Obied one
A stylish, severe-looking woman who works in my building almost always wears a covetable article of clothing. Lately she's worn an amazing, black fabric belt with a bow, but I'm too scared to ask where she got it. Sound familiar?
Bow Belle, Central
The Dictator rules: It all sounds familiar: women checking each other out ... competitiveness and pride stopping you complementing someone you may dislike ... another part-time fashion lover with her head in the sand ... where have you been? The item is based on an obi, the Japanese belt or sash used to tie kimonos and yukatas since the Edo period of the 17th to mid-19th century. Obi-inspired belts have always had a quiet presence on the fashion scene, appearing in Leonard's funky mid-century dresses and more recent, reinterpreted Asian themes introduced by Jean Paul Gaultier and John Galliano. Actress Tea Leoni was seen wearing a colourful version in Woody Allen's recent movie Hollywood Ending. Now Gucci has brought obis to the forefront of fashion's (self-) consciousness. Pick one up on the ground floor of The Landmark, Central (tel: 2524-4492) in black or brown floral silk with long, braided leather straps ($1,600). We think they look best over tucked-in button-down shirts, with suits (under the jacket!) and even over formal A-line skirts. If you really like the obi look, ask your tailor to make copies in fabulous coloured or textured fabrics.
Tattoo you
I've wanted to get a tattoo for ages but I'm scared about hygiene. It also has to be a special symbol I designed, and I'm worried about the tattooist getting it wrong. Can you recommend the best tattoo parlour?
Skin Deep, Fortress Hill
