Diva heels
If you're planning to wear anything flashy this season - such as anything by Roberto Cavalli - here's a make of shoes to complete the look: Gianni Barbato. Costing as much as diva brands Manolo Blahnik and Sergio Rossi, Barbato is one of those niche names beloved of the fashion intelligensia. They are drop-dead sexy (think pink python or purple suede high heels) and only available in stores like Barneys in Beverly Hills, or Otto Tootsie in New York (where Jennifer Lopez buys them). And now Lane Crawford, where they will cost from $2,500 to more than $4,000. Costantino Costa, who represents Gianni Barbato in Asia, described them as 'aggressive' shoes - the ones you wear when you want to make a statement.
Beauty spot
New beauty superstore Icon (1/F, Hang Lung Centre, Causeway Bay) is creating a buzz around town, with many people comparing it to international beauty Mecca Sephora. Elliott Yuen, chief executive officer of Dream Asia Ltd, which is behind the venture, is pretty bullish. He claims Icon will sell at least $300 million worth of lipsticks and skin creams in its first year, and is willing to put about $25 million a year into advertising. So what's the big deal? The DIY counters are fun: you can have a girlie afternoon playing with make-up and not be hassled by annoying salesgirls. As well as established brands like Estee Lauder and Lancaster, there are interesting smaller makes like DDF - Doctor's Dermatologic Formula, created by top US dermatologist Dr Howard Sobel - Spanish brand Natura Bisse, and Kirara, which makes a highly rated cream mask for people with acne. 'We wanted to offer a big store with a wide selection of brands and products at reasonable prices, where customers would feel free to browse,' Yuen said. Sephora fans should fret not: an executive at LVMH, which owns it, said plans are still afoot to open a Hong Kong branch. It's just a matter of finding the right premises.
Back to chic
Grown-up glam is back in fashion, and Chanel's chic suits and stylish outfits are hot again. To capitalise on the fact, the French brand is staging a series of glitzy fashion shows in Asia. Bonnie Gokson, Chanel's regional image-external relations manager, is bringing her trademark panache to the events. 'They are not just shows,' Gokson said. 'They are events.' The collection was shown recently in Taiwan, and will be heading to Beijing on September 8 before travelling to Hong Kong's Convention and Exhibition Centre on September 15. Under Gokson's supervision, a team of builders, caterers and designers will transform a bland but spacious exhibition hall into a party venue, featuring glow-in-the-dark Champagne bars, a huge canvas screen for shadow-dancing performances and percussionists. Models are being flown in from across the region. About 1,300 of Hong Kong's most beautiful people will attend the event, which will turn into a slick late-night party after the show.