On style, she rules

Reading Time:3 minutes

Published: 12:00am, 27 Feb 2011

I saw the most beautiful leopard-skin coat by Fendi. I'm coveting it, but is that really allowed?

Spotted, Sai Kung

The Dictator rules: Just stop for a second and consider whether you condone the killing of endangered species for any reason, least of all fashion. To help steer the ethically challenged or simply ignorant, there are laws in place. In the United States, for example, it is illegal to buy or sell the skins of leopards, ocelots, monkeys, seals, otters, etc, even if they are old and used. So, although the Endangered Species Act came into effect in the early 1970s, the law applies to items from even before that time. Hong Kong joined the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) in 1976. The illegal trade of rare, wild and endangered animals, however, still occurs - and much of it in Asia. You might have surmised by now that what you saw was actually a leopard print on fur. The Fendi coat you're thinking of is made from ultra-soft goat hair and will be available next month (HK$68,800; The Landmark, Central, tel: 2524 1339). If you want one, we suggest you put your name on the list at the store. Also 'spotted' with leopard-print fur coats: Burberry Prorsum, Karen Millen, Biba, St John and Moschino. One more moral dilemma though: doesn't making a high-fashion replica only serve to maintain interest in the real deal?

I've heard there are mood-altering face powders out there. Is that true? Sign me up! Where can I puff and pat to happiness?

Altered State, Kowloon City

The Dictator: Unfortunate choice of words there, dear. Or maybe my mind just fell into the gutter. When I tried googling such a product, one of the top results was titled, 'All About Semen.' Words such as 'enhancing' or 'boosting' might yield better answers. Or maybe not. You tell me. Bourjois has launched the Healthy Mix serum gel foundation (HK$168), with 'vitamin-rich fruit therapy', which promises to boost radiance and give an even, revived complexion for 16 hours (Seibu, Langham Place, Mong Kok, tel: 2269 1888). The product that really intrigues us, however, is Physicians Formula's Happy Booster face powder and bronzer. Although I haven't found it in Hong Kong, you can buy it online via www.amazon.com (HK$88). It's made with euphoryl and natural plant extracts, which are alleged to mimic a release of endorphins and create a feeling of happiness. The brand also claims the violet scent will bring you joy. On that note, if aromatherapy works for you, then anything made with the right scents has the power to lift your mood. For example, Jurlique makes scented mists, so you can spritz and smile at will (HK$205; Langham Place, tel: 2390 9941).