Tai-tais keep master of the red carpet busy

Roland Mouret, a popular designer of gowns for red carpets, swung by Hong Kong on Thursday for a full day of VIP client appointments and showings of his new collection, including a five-piece, limited-edition pink and red capsule set only available in Hong Kong.

It's no surprise that his schedule was packed with tai-tai fittings. Even during the evening cocktails in Lane Crawford's platinum suite, he was still juggling multiple clients in different dressing rooms. Not that the Frenchman is complaining. 'I like this,' Mouret said. 'It's a way to keep some reality when you're creating something that escapes from it. You get to see the people you dress.'

No doubt he will see more of this kind of madness as Hollywood's awards season heats up. Most recently he dressed Zoe Saldana for the British premiere of Avatar.

Mouret also let on that he has created his first men's line, but don't expect him to be throwing fashion shows for them. 'I don't like men on the catwalk,' he said. 'They look like penguins. Men are very different. Women want change every year but men will get 10 of the same thing and wear it for a long time.'

As the French say, vive la difference!