Who started it? Launched last year, R-edition is a labour of love for Hong Kong-based shirt fanatics Allan Ho and Arnault Castel. The duo, who have long been obsessed with the minutiae of shirt making, decided to put their expert knowledge to practical use. Ho, the chief designer, looked to preppy, Sloane ranger and bon chic, bon genre influences for a collection that pays tribute to the past with decidedly modern twists. Why we love it: this is a brand that's in love with the shirt. The amount of research that goes into each shirt is remarkable and you will be forever finding new and subtle details you had not noticed before. Best of all, these small features and details are not gimmicks: they all serve a purpose, such as the hand-stitched buttons with leather patches for reinforcement; removable stays; and under-collar locker loops. What we'd pick: we're particularly taken with the Ripley Noir (below right; HK$1,450), a limited-edition and numbered shirt that's made of a rare Japanese fabric that has its white pin-head polka dots stitched into the fabric. We're also big fans of the Munny Cayenne (below left; HK$1,350), a contemporary spin on the western shirt and perfect for those hot and sweaty days ahead. Where can you get it? R-edition is available at Kapok, 5 St Francis Yard, Wan Chai, tel: 2549 9254.
