprint: Verified Instagram Profiles

Agency	Digital Following (At Time of Publication)
Primo Model Agency	15,000
Quest Artists Models	12,700
Starz People	11,700
Cal-Carries International	8,981
Model One	8,208
Sun Esee Model Management	4,922
Synergy Model Management	4,537
Liberté Model	3,627
Elegance Model Agency	3,551
Divine Model Agency	3,493
Model International (GZ)	1,955
East West Models	1,696
Elite Model Asia	458

The path into the industry demands skepticism over optimism. Aspiring models must do their homework, rely on licensed representation, and remember that legitimacy never requires a fee up front.

It writes itself...

 

Even better when you consider the Cantonese pronunciation is "Wan King Gai..." 

Happy Sunday kids. 

Christian Louboutin: Sole of a Legend

This sounds like an empty boast, but I've met Monsieur Christian Louboutin many times - and he'll remember, almost none of it. Mostly because he does so much press and he's so impressive and personable, it makes the writer feel they are ol' chums. 

This is not new information but the uninitiated, Christian Louboutin’s path to becoming the world’s most recognisable shoe designer began in Paris, where he was born in 1963 [Same year as Sridevi - this will come up later]. A teenage runaway drawn to the city's nightlife and cabaret culture, he spent his early career designing shoes for the Folies Bergère before working under Roger Vivier. In 1991, he opened his first boutique in Paris, and a year later, the iconic scarlet sole was born - a stroke of genius inspired by painting his assistant’s nails with red polish. Today, that flash of crimson remains the ultimate global marker of luxury, seduction, and empowerment. His relevance endures because he views footwear not merely as an accessory, but as structural art that transforms posture, attitude, and confidence.

Global Modernity & The Hong Kong Chapter

Louboutin’s bond with Asia - and Hong Kong in particular - runs deep. Long before the region became a global luxury powerhouse, he fell in love with Asia’s vibrant colors, rich craftsmanship, and cinematic energy, drawing endless inspiration from its heritage.

Hong Kong held a special place in his expansion strategy. The Maison made history in 2007 by opening its very first Asian flagship on On Lan Street in Central. It has since moved to Prince's Building but really, you'll find his accessories in several luxury outlets in the city. Over the years, Louboutin was a frequent visitor to the city, regularly flying down to oversee collections, launch new concepts, and connect with local style connoisseurs.

Where to Buy in Hong Kong Today

• Landmark Prince’s (Central): Flagship boutique carrying full women’s and men’s collections.

• IFC Mall (Central): Dedicated women’s footwear and leather goods location.

• K11 MUSEA (Tsim Sha Tsui): Featuring latest seasonal collections across footwear and accessories.

• Harbour City (Tsim Sha Tsui) & Pacific Place (Admiralty): Dedicated boutiques and luxury department store counters (Lane Crawford).

Latest Line Highlights

The current collections merge signature theatricality with modern ergonomics:

• Women: Sleek, sharp iterations of the iconic Kate and So Kate pumps, updated with metallic finishes, seasonal embellishments, and comfort-focused engineering.

• Men: Heavy emphasis on hybrid silhouettes- combining signature spiked loafers (Dandelion) with elevated, sporty luxury sneakers (Loubishark) and refined evening boots featuring subtle red accents along the welt.

Love for Cinema, Bollywood, and Sridevi

Louboutin’s creative spirit is deeply intertwined with cinema, particularly his grand love affair with India and Bollywood. Having first traveled to India as a teenager, he developed an abiding obsession with the color, drama, and larger-than-life narrative style of Indian film.

Among his greatest muses was the legendary Sridevi. Louboutin expressed admiration for her screen presence and warmth, often hosting her and her family during his visits. Sridevi embodied the exact blend of grace, drama, and timeless glamour that his shoes celebrate. Imagine my pleasure at sitting down with him across the table as we discussed at length, my favourite topic in the world; the iconic Indian actress. Funnily enough, he was a huge fan of Sridevi, and not so much of Aishwarya Rai - we argued over la Rai, while Jing Zhang (who was moderating the talk), giggled at how serious we took the denizens of la la Bollywod. 

Up Close at The Upper House

During one of his memorable visits to Hong Kong, Louboutin took center stage at The Upper House for an intimate Up Close talk in the Sky Lounge. Attendees were treated to the quintessential Christian: intensely charming, remarkably candid, and wonderfully funny. Popular fashion scribe Jing Zhang was emcee and moderator. 

Rather than delivering a dry lecture on fashion, he regaled the audience with self-deprecating anecdotes - recounting his early days sneaking into Parisian theaters, the accident that led to the red sole, and his unbridled joy for travel. His warmth and wit left an indelible mark on the city's editorial and creative community. One slightly inebriated guest asked "Why are your shoes so painful - why don't you make them more comfortable?" He quipped back, "When my sales drop, I'll change the design. Why fix something that isn't broken?"

Post pandemic Loub has not returned to Hong Kong - we wait with breath that is baited. 

How to buy a good bottle of wine without paying the earth as explained by wine connoisseurs

By P. Ramakrishnan


Simon Tam, head of wine for China at Christie's Auction House, says there actually are ways of buying wine on a budget.

"A lot of good wine in hotel chain-linked restaurants can be available for HK$500 to HK$700 per bottle - and that's a very good price to work on for the budget-minded." And an insider's tip would be that a lot of Chinese restaurants - not Western - don't charge for corkage, which is a great way to save money by buying retail and doing "BYOB".

