How can I wear those butterfly prints and not look like I’m dressing up in my little girl’s clothes?
Flitting, About Town
The Dictator rules: I suppose a good start would be to wear your true size, not the one you wish you were. My full answer hinges on what you mean by “those”, because the butterfly prints I’m about to recommend are so edgy, sophis ticated and, in some cases, down right dark, that their wearer would never be mistaken for a child. Steer clear of lollipops and hair bows, and you should be fine. Givenchy has explored the butterfly motif in numerous ways this season, from T-shirts to chiffon maxi dresses (HK$6,590 to HK$65,600). Alexander McQueen has always done them beautifully. The current collection features a gorgeous shadowy and jewel-toned moth print on leggings, tees and dresses (HK$5,000 and up). For autumn, Valentino has created a butterfly “camouflage” for scarves, casual jackets and sweatshirts, and shinier silk/poly mix shorts and dresses (HK$4,000 to HK$35,000). Or go for the nonchalant, street-chic look of French label Zadig & Voltaire, which has biker jackets in weathered black leather (HK$8,950) with a big butterfly printed in fading white across the back. Even one of your daughter’s party dresses would look tough topped off with that. One last idea: add colour to an all-black outfit with a white collar by Vivetta with multicoloured, embroidered butterflies (HK$2,000; Harvey Nichols).
I’m going to Europe in October, so I recently pulled out my autumn-winter wardrobe. For some items, dry cleaning has done the trick, but my leather trousers are looking saggy on the knees and bum. Do you have any tips for de-sagging?
Sag to See Them Go, Mid-Levels
The Dictator: I’m dealing with amateurs. The cardinal rule, I’ve said on this page countless times, is to never pack away clothes that are dirty or require restoration of some sort. I’m surprised a pack of small vermin did not take up residence in them. First, check whether they are, in fact, leather or a faux material that can handle being treated and heated. Next, lay them on a flat surface. Then, holding the nozzle about 10cm away, blast the saggy areas with a hairdryer on the hottest setting, until you see the shape restored, or for about one minute. Stop immediately if you see any extra puckering or marks appear. Oh, and, obviously, let the leather and the metal hardware cool before you handle them. I have heard some people use the old freezer method you’ve probably heard about for jeans. (Inside a ziplock bag, for goodness sakes, Pig-Pen!) The theory is that the cold helps with the shape and also kills bacteria. I’m sceptical, but it’s worth a try. Otherwise, you could get them tweaked by one of Hong Kong’s many professional tailors or alterations specialists, most of whom do leather work. Try, for example, Dorothy Alteration (7/F, Commercial House, 35 Queen’s Road Central, tel: 2521 1180).
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