The Dictator: on style, she rules

The Dictator rules: Before we get started, let's banish all notions of becoming fairy-tale princesses, shall we? More often than not, a foot smooshed into a transparent shoe is neither regal nor attractive. Leader of the fashion pack Céline, of course, has an array of sandals, slides and boots with clear vinyl uppers, as well as leather pumps with plexi-wedge heels (HK$7,300 and up; Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2175 5988). But it's a lesser-known name that catches our eye: Gianvito Rossi has mixed the elegance of a classic pointy-toed pump in silver leather (or black suede) with the modern look of clear plastic running along the sides (HK$4,999; I.T, Gateway Arcade, tel: 2175 5112). If your toes aren't so picky, you can get a super-cheap replica pair at Forever 21 (HK$209; Capital Centre, 5 Jardine's Bazaar, Causeway Bay, tel: 2890 4791). Frugal shoppers may prefer Nine West's bright leather sandals with matching, transparent chunky heels, or various wedges with clear panels (from HK$1,050 to HK$1,250; Gateway Arcade, tel: 2926 3808). On Pedder is hot on the, um, heels of this trend (Gateway Arcade, tel: 2118 3470), from Alexander Wang's minimalist booties (HK$6,500) to Toga's colourful mid-heels and Charlotte Olympia's crystal-encrusted sandals (HK$13,000). See also: Givenchy, Stella McCartney, Chanel and Manolo Blahnik.

Where do those dresses and tops with the extra big ruffles come from? I'd love to get one.
Ruff Time, Mid-Levels

The Dictator: Well, it's hard to tell these days as the "made in" labels could mean the garment was produced somewhere else and only finished in Europe, for example. Wait. Did you mean to ask where to shop for the statement ruffle trend of spring-summer? Sorry, we thought that was obvious. The Gucci collection is clearly a favourite, with its extravagant, oversized, retro glam pieces in white or bright pinks and greens (HK$28,000 and up; The Landmark, Central, tel: 2524 4492). The only problem is we're in that weird time when what we're looking for is already sold out in the pre-order phase but yet to arrive in store. Don't get mad; get even, with something else. Lanvin's pretty black dress with a Pierrot-like cream ruffle is a gorgeous alternative (HK$27,200; IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2234 7323). The Chloé collection includes wear-everywhere white cotton blouses featuring dramatic, well-placed ruffles (HK$6,890 and up; Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 1686). Other houses doing it beautifully in the same price range include Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen and Givenchy. Ever speedier production times also allow more affordable brands to turn around trends within the same season. Diane von Furstenberg's Pandora cocktail dress in gardenia pink is one example (HK$5,100; Pacific Place, tel: 2918 9238). And no, do not co-ordinate with frilly accessories.

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