CENTENNIAL Olympic fever may have gone horribly wrong with fatal cases of heat-stroke, bomb attacks and utter logistical chaos, but celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz was already far too involved. Leibovitz's contribution to the megahyped Atlanta event was to create a 'signature' Olympic Games watch on behalf of Swatch, who have, in the past, produced special timepiece accessories by fashion designers Christian Lacroix and Vivienne Westwood and movie directors Robert Altman, Akira Kurosawa and Pedro Almodovar. For her subjects, Leibovitz used pentathlete Michael Gostigian, members of the American synchronised swimming team and other sportspeople in super-athletic poses. These black-and-white images make up the entire watch, including the strap. The limited edition pieces retail locally for $420. grooming hell A 'Grooming Workshop for Young Ladies' which has just set up in Hong Kong proves that it is never too early to become a self-indulgent fashion clone. Starting on August 19, little ladies between 13 and 18 whose parents have shelled out $3,800 for the honour, will participate in a five-day course at City Hall teaching about the more important things in life - how to grow healthy nails, choose the right bra, colour coordinate and get the most use out of 10 classic wardrobe staples. Overseen by Miss Hong Kong and international beauty pageant consultant Irene Cheung, the morning sessions will also feature 'experts' in their chosen field: someone from Nina Ricci will come along to talk about skincare and make-up, a hairstylist from the Kimberley Hotel will discuss how to use hair accessories and Dr Margaret Kwan, formerly of the Hong Kong Family Planning Association will shed some light on personal hygiene. Socialite Yvette Yung will help present certificates at the end of the exercise, along with top model Qi Qi. And as a special vote of confidence, Hong Kong Federation of Women chairman Peggy Lam intends to drop in from time to time to see how the girls are doing. A spokesman for the event organiser said the idea was to help breed self-confidence in teenage girls and to 'show them how to behave like ladies, be more presentable and become mature adults'. Boys beware: plans are in the works to start a similar male-based course chateau hongkers THE next time you are hovering around Europe with a few days to kill, check out Chateau de Tourreau near Avignon, an 18th-century estate restored by former Hong Kong-based entrepreneur Michael Dobbs-Higginson and his wife Marie-Therese. Room rates at the antique-furniture and art-filled property start at about US$100 (HK$770) for a double bedroom to US$240 for the main guest suite - highly reasonable given the amenities: tennis and squash court, badminton lawn and a 25-metre by 10-metre swimming pool. On the grounds also is a 17th-century chapel and stream-lined parks with peacocks and ornamental ponds. Vineyards and orchards are on the periphery - and to keep boredom at bay, a sophisticated telecommunications system allows guests to stay in touch with the rest of the world. The chateau is not hard to get to either, being only an hours' drive from Marseilles airport. But families take note - this is no Club Med. Children under 10 are not allowed unless you take one of the rooms in the adjacent Farm House. For many, that might be reason enough to go. who nose? FOLLOW your nose to the L'Occitane shop in the basement of the Landmark where another haven of super-deluxe, all-natural beauty products has just sprouted up. Originating in Provence, L'Occitane comprises a bunch of pricey creams, lotions, tonics, gels, shampoos and perfumes, as well as home fragrances, based on natural ingredients, plant extracts and essential oils. Apart from the run-of-the-mill scented bubble baths and flower waters, an interesting men's range offers up the Alum Styptic Pencil, which helps undo any razor-induced discomfort (women might find it handy as well). There is also the last word in home luxury, a new Vacuum Fragrance powder product designed to be sucked up through your average domestic dust-buster to give off a lingering aroma throughout the house.
