I'd like a printed dress a bit like the one Maggie Gyllenhaal wore to the Oscars, only perhaps not an evening version. Any ideas?
Fit to Print, Central
The Dictator rules: Thank you for the, um, specific message. I can maybe, sort of help you a bit - I guess. The dress Gyllenhaal wore to the Academy Awards was a Dries Van Noten gown based on the label's autumn-winter collec- tion. Unless you're planning to join Hollywood celebrity-robbing Rachel Lee's gang or raid the Belgian designer's studio, you're not going to see anything new from that line until late summer. For now, you'll have to content yourself with its spring-summer collection, which is also crafted in spectacular fabrics and unique prints (about HK$8,500 to HK$22,000; The Landmark, Central, tel: 2845 4606). Or see the abstract-floral dresses in store at Marni (HK$8,200 to HK$9,900; The Landmark, tel: 2845 7632); and Stella McCartney (HK$9,900; The Landmark, tel: 2801 6793). At the contemporary level, you might like the pretty, blurry print dresses by brands such as Diane von Furstenberg (HK$3,800; The Landmark, tel: 2522 8782) and Robert Rodriguez (HK$3,490; Seibu, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2971 3838). Sorry, none of the cheaper stores is carrying anything that's even close to the Dries Van Noten dress right now. Bite the bullet or hold your horses.
I'm devastated that Maybelline has discontinued my favourite mascara, Sky High Curves. The mascara had it all - not too wet, not too dry, no shedding, no smudging and stayed on all day - even though it wasn't a waterproof version. I have tried Benefit, Chanel, Fresh, Armani, Maybelline's Volum' Express (it was a disaster - shedding every- where plus horrible brush) but to no avail. What's the crazy-looking Givenchy one like? I want volume, separation, length, curl, no clumping and a nice fat curved brush.
Lashless, Lai Chi Kok
The Dictator: OK, let me get this straight. You're looking for a product that combines all the best attributes of every mascara ever made, right? Sure. You'll find it right next to the unicorn department. When you come back down to earth, I recommend you try the following before buying. The 'crazy-looking' Givenchy's Phenomen'Eyes (HK$225; Seibu, Langham Place, Mong Kok, tel: 2269 1888) has an unusual round brush designed to curl and define the lashes. Christian Dior's Diorshow Iconic, with its full, 'oblique' curling and defining brush, sounds like the one for you (HK$250; Seibu). You don't hear about Helena Rubinstein too often but its mascaras are highly rated by star stylists such as Rachel Zoe; try the anti-clumping Lash Queen Feather (HK$280; Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, tel: 2196 8271). You should also try Clinique, Lancome, Stila and Jemma Kidd Make Up School. At the drugstore price point (where you can't test the products), try Max Factor's False Lash Effect mascara (HK$128; Mannings, Elements, tel: 2196 8125); or new products from Maybelline, such as Magnum (HK$99; Mannings) and Pulse Perfection (HK$129; Mannings).