Help! I tore my new jacket at the races on a generally disastrous day out. It was the first time I'd worn the suit, for which I just forked out a small fortune at Brioni. To add insult to injury, I thought I'd been given box seats so my wife and I got all dressed up, but when we arrived, we were herded into some 'member's area' with people who looked like my taxi driver.
Mr Dandy: Did you say that to your fellow punters? That's the only way I can imagine you could have torn your jacket while basically sitting or standing passively as you watched animals race around the track. I have to say, I'm probably not the only person thinking karma had a hand in this, you snob. I guess deciding what to do with the jacket all depends on where and how big the tear is. Can't your dry-cleaner fix it? I called Goodwins of London, which said it would give it a go but can't make any promises (HK$600 and up; Great Food Hall, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 1400). Considering the cost of a Brioni suit, I'd try anything to save it. Plus, it's environmentally friendly to restore, reuse and recycle, isn't it? So, if the jacket is dead, think about taking it to a tailor who can restyle it.
Where can I get me some of those tartan trous my pal was wearing at Christmas?
Mr Dapper: Why? Are you planning to do some Highland dancing or go into battle with the Royal Regiment of Scotland? It's actually 'trews', but be careful how you use the term. Until the 18th century, it meant long hose. Let's just say trousers, shall we? Are you even Scottish? In my opinion, these should be reserved exclusively for the just-finished holiday season, especially if you don't even have a family tartan. If you insist, visit one of the old Hong Kong tailors, many of whom still have a surprising array of authentic fabrics, such as Yuen's Tailor (HK$2,500 and up; 2/F, Escalator Link Alley, 80 Des Voeux Road Central; tel: 2815 5388).
Mr Dandy: Family tartan? What? Get out of the history books, Dapper and face the music (Highland dancing or, preferably, not). I love what designers are doing with the trend this season. Vivienne Westwood's cute boutique had some great ones in green and orange with leather trims when I was last there (HK$7,580; Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2375 9688). If you dare, the sequinned tartan trousers by Ashish are simply brilliant (HK$12,690; Harvey Nichols, The Landmark, Central, tel: 3695 3388). On a nearby rack, though, you can also choose the soft and nubbly take on the classic by Cy Choi (HK$4,390; Harvey Nichols). It's also worth checking out Comme des Garcons, Raf by Raf Simons, and Y's by Yohji Yamamoto. I know most of you guys are staunch conservatives so, fine, go to Tommy Hilfiger for some nicely made traditional trews for the amazingly low price of HK$1,490 (The Landmark, tel: 2525 8848).