Where can I get a nice pair of sunglasses like the ones Lil Wayne wears? I like the kinda retro look. Let's just forget Ray-Ban and other famous brands though, as they're too common.
Mr Dandy: Lil Wayne has been photographed in a wide variety of sunglasses by brands that include Louis Vuitton, Versace, Marc Jacobs and Ksubi. However, if you do a quick online search for Lil Wayne, you'll see one designer name comes up again and again: Dita (HK$2,800 to HK$6,000; Lane Crawford, IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2118 7777). Take a look at websites such as
www.lilwaynestyle.com. Although burlesque performer Dita von Teese has been known to wear Dita shades, the Los Angeles-based founders are actually two men, Jeff Solorio and John Juniper. You'll love their design philosophy: to create alternatives to overtly branded sunglasses using only subtle logo. At
www.dita.com, you'll learn that their frames are inspired by designs from the 1950s to the 80s, and made from high-quality modern materials. Since you seem to be quite a design snob (like us), you'll probably enjoy looking at the selection at Kapok (5 St Francis Yard, Wan Chai, tel: 2549 9254). You don't even have to leave the house since you can shop via its online store (
www.ka-pok.com) and enjoy free delivery within Hong Kong. Take a look at, for example, Cassius Eyewear's Corbu and Pawson sunglasses (HK$1,380 each).
Mr Dapper: Who is Little Wayne?
Where can you buy trainers in Hong Kong (the casual kind, rather than those for sport) in larger sizes (UK 11 or 12)? The department stores are pretty good for formal shoes but trainers seem to be trickier for some reason.
Mr Dapper: Forget Hong Kong for a moment. It's difficult to find ready-made shoes for those giant feet in any country. Before you set out, familiarise yourself with size conversions. If you haven't seen Net-a-Porter's dedicated men's site yet, go right now:
www.mrporter.com. It's not just an online retailer, but also an incredible resource on all things to do with menswear, including sizing and fit. According to them, a UK 11 is equivalent to a US 12, and a European, French or Italian size 45. (So, a UK 12 is a US 13, and a European, French or Italian 46.) Amazon.com concurs. However, other retailers are out by a half size or more, claiming a UK 11 to be a US 11.5 and a European 44. And let's not even get into a discussion about the differences between Italian and French sizes. The moral of the story: bring socks, put on the shoes and walk around the store for best fit. Now, onto the issue of trainers for non-sporting use. We don't like them. Why wear a silly fashion trainer when a great pair of loafers would be just as comfortable and look much better?
Mr Dandy: Big feet, huh? Show off. As for casual trainers, we're all for them. If Mr Dapper would join us in the real world, he'd notice that a massive industry has been built on the very idea. Take a brand such as Camper, for example. Well, you might not be able to take them since it carries up to a European 44 or what they call a US 11 (HK$1,499 and up; Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2506 9051). OK, how about Puma? It has styles that come in size 46 (HK$600 and up; IFC Mall, tel: 2234 7482). Spanish brand Massimo Dutti does affordable casual shoes in up to a size 45 (HK$990 and up; Times Square, tel: 2506 0050). Tod's largest trainers (above left) are a US size 11 (HK$3,500; Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 9688); while its little brother, Hogan, has just a few pairs that go up to a US 10.5 (HK$3,500; Pacific Place, tel: 2918 0181).