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Vivienne Tang

Style secrets of the hip and fashionable

Ambassador for the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Hong Kong (SPCA)

Wardrobe staple?

I have so many things in my wardrobe, but you'll always find gowns, dresses, jeans and tees. I'm crazy about clothes from Chloe,  Marc Jacobs,  Marni,  Rochas and Prada.

Fashion no-nos?

No fur.  I'm a spokesperson for the SPCA and, as an animal lover, I don't believe in killing animals for their fur. Also, for next season you won't catch me dead in rubber flip-flops, cowboy boots, anything punk, or knit ponchos.

Fashion disaster?

It would have to be during the summer of 1997 when I went through a phase of liking Japanese style and fashion. I decided to wear pants under a skirt which looked ridiculous and far too cute and young for someone my age.  It won't happen again.

As for celebrity fashion disasters, it would have to be Diane Keaton in a Ralph Lauren dress at the 2004 Oscars awards. I thought it was extremely ugly.  She used to look great in her signature menswear-inspired Ralph Lauren suits in the 70s, but  I can't believe she  sticks to the same look.

Handbag pick for this season?

Bags from Prada, Chanel (but it has to be tweed), something in alligator skin from Gucci, and styles from Alexander McQueen and Giorgio Armani. I would buy anything from Dolce & Gabbana and Fendi (except for fur).

Favourite shoe designer?

Rene Caovilla,  Giuseppe Zanotti and  Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere. I love glamorous  and comfortable shoes, and I always choose styles that make me look taller and my legs longer.

Must-have accessory?

Encrusted-stone earrings from Lanvin. They add depth and drama to any look, which is perfect for autumn.

Most cherished fashion item?

My Kelly and Birkin bags from Hermes.  They're so versatile because they look great with  jeans and a tee during the day,  but can be carried with a suit  in the evening.

Who would design your  Oscars dress?

It would  have to be  Carolina Herrera or  Oscar de la Renta.  I don't know why they're not available  in Hong Kong. I love to shop for their dresses on Madison Avenue in New York.

Style icon?

Gwyneth Paltrow and Nicole Kidman. They're elegant, simple and feminine, and always look stunning on the red carpet.

Most expensive fashion item?

My alligator handbag from Louis Vuitton. It was so expensive, I don't want to tell anyone how much it was.

Your fashion style?

Girlish, sweet, feminine and simple.

Boho or ladylike?

Ladylike, of course.

Flats or stilettos?

Stilettos.  You look taller and your legs look longer.

High end or high street?

High end, especially Chanel.

Favourite Asian designer?

Johanna Ho,  Dorian Ho Kwok-ching,  Barney Cheng Siu-leung and  Vivienne Tam.  Johanna Ho  was  my schoolmate,  so I know her  well. Barney Cheng and Vivienne Tam are  famous in the US, and the fact that they're Chinese makes me proud.

What do you think about fashion on the mainland?

It's a big market. They have to improve their style though.  The fashion on the mainland is still  conservative.

Favourite film costume?

The outfits from My Fair Lady and Breakfast at Tiffany's. Although  it was 50 years ago, Audrey Hepburn's style still plays a  vital role in fashion.



Gigi Fu Ming-hin