On the grapevine...

First, we take Manhattan, then we take Hong Kong? Poet beatniks will have their fingers crossed for this one. Local theatre troupe Theatre du Pif might be able to convince Leonard Cohen to come to Hong Kong next month for its revival production of Dance Me to the End of Love. The legendary Canadian wordsmith's songs are used in the play, which is based on one of his favourite books, Herman Hesse's Siddhartha. We'll pass the word once they get their man.

So much for Benetton being a provocative and socially conscious apparel brand. They've just partnered with Mattel to release four collectible 'Barbie Loves Benetton' dolls. It features New York, Paris, London and Stockholm Barbies dressed in the label's clothes, with an additional 50 garments and accessories available. Yawn! How about something more unique, like a Shenzhen Barbie in over-tight cropped pants, colour mismatched tops and extra thick makeup?

Apparently, Roger Vivier designer Bruno Frisoni is quite a dancer and party maniac. It seems the champagne and hors d'oeuvres at his store's opening weren't enough for the Frenchman. After dinner at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental, he joined Hong Kong's A-list to boogie it up at the Kee Club, then Volar, then Drop until 6am. Kee maven Marina Bullivant attests to Frisoni's moves, saying 'he is one fabulous dancer!' Oh mon dieu!

The buzz from New York is that Maggie Q (left) was being chatted up by tennis hunk Andy Roddick at New York's Fashion Week. Perhaps he needed consoling after losing to Roger Federer at the US Open?