Azzaro

Who started it? Loris Azzaro was born to Sicilian parents in Tunisia in 1933 and launched his brand in Paris, France, in 1962. The creator of fabulously draped gowns, Azzaro, who died in 2003, was known for dressing the grand dames of society such as Romy Schneider, Claudia Cardinale, Michele Morgan, Marisa Berenson and Dalida. Last year, Brazilian-born Mathilde Castello Branco took the reins as creative director.

Why we love it: in a world of transitory fads and ephemeral fame, Azzaro's timeless outfits have withstood the vagaries of what's in vogue. From the hand-beaded, sequinned cocktail dresses to the billowy reams of red-carpet gowns, Azzaro has been providing signature pieces for women of note for the past 50 years. It's the brand of choice for iconic women (think Sophia Loren, Raquel Welch and Tina Turner, whose stage clothes were mostly created by her good friend 'Loris').

What we'd pick: for a return to minimalism, the straight-as- a-rake black dress (above right; HK$39,900) with twisted gold piping at the neck, or, to channel your inner diva, the mint green Greek Goddess gown (far right; HK$68,900; also available in white).

Where can you get it? Azzaro is available at Harvey Nichols, The Landmark, Central, tel: 3695 3388.