Dandy & Dapper
I've lost my Orlebar Brown Bulldogs and don't know where to go in Hong Kong to replace them. Please advise.
Mr Dandy: Ooh. First, I'd like to know exactly how you lost your swim trunks, you dawg, you? Next, readers, please go back to Mr Dapper's recommendations, then swap them for the more witty, limited-edition Dogs Bulldog shorts in black featuring a digital print black and white picture of a dog (there are various breeds to chose from) down one leg (HK$2,300; Lane Crawford). I was also thrilled to learn that Monocle has done one of its designer collaborations with Orlebar Brown and sells the swim shorts in steel blue, dark military green, bright green, or olive green for only HK$1,650 (1 St Francis Yard, Wan Chai, tel: 2804 2323).
I'd like some shoes that aren't as casual as my Havies or other slide-ons. I hate the word 'sandals' but I guess that's what I'm talking about. Help?
Mr Dandy: I get it. Wearing sandals would have been embarrassing in the not-so-distant past, but that's partly a question of supply and demand. There just weren't many stylish options for guys. But all that has changed. In fact, you might be overwhelmed by the choice that's out there. For your first foray into this brave new world, avoid those chunky 'sport' sandals - save them for the outbound trails they were designed for. Pick something with clean lines and a minimal number of straps, such as the leather sandals at A Testoni, which have two plain bars across the top of the foot and one strap reaching around the ankle, in black or dark blue (HK$2,180; Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2522 0349). At Bally, surprisingly, there were no sandals on display and the staff had to pull its selection out of a secret drawer. Made in leather, the sandals have just two criss-crossing straps and come in brown or black (HK$2,990; Pacific Place, tel: 2525 0450). If you ever do want to add colour, the brand has also done them in its signature cotton red and cream stripe (HK$3,490). And while we're going crazy (joke), check out the sandals at Lanvin (Pacific Place, tel: 2523 9512). They range from plain brown leather to my new obsession: the thong sandal, in twisted grosgrain and leather (HK$3,700 to HK$4,800).
