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.