Are we only distressed about the trousers, young man? Time to discover the magical world of invisible mending. This centuries-old, painstaking process involves taking threads from a concealed part of a garment, such as the hem, and reweaving them into the cloth around the damaged area. In Europe, one can rely on dry-cleaners to provide this and other clothes-saving services. In Hong Kong, the method is alive and well at Leung Kam Fat (Pedder Lane, Central, tel: 2804 6639). Prices vary but the average cost of repairs of this type is HK$200.
The new brown suit is modern, slim cut and totally natty. It shouldn't make you look like you shop at some suburban suit warehouse. Colour and pattern on the shirt, tie and/or pocket square will also update the look. Shoes in a different tone are the hippest way to go (as long as they're the same colour as your belt). A pure chocolate brown is totally now, but it's pretty hard to find. I'd either treat myself to one of Burberry London's modern-fit virgin wool jackets (HK$6,500; Alexandra House, Central, tel: 2868 3511) along with its tailored slim-fit trousers (HK$3,900) or save money with Zara's slim-fit blazer (HK$1,490; Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 1099) and trousers (HK$399). Or you could head straight to your favourite tailor. If you like pattern, Prada's skinny suit comes in a small brown check with a red stripe through it (jacket, HK$17,900; trousers, HK$5,200; Alexandra House, tel: 2522 2989). Or choose from the awesome checks at Tom Ford, Valentino, Etro and Lanvin. Tweed's a bit fuddy-duddy for me, but not if it's the mottled brown/green one by Dries Van Noten (HK$15,200; Joyce, 16 Queen's Road Central, tel: 2810 1120).
