On style, she rules
Help! I had a bunch of things made in Shenzhen for a glamorous gold-and-white-themed charity event next week but they're all ill-fitting disasters. I still have beautiful gold and white fabric if there's a local tailor who can do a quick fix. Can you help me?
Fool's Gold, Shouson Hill
The Dictator rules: Yeah, because tailoring has worked so well for you thus far. Scrap it. You're clearly clueless if you had several items made and: a) none of them suit you; b) you haven't considered alterations; c) you're spending more on looking good than doing good. Alterations would be your quickest, best and most economical solution. Or simply take a white dress from your wardrobe and accessorise it with gold jewellery, belt and shoes. Otherwise, buy off the rack from unique boutiques so you won't meet your double at the party (with a better body). Tabla (M/F, Prince's Building, Central, tel: 9755 6669; www.tabla.hk) has a gorgeous long white goddess dress with gold embroidery (HK$3,680). On the goddess theme, we love Marchesa's white gown with gold beading around the waist (HK$56,995; The Swank, 2/F, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2736 8567). For contemporary glamour, try Rock Daisy's sleeveless, knee-length dress in white and pale gold with sequins around the neck (HK$1,990; Seibu, Pacific Place, tel: 2971 3838). White and gold can look cheap, so consider going all gold in: a sequinned, long-sleeved sheath by A.B.S (HK$3,490; Seibu); a metallic cable knit dress by Junya Watanabe (HK$4,700; Joyce, 2/F, Pacific Place, tel: 2523 5944); or Nathan Jenden's dark gold panelled dress (HK$12,899; I.T, 2/F, Pacific Place, tel: 2918 0667). Avoid white shoes, cheap sequins, gold stockings and ubiquitous high-street brands.
Is the Greek beauty line Korres available in Hong Kong? I'm sick of schlepping it back from Zurich or Athens. It was started by an old couple in their small pharmacy right next to where my mum lives in Athens but I don't think you're allowed to send liquids in the post.
Korres Strengthening, The Peak
The Dictator: What a waste of time. The answer is obvious: get mummy to send a regular care package. No, although you used to be able to find Korres in Hong Kong, it's not here any more. (Ignore the store list on www.korres.com.) Websites such as www.dermadoctor.com also deliver to Hong Kong, which proves you can actually send liquids by post. Here's a revolutionary idea: stop obsessing about what you cannot find and consider the countless natural, organic and environmentally friendly brands that are available locally. Check out mono brand boutiques such as Aesop (52 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, tel: 2544 4489; www.aesop. com.hk), Jurlique (Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2506 3028; www.jurlique.hk) and Kiehl's (28 Russell Street, Causeway Bay, tel: 2591 0117); or view the vast selections at City'super (B/F, Times Square, tel: 2506 2888), ThreeSixty (3/F, The Landmark, Central, tel: 2111 4480) and smaller stores such as Health Gate (8/F, Hung Tak Building, 106 Des Voeux Road, Central, tel: 2545 2286; www.health-gate.com).
A visiting friend (male) is looking for somewhere that does brow shaping and men's facials. Do you have any suggestions?
Man Date, Clear Water Bay
The Dictator: Why, yes I do. They're called 'spas' and your friend's hotel probably has one. Almost all have expanded their menus to include the boys these days but few can rival the Mandarin Barber, which is dedicated to men (The Mandarin Oriental, Central, tel: 2825 4088; www.mandarinoriental.com). Within the luxury of the 1930s Shanghai- style interiors, your friend can enjoy a variety of treatments including eyebrow shaping (HK$185 by wax, tweezers or threading) and facials such as the customised Face Time (25, 40 or 55 minutes for HK$320, HK$500 and HK$700, respectively). We'd also recommend the Four Seasons' Spa (brow grooming, HK$200; facials about HK$1,150; Central, tel: 3196 8900; www. fourseasons.com); and the Peninsula Spa by Espa (eyebrow shaping, HK$190; facials, HK$990 and up; The Peninsula hotel, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2315 3322; www.peninsula.com). For something different, suggest a day on the south side with shopping at Stanley Market, high tea at the Verandah and some pampering at the Retreat (brow shaping, HK$150 and up; facials, HK$600 and up; 1/F, 33 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, tel: 2803 1860; www.the-retreat.com.hk.