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)