Behind the Label: Vaughan

Who started it? Tired of her endless quest for the perfect silk shirt, American-born Lindsay Narain set about designing her own. With a background in advertising - having worked at Conde Nast and in e-commerce - she relocated to Hong Kong and launched online venture Vaughan this year. Narain's plan is to deliver simple, easy shirts in custom-dyed crêpe de Chine that are designed to fit seamlessly into your wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Why we love it: her classic shape, the Hepburn (named after Katharine Hepburn, no less) comes with a simple fold-down collar, and is designed to be worn loose. These shirts are trendy but not overbearing, glamorous yet easy, stand-out yet versatile and just about guaranteed to be the workhorse in your wardrobe. Ten custom-dyed colours and a monogramming service that takes just five days are the icing on a rather tempting cake.

What we'd pick: for days that require a work-to-play outfit, the Hepburn shirt, in purple or emerald green (both below; HK$969), would look great paired with anything from a sleek blazer and leather trousers to a prim pencil skirt and statement necklace. For flashier days, we'll be sporting her white shirt with black lace detailing (below left; HK$1,395). Whichever you go for, here's proof that classic fashion need not be boring.

Where can you get it? Vaughan is available at www.wearvaughan.com