I'm an elderly coot - I'm more than 80 years old (but good-looking to the extreme) - who is having a bit of difficulty walking. Can you suggest a store in Hong Kong that sells walking canes that can also be used for defence?
Mr Dapper: We vehemently defend the authenticity of every question we publish. However, every once in a while, someone like you writes in and undoes all our hard work. Thanks a lot. In order to answer you, we went directly to Honeychurch Antiques (29 Hollywood Road, Central, tel: 2543 2433), one of the original and most reputable dealers on Hollywood Road. They have several beautiful walking sticks (prices upon request) but, they were quick to clarify, not canes. We don't have enough space for full definitions, so here's a crude summary: canes aid those who are incapacitated in some way; walking sticks are generally decorative accessories of the past (and a bit silly in this day and age). We wouldn't mess around. Head straight to a medical supplies store, such as Medimart (2 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, tel: 2866 8608,
www.medimart.com.hk) and find a cane that is the right length for you. Better yet, ask your doctor for a referral.
Mr Dandy: Come on, the man has already exhibited his vanity. You might as well have insulted him with a Zimmer frame. If I were in his position, I'd rather use a sporty hiking pole. You can find them at many of Hong Kong's speciality stores, such as RC Outfitters (2/F, 467 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, tel: 2390 0020; see
www.alink.com.hk for other locations). It carries styles by brands such as Triton (HK$180 and up). If all you want is just a pretty walking stick, then see the small but fine selection, some with silver-plated handles, at Exclusivit?s (HK$790 to HK$2,820; 1 Duddell Street, Central, tel: 2521 8626; more locations:
www.shiamas.com).
I've heard corduroy jackets are back in fashion. Where can I get one? What should I buy so I don't look like a professor from the 1970s?
Mr Dandy: Corduroy jackets have come a long way since then. Don't worry. You could skip the whole professorial sportscoat thing altogether and instead go for the brown belted, multi- pocket Ashfield jacket from Engineered Garments, designed by Daiki Suzuki (above; HK$4,200, Lane Crawford, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2118 3668). Or check out the awesome new jackets by Miharayasuhiro, which combine corduroy with technical fabrics and leather (HK$10,800 to HK$22,800; Joyce, Pacific Place, tel: 2523 5944).
Mr Dapper: What's wrong with looking like a professor? Don't you want your jacket to make you look intelligent? (A note to all those people who don geeky glasses with the same aim: it doesn't work.) Scotch and Soda makes some great, albeit a bit boxy, one-button jackets in camel, chocolate brown or black, and we like the prices, too (HK$2,100; Lane Crawford). Dunhill's are so luscious, we'd almost call them ribbed velvet (HK$10,995; Pacific Place, tel: 2537 1009). Italian tailoring master Belvest turns out a good corduroy blazer, too, available off the rack in light grey or black (HK$14,995; The Swank, Pacific Place, tel: 2736 8567;
www.belvest.com). Other brands we both agree on: Etro, Dsquared2 and A.P.C. Any questions, class?
