Flipping Out, Mid-Levels
For all those scandalised readers out there, let me begin with a translation. In some cultures, flip-flops are called "thongs". At least, I hope that's what you're asking about, as G-strings in rubber or leather both sound terribly uncomfortable. Now, with that out of the way, I'd like to stress that this type of sandal - even if studded with Swarovski crystals - will never be anything other than casualwear. The brand for you might be Tkees, whose slogan is "cosmetics for your feet". Its flip-flops come in tonnes of colours categorised under "Foundations", "Creams", "Liners", "Glosses", "Glitters" and so on (HK$450 per pair; Lane Crawford, IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2118 7777). If the French Riviera is more your style, then you'll love the finely crafted, Italian-made sandals by Joie A La Plage (so what if it's based in Los Angeles?). You'll love its Antibes thong sandal with straps in various solid colours on a leather sole (HK$1,190; Harvey Nichols, The Landmark, Central, tel: 3695 3388). For the cheap version, take a look at the faux-leather replicas in all sorts of colours at Forever 21 (HK$74.90; Capital Centre, 5 Jardine's Bazaar, Causeway Bay, tel: 2890 4791). While you're in the neighbourhood, stroll over to the new Ugg store (2 Yiu Wa Street, Causeway Bay, tel: 2893 1338) and check out its leather-strapped Ally II flip-flops in black, pink or beige (HK$550) and the Allaria with leopard-print calf-hair straps (HK$890).
China Watcher, The Peak