A user's guide to fashion
New cool
For fashion carnivores who flip straight to the meat of glossy magazines - their fashion shoots - comes a consumer-friendly, accessories-packed periodical that won't make you feel guilty about not reading the articles. Winter, the latest magazine from celebrity stylist and Shower magazine founder Titi Kwan, flies in the face of convention with its no-nonsense, words-free approach to publishing. 'Fashion is very simple,' explains Kwan, 'It's about seeing something you like, wanting it enough to buy it, then wearing it. I don't want to read about Tom Ford's life philosophy, his problems and his personal life when I open a magazine; I just want to see clothes.' She might sound reactionary, but the end result is much more imaginative. For this issue, Kwan assembled a collective of cutting-edge photographers, illustrators, stylists and friends to translate the trends in ways one would never expect - but might want to rip-off. That alone makes the magazine worth its $38 cover price.
Lunchtime lift
Looking for a lift? RegimA, the South African skincare line previously available only to dermatologists and plastic surgeons, is now available in Hong Kong from Elemis Day Spa (tel: 2521-6660) and The Beautiful Skin Centre (TBSC) locations (tel: 2877-8911). Containing anti-oxidants such as vitamin E and Alpha Lipoic Acids, the range is used against hyper-pigmentation, acne, environmental damage and scarring. It is also supposed to reduce the signs of ageing, according to TBSC's managing director Lucy Whittaker, who has just introduced a 45-minute 'Peel and Heal' treatment ($630) using the range. 'It's the ideal lunchtime peel because there's no down time and clients can go back to work looking fresher, younger and less tired than when they started the day,' she says.
The best bits
Like its low-key hometown, Melbourne-based clothing label Scanlan & Theodore is not about big fashion statements and over-the-top ostentation. Started by design duo Fiona Scanlan and Gary Theodore in 1987, the women's line favours stealth over shock tactics and intelligence over in-your-face sexuality. A case in point is the unexpected yet convincing combinations in its autumn/winter collection. Men's-style trousers, plaid school skirts, lacy camisoles, slashed tops: the brand takes the best pieces from your wardrobe and reworks them in new fabrics with witty details. Available from Lane Crawford in Times Square, Causeway Bay and Ocean Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui.
Starry eyes
Former YSL Beaute queen Terry de Gunzberg, who created the incredible Touche Eclat concealer, has introduced two stellar products to her ready-to-wear cosmetics collection, by Terry. Developments of her earlier collection, which was custom-blended by stars such as Isabelle Adjani and Charlotte Rampling, Crayon Blackstar (an eye pencil) and Crayon Onctueux (a lip pencil) include liquorice derivative, shea butter, vitamin E and long-lasting colour that won't rub off for hours. They're said to feel as good as they look. $160 from Escentials in Seibu, Pacific Place, Admiralty.
Time travel
Combining form, function and the cachet lent by cool industrial designer Marc Newson, Ikepod's watches are an obvious choice for the geek-chic guy on your Christmas list. Its first rectangular watch, Manatee, is also a good gift idea for frequent fliers. Available in four colours (blue, red, yellow and white), with a sturdy black rubber strap, its turning dial enables the wearer to read 24 time zones simultaneously. Get it from L.S Collection locations (tel: 2528-9303) for $24,800.
