The Dictator | Handbag repair in Hong Kong; how to apply the mascara

Maybe they expected you to understand the difference between a luxury boutique and Mothercare. Are you jogging off your baby weight in your Jimmy Choos? (God, I hope not.) Your first stop should be the brand's store, which will do the most authentic restoration. Most labels offer repair services, either by a local artisan or at their headquarters. Always ask for the cost and timeframe. Should that fail, you have many local alternatives, but you'll have to bring the bag to them in person or email photos to receive a quotation. That is exactly what they asked for at Leather Reborn (4/F, Everglory Centre, 1B Kimberley Street, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2311 0890; www.leatherreborn.com), for example. The company also offers cleaning, colour restoration, plus a pick-up and delivery service. Several leather workshops have sprouted up all over town: Fungus Workshop (4 Po Hing Fong, Sheung Wan, tel: 2779 9003; www.fungusworkshop.net) also repairs leather bags. Take yours to one of its workshops on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 6.30pm to 9.30pm, or Saturday or Sunday from 12pm to 7pm. You don't seem like the DIY type, but more crafty readers might enjoy one of its Handmade Leather Workshops (HK$420 per two-hour session, minimum two sessions).