The Dictator rules: That much is apparent. Let's start with sentence construction. If you were trying to ask me something, a question mark would have helped.
(A 'please' would have been nice too.) To answer your query: of course there are local fashion designers, you ninny. Hong Kong Polytechnic University even has a course in fashion design. We love Sin Sin Atelier's conceptual, minimalist clothes, jewellery and accessories, which have a distinctly Hong Kong Chinese character yet also draw from other influences, especially Japan (52 Sai Street, off Hollywood Road at the Cat Street end, Central, tel: 2521 0308;
www.sinsin.com.hk). Lu Lu Cheung makes day to evening wear with an innovative use of natural fabrics and abstract nature motifs (shop B63, The Landmark, Central, tel: 2537 7515;
www.lulucheung.com.hk). Bad boy Henry Lau makes dark, edgy clothing with a touch of goth and biker chic. He has several stores around town (including shop C, 11 Sharp Street, Causeway Bay, tel: 2317 6928;
www.spyhenrylau.com). Also in that neighbourhood is Olivia Couture, where designer Olivia Yip makes lavish gowns, wedding dresses and cheongsams, both ready-to-wear and custom order (shop 1, G/F, Bartlock Centre, 3 Yiu Wah Street, Causeway Bay, tel:2838 6636;
www.oliviacouture.com). Even non-local talent has chosen Hong Kong as their base. Sonjia Norman, the woman behind popular active-wear brand Chibi, has quietly created modified vintage and unique fashion pieces for years. Last year, she opened an atelier near Star Street (G/F, 2 Sun Street, Wan Chai, tel: 2529 6223;
www.sonjiaonline.com). Pocket Venus became famous in London's fashionista circles before its English founder and designer Jane Troughton moved to Hong Kong. She now has a lovely atelier in SoHo. Her youthful, sometimes exquisitely beaded, often vintage-inspired women's wear is sold at Seibu and also by appointment at her atelier (G/F, Koon Nam House, 14 Shing Wong Street, Central, tel: 2548 8086;
www.pocket-venus.net).
I am looking for a gentle, ammonia-free hair colour. L'Oreal has one called L'Oreal Casting but I can't find it. I've tried Watsons, Mannings and Sasa. I need a blonde, not red, hair dye. Please guide.
The Dictator: Your stupid question has managed to lighten my hair without using any products. It's gone grey. I cannot believe you visited all those shops and didn't think to look for other ammonia-free hair dyes. L'Oreal Casting Color is obviously not available in Hong Kong (we double checked). Get over it. Of the brand's two lines that are sold here, Excellence and Feria, the experts at L'Oreal suggest Excellence (about HK$93) because it contains relatively low levels of ammonia and 'triple conditioning' to alleviate any stress caused by the chemicals. It's sold at all the stores you mentioned. In terms of colours, try L'Oreal Feria's 3D Blonde range (especially colours #P01, #P02, #P03 and #74). Otherwise, just order it online. Oh no, you'd have to read for that. Do you want to know what I really think? You don't need me; you need reading glasses or a good hairdresser.