When buying at a department store, how can one home in on a good bottle? "In Hong Kong, we're very lucky that something in the vicinity of HK$500 is available to us for any kind of wine, except perhaps a good Bordeaux - which is always a bit more expensive," Tam says.

"There are so many labels on display, and the truth of the matter is, for a lot of people, it's a matter of palate and appreciation. If you've spent HK$1,000 and it doesn't agree with their taste buds, then [your guests will] think it's cheap wine. I strongly suggest, in this scenario, buying a bottle of champagne. People might profess not to like it, but pop open a chilled one and everyone raises a toast. It becomes an occasion."

Picking the right bottle for the uninitiated is luck of the draw. Most people, by habit, simply look at the price to gauge its quality. "The cheaper the wine is, the more the mark-up is," says Kavita Devi Faiella, wine director of the Press Room Group. "Restaurateurs know that the cheap bottles will fly off the shelves. But owners want to move the expensive bottle, too, so they might mark it up by just a fraction."

The price of the wine can depend on whether you head to a chain restaurant or a stand-alone. Chains offer better value than independent restaurants. "Wine is priced more competitively in an independently run restaurant," Devi Faiella adds. "Global restaurants' in-house numbers are unpredictable because they buy in bulk and distribute them.

"If there's a chain run by the same management that has a restaurant here in Hong Kong [which has no tax or luxury tariff] versus in India [which has a great deal of taxation on wine and whisky], they level the prices as they're looking at the overall scale."

Can you get a great wine that's cheap? Tam says no: "If you really want the good stuff, you have to pay for it. I've taught classes on wine tasting, and the two things I promise all my students is you'll end up buying and appreciating expensive wine and you'll never go back to the cheap rubbish. If you appreciate wine, it's nice to pay for quality wines. There are no 1961 Chateau Lafites for HK$200."

佳士得拍賣行中國區葡萄酒業務主管譚業明（Simon Tam）表示，預算有限的愛好者其實不乏買到好酒的方法。

「連鎖酒店旗下餐廳不少好酒每瓶只需港幣 500 至 700 元，這對預算緊絀的人來說非常實惠。」他還分享了一個內行秘訣：不少中菜館——而非西餐廳——都不收取開瓶費，自備美酒（BYOB）絕對是省錢的一大妙招。

在百貨公司選購時，該如何鎖定優質酒款？譚業明指：「香港人非常幸運，除了可能稍貴的優質波爾多（Bordeaux）之外，大約港幣 500 元就能買到各類好酒。」

「架上酒款琳琅滿目，但老實說，這很大程度取決於個人口味與鑑賞力。如果你花了港幣 1,000 元買的酒不合客人胃口，他們只會覺得這是便宜貨。在這種情況下，我強烈建議直接買一瓶香檳。大家未必會主動說喜歡香檳，但只要冰鎮後拔塞汽泡迸發，眾人舉杯，氣氛頓時就出來了。」

對於門外漢來說，挑對好酒多少有點憑運氣，大多數人習慣單看價格來衡量品質。Press Room Group 葡萄酒總監 Kavita Devi Faiella 表示：「越便宜的酒，溢價比例往往越高。餐廳經營者深知平價酒最暢銷，但同時也想帶動高價酒的銷量，因此高價酒的加價幅度可能相對較小。」

酒價亦取決於你光顧的是連鎖餐廳還是獨立餐廳。連鎖店的性價比往往高於獨立經營的店家。Devi Faiella 補充道：「獨立營運的餐廳在葡萄酒定價上更具競爭力。全球連鎖餐廳的內部定價較難預測，因為他們是批量採購後再分發。」

「如果同一管理層旗下的連鎖集團在香港（零葡萄酒稅）和印度（對葡萄酒及威士忌徵收重稅）都有分店，他們為考量整體規模，往往會拉平兩地的售價。」

那究竟能不能用便宜價格買到頂級好酒？譚業明直言不可能：「如果你真想喝好酒，就必須付出相應代價。我教過品酒課，向所有學員保證過兩件事：你最終一定會懂得購買和欣賞昂貴的名酒，而且再也回不去喝那些便宜劣酒了。懂得品酒的人，自然樂意為品質掏腰包。世上絕沒有港幣 200 元就能買到的 1961 年拉菲（Chateau Lafite）。」

The Last Frontier: Space travel in 2027?

Ground Control to Major Tom... its Astronaut Colin Bennett! 

Virgin Galactic's spaceflight program has fully embraced the last frontier and sent so many "civilians" to outer space already - by 2027, there will be three flights a week heading up to the great unknown. 

Many thanks to Intriq Journey and Petrie (Linda ❤️ ) for the invite. You really are elevating luxury travel in Asia up to the ultimate level. Private islands, exotic destinations, bah humbug, look up at the stars for extra-terrestrial inspiration. 

To pilfer a quote from Carl Sagan, "That's home. That's us. On it everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives. The aggregate of our joy and suffering, thousands of confident religions, ideologies, and economic doctrines, every hunter and forager, every hero and coward, every creator and destroyer of civilization, every king and peasant, every young couple in love, every mother and father, hopeful child, inventor and explorer, every teacher of morals, every corrupt politician, every "superstar," every "supreme leader," every saint and sinner in the history of our species lived there-on a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam."