On style, she rules

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Published: 12:00am, 11 Jan 2009

I can't find a pair of Vans Slip Ons. I know they're quite big in the United States but I haven't seen a pair anywhere here. Is there somewhere I might find them?

Slip On Lover, Peng Chau

The Dictator rules: Really? Well, you don't exactly live in the commercial centre of Hong Kong do you? Sorry, you'll have to go from ferry to MTR if you want to find classic skater Vans in Hong Kong. Mong Kok's Fa Yuen Street is the place for you. That's what the brand's distributors told us, too. The widest selection seemed to be at Walker Shop (G/F, 43 Fa Yuen Street, Mong Kok, tel: 2331 3885). The chain has several outlets in Hong Kong, call them for more locations. You might also like Unsupport @ Gallery (G/F, 41A, Fa Yuen Street, tel: 2388 0631). Each store carries different styles of the canvas Slip Ons with the original vulcanised waffle outsole (don't ask us, go to www.vans .com for more information). Prices don't vary much between retailers; you can expect to spend about HK$330 to HK$590 a pair. When we visited, some items were discounted to as low as HK$199, so look out for any bargains, too. We know it's the official name but there's something deeply unmasculine about 'slip on'. Just call them Vans.

I keep seeing photos of this amazing dress by a designer called Roksana something. Do you know this brand and where I can find it?

Roksing Out, South Side

The Dictator: Yeah, Roksanda Ilincic. She's, like, had her stuff featured with other 'guys' like Vera What's-Her-Name, Karl Whatchamacallit and Stella Thingamajig. Oh, I can't stand it any longer. You're talking about Roksanda Ilincic, the hot, Belgrade-born London designer who launched her label in 2003 and has been carried by Harvey Nichols (The Landmark, Central, tel: 3695 3388) for several seasons. She studied at, where else, Central Saint Martins, after gaining a degree in architecture. That background shows in her care-fully constructed pieces, such as the sculptural, silk Rocket dress you've probably seen from her autumn-winter 2008 collection. Chances are you missed the boat for that season but you could try your luck. It was still hanging (if not standing) on the racks last month. Her dresses usually cost between HK$10,900 and HK$29,500; the Rocket dress was originally HK$17,600. Just one question: why would you want to wear a dress from last season that everyone's already seen? Get back to me when you'd like to buy something that's current.