The Dictator

There are moments when I wish my mother hadn’t got rid of all her 1980s fashion. Now I’ve noticed some high-heel shoes that remind me of ones she used to wear back then. They come up the top of the foot much higher than normal pumps then go into a sort of a U or V shape, but they’re not quite ankle boots.
Getting the Boot, Central

The Dictator rules: By some miracle, I actually know what you’re talking about, though nobody can agree on what to call them. I’ve seen “split front” and “cut out” bandied about, but I think you’ll generally find them filed under “booties” or just ankle boots. For the clean-lined version in plain black leather, see what Gianvito Rossi has (HK$8,000 and up; 10 On Lan Street, Central, tel: 2522 4001). Or try on a few pairs at Fendi (HK$9,000; The Landmark, Central, tel: 2524 1339). Looking for something more ornate? Alexander McQueen’s are pretty, with lasercut black velvet that reminds us of Chinese paper cutting, over white suede (HK$8,300; www.netaporter.com). Gucci gets the look in a lace-up bootie of black or wine red leather (HK$8,950; The Landmark, tel: 2524 4492). For modern variations, see Alexander Wang’s amazing autumn/winter collection (HK$5,000 and up; LAB Concept, Queensway Plaza, Admiralty, tel: 2118 6008). Nine West has a series of styles called “shooties”, as well as wedged booties and more, that are also worth a look (HK$2,800; Central/ Central, Central Building, 1 Pedder Street, Central, tel: 2147 5838).

I love fashion but I’m definitely more on the casual side, so I’m psyched for those cool new fashion sweatshirts I keep hearing about. Who makes the hottest?
No Sweat, Sha Tin

The Dictator: The hottest? I think you forgot to add, “and I’m not talking temperature”. Sceptics are surely baulking at this question, but the luxury sweatshirt really is amazingly hot right now, as evidenced by the overwhelming selection in stores. The French seem to be especially good at nonchalant, high-end casual wear. Paris brand Sandro has a few graphic print sweatshirts in its autumn repertoire (HK$1,945; IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2234 7851) and G Kero has incorporated a painterly touch in its version, with portraits of pop icons or animals by artist Marguerite Bartherotte (HK$1,490; Harvey Nichols, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 3968 2668). Givenchy has mastered the art of the printed tee in recent seasons and its latest collection is no exception, with various star and geometric prints on its companion sweatshirts, too (HK$7,790 to HK$8,690; Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2735 2361). Another print star, Christopher Kane, has some worth having (HK$3,600 to HK$5,300; Joyce, Harbour City, tel: 2367 8128), and the ever colourful Manish Arora has them in bright pink, dotted with black heart-shaped sequins (HK$9,900; Joyce). For only HK$899, Amenpapa’s cropped, abstract houndstooth pattern is a must (Silvercord, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 3102 3800).

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