Life.Culture.Discovery.

The Dictator: on style, she rules

Reading Time:2 minutes

Published: 12:00am, 9 Sep 2012Updated: 12:41am, 9 Sep 2012

I’ve just never been able to find the right colour foundation in this city since they discontinued or stopped stocking mine a long time ago. I’m down to my last stockpiled bottle. What I’d really love is bespoke make-up. What are my options in Hong Kong?
New Custom, Stubbs Road

The Dictator rules: Maybe the problem is you. Have you considered that? I bet I could find off-theshelf alternatives (see Beauty buzz) if you sent me a sample, but the idea of custom-made make-up intrigues me so I did a little research. In summary, no, this town does not have a make-up magician who will stir up a pot of personalised colour for you. For that, turn to Three Custom Color Specialists (www.threecustom.com), the New York-based company that creates lipstick, blusher, eyeshadow or foundation for about HK$465, not including delivery for first-time orders. But if you think about it, make-up is basically face paint, so you could do the mixing yourself. Many beauty addicts do just that with the various “complexion correctors” in green, for example, which minimises redness. Shu Uemura’s Base Control comes in green, purple or silver (HK$165; Sogo, 555 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, tel: 2572 1694), and works hand-in-hand with its wide range of foundations (HK$350 each). Naturaglace Color Control Puree SPF 30 in violet, blue/green or pink (HK$355; Beyond Organic, Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2506 0828) allows you to customise its Makeup Cream or Foundation Puree (HK$485).

I saw the most incredible Isabel Marant basketball trainers with a secret wedge, but they didn’t have any in the shop here! Where can I find something similar? I love that luxury sporty mix.
Dream Team, Deep Water Bay

The Dictator: I can hear the roar of the crowd. No, that’s not basketball fans cheering, DT, it’s non-fashion victims laughing. The non-fashion obsessed would never guess that designer hi-tops are in this season. Christian Louboutin’s Louis hi-tops must be very popular considering they’re selling like hotcakes and come in many styles, such as studded black (HK$7,600; 10 Wyndham Street, Central, tel: 2530 2198) and leopard print (HK$8,900). Giuseppe Zanotti has luxe interpretations in black with black studs (HK$10,000; IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2805 0890) and shiny patent platinum (HK$6,500). The hip but affordable Ash has concocted that weird combo of wedge-heeled suede hi-tops (HK$1,800 and up; Lane Crawford, IFC Mall, tel: 2118 7777). Marc by Marc Jacobs has the wedges hidden within the body of the shoe with a white sole and green, black or beige suede (HK$4,090; Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 0812). Italy’s Rucoline and Germany’s Kennel & Schmenger have worked the trend as well (Harvey Nichols, Pacific Place, tel: 3968 2668). Rucoline offers them in understated grey mesh (HK$3,180) or a mix of black perforated leather and suede (HK$4,180) while Kennel & Schmenger has a kind of postapocalyptic luxe leather and stone embellished look (HK$3,490).

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x