Fashion people

Scrum down

If you were wondering what all that fuss was outside the Joyce boutique in Central the other Saturday morning, it had nothing to do with discounts. Some of Hong Kong's most stylish men - among them a few famous faces - were lining up to get their hands on the first arrivals in the Dior Homme line, designed by menswear star Hedi Slimane. Mark Prendergrast, the store's divisional manager for men's fashion and accessories, said the scrum was a sight to behold. By 11am, half an hour after the doors opened, Joyce had sold out of the most expensive pieces - among them $25,000 leather trench coats (right). By the end of the day, every leather Dior Homme item had gone. Also hugely popular were trousers in fuchsia and grey that went for $2,500 and up, signature suits, known for their exaggerated waists, that commanded up to $13,000, and quirky little leather carnation pins, which were a snip at $1,950. If you missed out, don't worry: another shipment is due soon, but expect to queue.

Big Barney

There was also a commotion at the recent Barney Cheng show at the Academy of Medicine, Aberdeen, where more than 600 people crowded into a room with 480 seats. There was a reason for all the gatecrashers at the Jaguar-sponsored event, which was covered by Fashion TV from Paris: the Diamond Information Centre was giving out funky T-shirts encrusted with rhinestones. The food, provided by caterers Delbeck, included baby oysters on cucumber, foie gras, rose petals covered in chocolate and lavender buds set in gold-flecked champagne jelly. Joyce Ma threw her influence behind Cheng by organising a two-week showing of his one-off gowns at her Central boutique recently.

Clean lines

Armani Collezioni will make its debut at Lane Crawford in Central this month. Peter Harris, vice-president of merchandising, says the collection is 'clean, stylish, beautiful' and accessibly priced. The Times Square branch will also unveil a 1,500-square-foot space for hot British brand Burberry.