The Dictator: on style, she rules

The Dictator rules: So, you’re basically looking for a locket ring. I’m surprised you didn’t find one on pinterest.com. If you’d wasted as much time on Google, you’d definitely have found similar trinkets. It has been pointed out that the faux Cleopatra’s Box Ring, from Topshop circa 2012 (back then about HK$165), bears more resemblance to works by contemporary designers than the Egyptian queen’s accoutrements. Jeweller William Llewellyn Griffiths, for example, has a stunning series of locket rings in sterling silver or gold with gemstones, which predate the above (from HK$5,400 to HK$187,000; order via www.metalcouture.com). Also known as the poison or pillbox ring, the concept has existed since ancient times. Jeweller Stephen Webster makes a clever fairytale reference with the Poison Apple Ring (HK$89,640 and up). Its gold band is shaped to look like arms with hands holding a pavé gemstone apple that opens to reveal a hidden chamber. Hey, wait a minute. Do you have murderous or otherwise wicked intentions? You didn’t hear it from me. By the way, I have even more clever ways to send a message through jewellery. If you want to hear about them, write to me.

The Dictator: We’ve been wowed by Zuhair Murad’s red carpet gowns for years now. Closer to home, at the Hong Kong Film Awards in April, there was the peachy princess dress worn by Angelababy, who is famous for, um, being famous; and actress Li Bingbing wore one of his edgy dresses to the Hong Kong photo call for the latest Transformers movie. Others who have worn the Lebanese designer’s haute couture include Jennifer Lopez, Blake Lively and Taylor Swift. In Hong Kong, it seems his designs are popular for weddings as only bridal salons appear to carry his evening gowns alongside his wedding-dress collection. Designer Bridal Room (www.designerbridalroom.com.hk) will let you try on three dresses for a fee of HK$500, which will be taken off a purchase, if you make one (about HK$30,000 to HK$200,000). Their current stock is limited, so they suggest you e-mail photos of your top picks prior to your visit (sales@ designerbridalroom.com.hk). It’s a similar situation at Elysian Luxe (www.elysianluxe.com), so best just make back-toback appointments.