Asia's Capital of Style

This month I was fortunate to visit Hong Kong and Singapore and discovered Hong Kong is Asia's capital of style. In a city where status is everything, the style favoured by most reeks of money, and lots of it. If it doesn't have a prestigious logo, it's not happening.

Ladies worth the salt from the rim of their Margarita glasses wouldn't be caught dead with anything less than Fendi, Versace and Gucci bags dangling from their elegant and perfectly manicured fingers. Clothing in Hong Kong is not only VERY expensive, but is chic and glamorous to the nth degree. Hong Kong women favour the most ladylike of fashions - sorbet coloured pashminas, beaded skirts, bags, dresses and sheer knits. Kitten heels are de rigueur, as is luminous, pretty makeup and a great haircut. Fashion victims with their fingers on the pulse sport the best of 80's fashion, such as graffiti inspired handbags by Louis Vuitton, disco tie sleeve and batwing tops, and diamante brooches.

Singapore is slightly more sedate, erring on the side of conservative. With major chain stores such as Esprit, Topshop, Sportsgirl and Kookai ever present, the style is very westernised and casual. Disco glamour is big in Singapore, in tones of gold, bronze and camel geometric prints. Bowling bags with retro slogans and low-slung belts are THE accessories.

Bleached jeans embellished with diamantes, fraying or cut off waists are very popular and in the windows of most stores. Most surprising was the wide range of Australian fashions on the racks in major department stores, with Scanlan and Theodore, Jaclin Choucana, Marcs and Zimmerman as hot favourites.

In local stores, kitschy tops with tongue in cheek slogans, such as "I love NY" are hot property. Coloured fish net tights; leather pants and punk inspired brooches are also popular. The most obvious trend in both countries was Union Jack and American flag prints which could be found on denim, tops, bags and shoes.

Singapore and Hong Kong have some fabulous fashion on offer, but little hasn't graced Australian shores already. If you're thinking of taking a trip to Hong Kong or Singapore purely for the shopping, be prepared to take plenty of cash! These cities were once a haven for bargain hunters, but with the Australian dollar being weak at present, prices are now on par with prices at home.

- Rachael - July 2001

Alternatively order online the latest Asian Fashion here.

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