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The Dictator: On style, she rules

Where can I find a modern qipo that’s proportioned for a tall Western woman and not priced like Shanghai Tang? I’m going to visit Vienna soon and would like something special that doesn’t look like I’m playing dress up.
Export Fashion, Mid-Levels

The Dictator rules: First of all, it’s qipao. Well, it would be if this were a Putonghua, not Cantonese speaking society, where we call it a cheongsam. And you’re in luck. Diane von Furstenberg in May introduced her first cheongsams, the black and white floral China Wrap dress and gown (HK$4,900 to HK$6,800; The Landmark, Central.) Those are pretty low designer prices when you compare them with other houses. And have you forgotten about Hong Kong’s own Vivienne Tam? Don’t! This season, she has very pretty ones in various prints (HK$2,450 to HK$2,550; Pacific Place, Admiralty). G.O.D. has some cute, affordable and unusual ones (HK$680; 48 Hollywood Road). If you’re really on a shoestring budget but have a good eye, try Elegant Tang Dynasty’s cheap but simple cheongsams. They’d look decent after alterations on someone with taste and fabulous accessories (HK$159 to HK$199; 54 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui). Now, let’s get realistic. At Shanghai Tang (1 Duddell Street, Central), you’d be spending HK$3,200 to HK$6,800 for off-the-rack (they call them qipaos, too). So if you yearn for the brand, buy a sleeveless top (HK$1,680 to HK$2,480) or white blouse (HK$2,480 to HK$2,680), all with signature Mandarin collar. Paired with leather leggings or a cool skirt, you won’t be mistaken for anything but fashionable.

 

I have to go to a wedding but I hate wearing hats. I thought of a flower fascinator, but the only ones I found were on headbands. Don’t they make them on clips?
Fascinator Fixation, Repulse Bay

The Dictator: I’m fairly certain that a flower on a clip constitutes a hair clip rather than a fascinator. You know, like the ones made by Alexandre Zouari (Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui). Right now, it has everything from modern clips with big flowers (HK$1,640) to elaborate pink confections on a clip, bedazzled with Swarovski, naturellement (HK$1,640 to HK$4,800). Don’t forget the other luxury hair accessories designer, Colette Malouf, whose contemporary designs include mesh metal flowers on clips (HK$1,690; Harvey Nichols, Pacific Place). Anyway, fascinators are usually on a comb, not a clip, so that the decorative elements have a better chance of staying in place. The other day, I stumbled upon a cute source of fascinators and hair accessories. The nameless shop has quite the array of stylish straw and feather accessories on slide hair clips, too, in almost every colour under the rainbow (HK$119 to HK$500; Stall 119, Jardines Crescent market, Causeway Bay). Is it too late to mention that not everyone demands hats be worn at their wedding? Best ask the bride directly or risk looking silly.

 

 

Got a question for The Dictator? E-mail her with your name, or alias, and address at: [email protected]

 

 

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: The Dictator
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