I have just learned that the theme and dress code for our annual staff dinner will be the Olympics. I'm thinking of dressing as a member of East Germany's men's synchronised swimming team but I've been told it's not a good idea to appear in Speedos. Where can I get one of those old training suits, preferably in the most ugly light blue? And where can I get a nose clip? The swimming cap and classic adidas flip-flops should not be a problem.
Otto Spitz, Kowloon
The Dictator rules: Now here's a stylish man we're happy to help. However, shame on you for not knowing East Germany wore a cobalt blue. The only Speedo we'd like to see you in is the brand's nose clip (HK$39; Gigasports, shop OT244, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2115 9930), which is, surprisingly, readily available at most sports shops that sell swimming gear. We looked at Gigasports and adidas (shop GW2501A, Harbour City, tel: 2730 6685) for appropriate track suits but all we found were Beijing Olympics-themed zip-up tops (about HK$420) and non-matching track bottoms (HK$250 to HK$290). For track suits that were probably first made when East Germany (sorry, the German Democratic Republic) still existed, go to our favourite retro clothing source, one of the Me & George (or Mega Geogi) shops in the Mong Kok Ladies Market on Tung Choi Street or 'The Lanes' (Li Yuen streets East and West) in Central. You'll find old Chinese and Japanese team kits for as little as HK$59 per item. Send photos, please.
I keep reading that gladiators are in but I don't know where to find them. Could you please point me in the right direction.
Warrior Princess, Sha Tin
The Dictator: Try Rome, circa AD80. Gladiator sandals have been labelled a must-have trend for several seasons but that's good because we like them. This blanket term refers to sandals with multiple straps across the foot and usually something around the ankle. A newer look is gladiator heels or wedges by brands such as Balenciaga (HK$6,900 to HK$10,500; G/F, Entertainment Building, Central, tel: 3428 8086). Unfortunately, the store doesn't have the iconic Gladiator boots (worn by Jennifer Connelly in the brand's spring-summer campaign).
