Pre-procreation you never gave prams a second glance. They were just irritating pavement hoggers that bumped into your shins and held up traffic. Pregnant: suddenly you're checking out every buggy that comes your way. What's more, with wheels, brakes, harnesses and handlebars it's a consumer language that even fathers-to-be recognise, and the only piece of baby kit they'll show interest in shopping for.
A few years ago safety was the only concern. But in these style-driven times parents want their prams to look as good as they perambulate (hence the proliferation of three-wheeler, all-terrain models in Hong Kong where the only terrain you're likely to encounter is Tarmac). Roll forward the limited-edition Kate Spade stroller. The New York accessories label, famed for Audrey-esque bags and shoes in pretty shades and patterns, has joined forces with Maclaren to create a buggy in fashionable stripes ($3,000 from Kate Spade, shop 211, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, tel: 2116 4998).
It doesn't just look hot: Maclaren is considered among the best of all the buggy brands and its award-winning models are pushed by the likes of Victoria Beckham and Sarah Jessica Parker.