Bag ladies
It's all about accessories at StyleTrek, the Hong Kong-based boutique (The Landmark, Central, and Ocean Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui) and Web site specialising in bags and baubles from up and coming designers around the world. In addition to popular labels Ipa-Nima and Amy Chan, the shop is stocking some new labels this autumn. One of the best is Jennifer Scott, the year-old jewellery line from Canadians Jennifer Kalon and Scott Richler. A combination of colourful Swarovski crystals and clean lines, it's perfect for a big night out. More practical is Elisabeth Powell's range of leather bags, which are hand-stitched in contrasting colours - like her must-have mules. But our favourite has to be the dainty handbags (above) by Texan Cara Coppolo. A former opera singer, she combines antique lace, velvet, hand-embroidered silk, French tapestry and needlepoint into cool grandma numbers that are one of a kind. Best of all are the detachable beaded handles, which are made of semi-precious stones like turquoise, amethyst and onyx, and can double up as necklaces and bracelets.
For your eyes only
Available in more than 20 styles and 100 colour combinations, Absolute Zero eyewear is a good alternative to the usual suspects. The Japanese brand has been around only a year but it has already become a favourite of funky graphic-designer and architect types who love the look and the lightweight, laser-cut, titanium frames. The price: $1,600 to $1,800 from Dream Optical City (8/F, Ginza Plaza, 2A Sai Yeung Choi Street South, Mongkok). Just what the optometrist ordered.
His 'n' hers
Breaking rules is nothing new to Italian clothing brand Diesel, which regularly - and irreverently - blurs the boundaries between advertising and editorial, good taste and bad. So it should come as no surprise that its new fragrance, Zero Positive, is not as straightforward as it seems. Vacuum-sealed in a sci-fi-style dome, there are two different scents: Masculine and Feminine.
