And this season, the deadliest display of wearing all black comes from Patrick Dempsey. Grey's Anatomy star models for Versace a black leather jacket, a black shirt, and black trousers, to the most amazing effect.

The highlight of that look is, of course, the jacket. The problem with that in Hong Kong is that there are only two weeks in a year when you get to wear a leather jacket without melting into a puddle. However, this is probably also the only city in the world where people dive into hotpots at the height of summer, with the air conditioner on full blast.

I've heard more than a couple of misguided souls say they wear black because they don't want to think too hard about what to wear in the morning. Fair enough. But then they go all wrong by matching the wrong shades of black.

There are warm blacks, and there are cold blacks, and often they don't mix. Matching the right blacks is important. Wearing only black also means more focus will be on the textures of the garments, as well as the silhouette they create.

According to publicity information, Louis Vuitton's all-black silhouette this year is inspired by the gentleman-bandit - probably the Ocean's Eleven type who makes being bad so much fun you have to love them. The straight-fit trousers are great for the tall, suave man, while the reversible jackets and parkas can be both elegant and functional.

Or, create that assassin look with Boss Black, particularly a black double-breasted suit, a turtleneck and leather groves. And it's imperative that an outfit like this be worn with well-groomed hair.

Texture-wise, South Korean designer Junn J has shown a perfect combination in black: shiny black-wool hooded jacket over a hugging black top and matching trousers. The fabrics are the highlight here and the look is definitively modern.

Go black tie, really black, with an Agnes b. tuxedo with satin lapels, black shirt, and a black bow tie. The silver star and lightning bolt pins above the chest pocket add sparks to the look and make it young and playful.

You may go all the way black with a wristwatch, and something like D&G's DW0360 bracelet digital watch would add a modern edge to the look. But sometimes I like to contrast black with white, especially if it's a swish item like the Issey Miyake Trapezoid. It also comes in black, red and blue.

Agnes b., Shop LG1-40, Festival Walk, Kowloon Tong, tel: 2265 7018

Boss Black and Junn J available from Joyce, New World Tower, 16 Queen's Rd Central, tel: 2810 1120

Louis Vuitton, Shop 351A, L3, The Mall, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 8100 1182

D&G available from Time + Style, LCX, Level 1, Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay, from late October onwards, tel 2437 1395

Issey Miyake watch available from 1/F, Seibu, Langham Place, tel: 2269 1888

Versace, Shop 2053, IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2234 7626