On style, she rules

Published: 12:00am, 5 Apr 2009

I love the flapper look and would love one of those fringe dresses. Where can I purchase one?

Fringe Benefits, South Side

The Dictator rules: As long as flapper doesn't turn into slapper, I'll go with it. The fringe dress is supposed to be one of the key trends of the season, so all you need to do is leave the house to find one. In fact, you'd better hurry. They're going, going, almost gone at brands such as Reiss (cute mini dresses in nude or fuchsia for HK$3,199; Times Square, tel: 2808 4003) and Christian Joy (a quirky, long-sleeved dress in black for HK$3,400; Harvey Nichols). If you've looked at a fashion magazine recently, you've probably seen the great Easton Pearson fringed ostrich dress in blue or aubergine (HK$9,800; Lane Crawford, IFC Mall, tel: 2118 7777) and the fringe-topped white and black strapless number by Yves Saint Laurent (HK$47,570; Alexandra House, Central, tel: 2868 0092). You know, you don't have to be so literal. Get the look with an over-the-top fringed silk coat by Vanessa Bruno (HK$10,900), or a more subtle Ksubi mini with a fringe peeking out of the hem (HK$2,900; both at Lane Crawford). Go undercover with beautifully made fringe bras and undies from the new La Perla Black Label collection (HK$990 to HK$2,200; Pacific Place, tel: 2118 3977). The operative word here is 'undercover'. Or accessorise with shoes or bags by Sergio Rossi and Thomas Wylde. While you're out there, keep an eye on the new Alberta Ferretti collections, which should be fringe-tastic.

Like you, I'm a bit of a fashion snob. I know you've told us where to buy rain boots before but I really only wear Tretorn. Are they sold in Hong Kong?

Rubbernecking, Shouson Hill

The Dictator: Ooh, we really want to put you down or at least rebuke you for not checking online but we can't. Even we got lost when we tried the website (www.tretorn.com). But here's one of the many reasons we are, in fact, not at all alike: we'd already spotted the classic Swedish rubber boots in the field. Or, specifically, at I.T (Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2506 0186). They sell Tretorn's Langta waterproof boot with microfleece lining in red, khaki or black rubber for HK$899.

Where can I get ballet flats with a one-inch or 11/2 inch chunky heel (not pointy or kitten)? I live in ballet flats but I read that shoes that are too flat aren't good for you.

Take Me Higher, Clearwater Bay

The Dictator: How dull. 'Me or the heels,' you wonder? Both. Even if you don't like the Vara by Salvatore Ferragamo (HK$3,950; Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Central, tel: 2523 0899), please go designer at least. The Camille pump by Repetto, the French ballerina guru and fashion editor favourite, is exactly what you're after, having as it does a 11/4 inch heel. Psych! The Camille is not sold in Hong Kong. Luckily for you, Rebecca Taylor (HK$2,350; 14 Wyndham Street, Central, tel: 2973 0198) and Fabio Rusconi (HK$1,290; Seibu, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2971 3888) both make ballet-style shoes with 11/2 inch heels. If you'll consider a platform instead, there's even more to choose from. For example, you can get French Sole ballet flats with slight wedges instead of heels at Harvey Nichols (HK$2,700; The Landmark, Central, tel: 3695 3388). If you're going from fashionista to recessionista, why not convert your old flats with the help of a trusty cobbler for about HK$140. Find one in the alley between Pedder Street and Theatre Lane, such as Chan Foo Kee (tel: 9216 3870). If you're really concerned about foot health, then ditch the fashion and check out brands such as Geox, Aerosoles and Hush Puppies, all conveniently found on one floor at Wing On (HK$649 and up; 211 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan, tel: 2852 1888).

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