Hong Kong is currently in the throes of an Indian moment. While fashion and accessory sales across the board are lacklustre, specialists in Indian shawls, embroidered clothes and jewellery are reporting buoyant business: Delhi-based designer Leetu Shivdasani held an exhibition in early November of embroidered jackets and fluid tunics and sold some 200 pieces within two days.
Joyce is also carrying a small collection of exquisitely embroidered Indian outfits (silk pants and top under a heavy silk-chiffon embroidered coat) in pretty pastel colours, but given the workmanship and the tailoring, figure on spending between $15,000 and $20,000.
A number of individuals are hosting a slew of exhibition-cum-sales of upscale Indian clothes, accessories and jewellery in the run-up to Christmas.
Prices start in the low hundreds and go up to six figures (for the precious jewellery), but all the following are worth checking out: Hong Kong-based independent retailer Reenu Sondhi has just returned from India with a treasure trove of antique Jamevar (embroidered) cashmere shawls, silver, and ornate jewellery. There will be a two-day sale starting December 1 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, between 11am and 7pm. Prices start at a few hundred dollars. Call 2807-1272 for more information.
American businesswoman Anne Loseff has also arrived back in Hong Kong from Delhi, where she sourced Pashmina (cashmere/ silk) shawls dyed to resemble Shahtoosh now considered politically incorrect because the wool needed for them comes from slaughtered Tibetan antelopes.
Ms Loseff is showing these shawls, plus a new range of embroidered evening wear, at her Peak home until December 2. Highlights are quilted silk coats, velvet dresses embroidered with gold threads and easy cotton dressing gowns. Call 2849-4588 for details.
