Hatwoman
Don’t be put off the the rather uninspiring name–Hatwoman is the place to go if you’re looking for classy and creative headwear (and other accessories) for special events.
Everything in: Party Dresses
Kanchan Couture
Indian-born local designer Kanchan Panjabi is known for her bold, vibrant dresses made with luxe Indian fabrics. Her works have been seen on runways around Asia, and as of late 2008 have been available at Delay No Mall, 68 Yee Wo St., Causeway Bay. Check her website for previous collections that are striking yet remain infinitely wearable.
Flat C, 108-110 Wellington St., Central, 2117-1782, info@kanchancouture.com, www.kanchancouture.com.
tags: local designer
Mango
Pretty yet inexpensive, Mango is an ideal place to pick up a dress for younger wedding guests, although there are classic cuts on offer that suit women of all ages. With regularly changing collections and only a few of each design, you can be pretty confident that you wont’ suffer an embarrassing doppelganger incident. Dresses range from $500 for basic cuts up to $1,500 for more ornate designs, and go up to a UK size 14, while trouser suits come in longer leg lengths if you’re tall. Keep an eye out for the special collection designed by actress Penelope Cruz.
Outlets in IFC, Festival Walk, Elements and Times Square, to name a few.
category: Guests, Party Dresses
Episode
This trendy but not-too-expensive store has both pretty summer dresses and classy separates that are ideal for daytime weddings. The latter is perfect for people that prefer not to wear a dress, but would still like to look feminine. Check out the white trouser suits with either a full or cropped leg, paired with heels for an effortless springtime look. It also has a range of brightly coloured accessories and clutches to complete your look.
B/F, Entertainment Building, 30 Queen’s Rd., Central, www.episode-intl.com.
Rosarini
Women of all shapes and sizes will find something flattering in Rosarini. It specializes in knit jersey dresses and separates in all colours, patterns and cuts, with the focus being on comfortable, simple outfits that can be jazzed up with bold accessories, are machine washable and easy to care for. Their wrap dresses are especially popular, and come in a variety of necklines and embellishments. Rosarini caters to women from a US size 6 to 22.
8/F, Room D, Ho Lee Commercial Building, 40 D’Aguilar St., Central, 25260-8836, sales@rosarini.com, www.rosarini.com.
category: Guests, Party Dresses
Ranee K
Fahion-forward wedding guests should definitely check out what local designer Ranee K has on offer. She specializes in Chinese-influenced party dresses with a modern, innovative twist, often using unusual materials or bias cuts to acheive a truly unique look. Her atelier on Gough street also has vintage pillbox hats, should a formal ceremony require headgear.
16 Gough St., Central, 2108-4068, raneek@netvigator.com, www.raneek.com
Karen Millen
This UK designer specializes in glamorous and sophisticated party dresses that are perfect for evening weddings and cocktail parties. They cost between $2,000 and $3,000 each, and each design comes in a range of colors, from safe neutrals to bolder flashes of aquamarine, turqoise and purple. Dresses go up to a UK size 14, and are made with a flattering, hold-everything-in material that ensures that you’ll be happy wearing the dress more than once. Keep an eye out for the regular sales, when dresses are slashed up to 50 percent off.
Shop A, G/F, 56-58 Wellington St., Central, 2530-2092; Shop 1058, Elements, 1 Austin Rd. West, West Kowloon, 2196-8282. www.karenmillen.com
category: Guests, Party Dresses
Belier Design
Hong Kong born designer Vien Lee studied fashion in Paris for three years, before returning here to start up her own collection of gowns, cocktail dresses and qipaos.
