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SCMP Reporter

on style, she rules

I'd like to have some unique clothes made  by my tailor. I'm looking for print fabrics,  like the ones used by Miu Miu, but I couldn't find anything good at Western Market. Is this stuff available or will I have to spend the money at Miu Miu instead?

Material Girl, Mid-Levels

The Dictator: Well, cheater, if you're trying to make cheap knock-offs, then YES you should just go to Miu Miu (shop B24, The Landmark, Central, tel: 2523 7833). You'll probably end up saving time and money anyway, unless your tailor is across the border. I know for a fact there are a few acceptable, and more unique, fabrics at Western Market (and Li Yuen Streets East and West). Since you're obviously not very perceptive, I'll simplify this for you.

Go straight to Morn Creations (shop C,  34B Staunton Street, Central, tel: 2869 7021). They've been selling fantastic retro graphic print fabrics  (122cm wide; from $120   a yard) for years. The fabrics are rather coarse, so don't try to create anything too delicate, but they are so cool, this is one shopping secret I was tempted to keep to myself. Finally, there's nothing worse than a cheap copy. Design something different and the results will be more rewarding.

I'm going to a wedding  in Britain. Where can I buy a hat?

Hats Off, Stanley

The Dictator: Um ... in  Britain, of course! Hong Kong is not known for  its selection of elegant hats, but if you know what you want,  one of the following will meet your needs.  Brides and Gowns (8/F, 8 Wyndham Street, Central, tel: 2873 5558; www.bridesandgowns.com)  sells Fascinators by the Essential Hat from Melbourne (see www.essentialhat. com). More a headpiece than a hat, they are mounted with a comb and are decorated with beading, feathers and/or silk flowers ($800 to $1,500). The current selection comes in soft mint green, cream, peach, ivory, and black and white. For a custom-made hat, call Renommee (tel: 9770 3902). Each creation takes about a week to make and costs from $880.  Practical Hats Manufacturing (tel: 2854 1142) might also be able to help and charge from $450. To avoid disappointment, show staff drawings, photos and even material samples of what you want. Looking for a big designer name? Philip Treacy sells to Lane Crawford, but you can also order hats directly from his website (www.philiptreacy.co.uk). Other sites worth checking out for design inspiration include www.cozmojenks.co.uk and www.stephenjonesmillinery.com.

I keep seeing wooden bangles in American fashion magazines, but not in shops. Where can I buy some in Hong Kong to remain au courant for summer?

Wooden It Be Nice, Lam Tin

The Dictator: You'll need a lot more than wooden bangles for that. Let's start with dropping the unconvincing 'fabulous' language. If you knew anything, you'd have checked the magazine credits to source the bracelets. Duh. The best we've seen are going fast at Saturn Essentials (36 Pottinger Street, Central, tel: 2537 9335). Made from medium and dark brown hard wood, the bangles come in a chic imperfect circle shape and  cost $90 each. You could spend more than necessary (but gain the confidence you people seem to need from expensive shops) by going to Lane Crawford  (podium 3, IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2118 3388). It  sells a variety of bangles in resin, plastic or wood priced from  $250 to $650. At that end of the scale, you'll also find a few at On Pedder  (20 Pedder Street, Central, tel: 2118 3388). Less attractive, but much more budget-friendly are the thinner plain and carved wood bangles at Goodly Manufacture Company ($40 to $70 each;  28 Wing Kut Street, Central, tel: 2708 2733).



the dictator