Behind the label: Ika Butoni

Hong Kong-based, Indonesian-born Ika Butoni started her eponymous fashion label back in 1983. With outlets on five continents, the brand has made a name for itself thanks to the exceptional embroidery and unique cuts which, Butoni says, are inspired by her travels and "interactions with people from different lands". Her latest collection, Afrique, features pieces adorned with macramé and shells, and others made from traditional Indonesian ikat prints.

Butoni has created a beautiful melange of cultures. We are presented with colourful, tailored, contemporary garments infused with the history and culture of faraway lands. A member of the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association, she has remained artistic while taking a different path to that of her contemporaries. We wouldn't recommend the headpieces for a trip to the shops, however.

the multicoloured tunic top (HK$3,000), incorporating an unusual clash of colours and hand-worked piping, and the leopard-print leggings (both above right; HK$1,000), although we'd recommend wearing them separately. We also like the blue jersey, graphic-print trousers (HK$1,000) with red, white and blue top (both above left; HK$3,000). The ornate tribal-inspired necklaces are HK$3,000 each and the headpieces are made to order.