HK Nails

A bit of a juncture from my regular postings, but I keep spotting these nails out and about in HK.  Trashy, a bit, sophisticated, not at all, but I admire the individuality and style of the designs.  And these women work, these particular hands work at an upmarket restaurant (no matter what your job is, you pick up glassware, food, dirt).  I admire that skill, I can't wear nail polish, I chip the polish before walking out of the salon (i have no patience).

East Asia Meet South Asia-Photo Shoot

I styled a photo shoot last week for an Indian inspired HK fashion label called Kaprice.  She is known for voluminous kaftans, embroidered tops, and cocktail dresses.  I learned very quickly that it is quite tough to find models in HK.  Models here tend to be more pretty than edgy, meaning more geared towards commercial work, rather than fashion.  My friend and colleague, whom shot the look book, Laurent Segretier, works a lot with Angie Ng, whom models in the photos above.  Lovely girl and wish her luck, as she is on her way to Paris for Fashion Week.  Angie and Laurent made the shoot and Kaprice was happy with the end result.

Aalis Shop Hong Kong

As my blog is starting to get some traction in HK and elsewhere, many people have told me about a new shop that opened up over the summer, by a couple, Alice Tam and Boysh (she studied at Parsons, whilst Boysh in Paris).  Their collections are vintage inspired, romantic and full of lace, silks and tweeds.  During my visit, I spotted them re-working some pill hats with lace.  What makes the designs interesting is that they mix Western Vintage with HK style.  This makes for a unique collection.  Well worth a visit.  Located on the 2nd Floor, 31 Yiu Wa Street in Causeway Bay.  As with most things not Hermes, L.V., Chanel in HK, the price point is quite reasonable.

Sonjia Shop

Outside of Sonjia's shop

Sun Street, Wan Chai

Her Latest Collection

Reflected a bit on my blog and realized that my style demographic was shifting a bit young.  Or rather on the eve of my bday, I perhaps am thinking I should start dressing my age (ha!).  With this thought in mind, I want to introduce another gem of a shop on Sun Street (near Star Street) in Wan Chai.  The designer, of Korean and English heritage, is one of HK's celebrated couturiers.  In the current collection you find drapey patterned silks, shearlings, antique fabrics, soft leather jackets, and fur.  She is known for using unusual fabrics.  This shop is geared towards the more sophisticate HK woman and it is truly an experience.

In addition to her own line, she also carries a collection of strong designers such as VPL, Tim Van Steenbergen, Gaurav Gupta and Akiko Ogawa.

On Pedder & Pedder Red

On Pedder

Christopher Kane F/W @ On Pedder

Pedder Red

Johanna Ho's Design for Pedder Red

If you are into shoes, you should not miss either of these stores, both under the Lane Crawford/Joyce Group, On Pedder and Pedder Red.  The former hosts fashion forward accessories, shoes, and handbags from the likes of Givenchy, Alexander Wang, Rodarte, Rick Owens, Balmain, Lanvin & YSL to name a few.  The buying certainly has the Asian woman in mind, yet what I like about On Pedder is that they are willing to buy the more experimental and fashion forward.  Pedder Red, sales lesser known (and less $$) designers, but also pushes the boundaries.

Knock Off Shoes, Better than Knock Off Bags...Guilty Pleasures

"My Version"

The "real version"

Again, I am not certain where I stand in the land of knock off, anything, yet even the most resistant shopper with some searching, will find stand out knock off shoes.  No doubt, in about a year, these will land in the West.   I am not searching after designer knock off shoes and most times whilst shopping in this city, I find shoes, which I am attracted to, that happen to be.  Guess it is my taste for the finer things, while not having any desire to spend more than $50 USD on anything clothing/accessory oriented.  So, when I fell upon these (last season, yes) shoes, I couldn't resist.  It is hot here in HK, can't breathe, no wind, I am wearing clothes, but when you walk inside, the A/C is so strong, you have to wrap up, otherwise you will catch a chill.  And yes, I bought these stunners, less than $50.00 USD.  Thank you Malabika for taking the pic, we had to sneak it, most shop keepers don't allow photos in their boutiques, yes ironic, for fear of customers interested in "knocking off" the items in their store...

Ladies Market, Mong Kok

Eventually, after weeks in HK, I finally ventured to the "Ladies" market in Mong Kok, Kowloon.  Sunday afternoon, upon entry, is perhaps the worst time to venture into the shopping district, yet it proved its worth.  Perhaps better known for HK's knock off central, we found our way into the bags, watches, and wigs.  I left overwhelmed by the sheer amount of population.  And couldn't help think I was on the streets of Mumbai.  Over population, certain, yet the deals are worth a visit.  Politics behind the Ladies Market, very complicated.  Experience, a must.   I am wildly confused.  Scarfs for under $3.00 USD, watches $3.00 USD, bags $10.00 USD.  Overpopulation = I am adopting a child.   Too much population and a long narrow street, blocks and blocks long.  More later.  It is late.  I have not slept all weekend, yet determined to blog.  I am living in Hong Kong?