I used to love Darphin. It was sold in Lane Crawford but it's disappeared. Is it sold anywhere else in Hong Kong?
Darphin Watch, Mid-Levels
The Dictator rules: Ooh, you're so close. Yes, the brand, founded by Pierre Darphin in 1958, used to be sold there, but it hasn't been available in Hong Kong for a while. At first glance, jaded cosmetics buffs might think they've heard it all before; the products are described as a combination of 'plant-based', aromatic ingredients mixed with breakthrough technology. These cynics would, however, appreciate the wonders of this Parisian skin-care line if they tried best-sellers such as its Intral soothing cream, Arovita C Line Response firming serum and organic aromatic purifying balm, to name a few. We called the brand's Hong Kong office and discovered its luxurious, targeted skin-care range will be relaunched next month at Joyce Beauty (16 Queen's Road Central, tel: 2869 5816). The exact date is TBC but, rest assured, you'll find your favourite products there soon. If you like Darphin, you should also consider Aromatherapy Associates, Decl?or, Clarins and Dr Hauschka.
Apart from the Chanel yeti collection, are there non top-end brands doing fake fur? I like the look but not the killing animals part. A vest would be great.
Faux Real, Repulse Bay
The Dictator: How dare you slander Karl's genius work (actually, we sort of agree with you). Wait a minute. That is, unless yeti is what you're really going for. (You shouldn't be.) A different label inside won't make a big pile of acrylic look much less ridiculous. This season, Juicy Couture is having a bit of a faux frenzy, with vests, jackets and hoodies ranging from natural brown to wild blue (HK$2,590 to HK$3,990; Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2118 2980). We particularly like the short and chic pearl-grey jacket by Max & Co (HK$5,880; Fashion Walk, 42 Paterson Street, Causeway Bay, tel: 2722 9612), which works well with autumn's ladylike trend. If you're petite or have a petite one at home, you might, like us, be amused and alarmed by Sonia Rykiel's Enfant line, which has a light brown, all-in-one faux-fur gilet and stole (HK$2,990; Abebi, The Lee Garden II, Causeway Bay, tel: 2882 1809). It's like training wheels for the future fashionista and I don't think that's necessarily a good thing. Surely any fur, faux or real, perpetuates the taste for it and therefore ensures the longevity of the fur industry? Oh, and avoid being mistaken for the Abominable Snowman by keeping the rest of the ensemble minimalist and slim fitting.
