Designer steps up to challenge

Shoe designer Pierre Hardy won't say it himself but he's kind of shy. That's one reason why the Paris style maker has never done an in-store appearance before this week.

On Pedder convinced Hardy to meet and greet his numerous fans here and, lo and behold, he discovered it's not so painful after all.

Not famous enough to be mobbed but known enough by local shoe freaks, Hardy mingled easily on Wednesday among the tai-tais and fashion fans, before attending a private VIP dinner for him at the China Club. Not bad for a guy who got into design by accident. 'I never studied fashion,' Hardy confessed. 'I don't like fashion actually.'

Well, he's up to his eyeballs in it now. Stars like Nicole Kidman hassle him for custom pumps and he also makes jewellery for Hermes, men's shoes for Balenciaga and apparently he's a Gap model in Europe. But in chit-chat, he'd rather gush about his return to Hong Kong. 'People are so friendly and nice.' Too bad it's only a two-day stay.