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