what'sHOTwhat'sCOOL: White Hot for Summer
Gotta Love it
Each Love Diamond is comprised of eight perfect arrows and eight perfect hearts, which is said to symbolise 'unwavering commitment', but also probably won't hurt their chances with the Chinese crowd. Created by The Carat Club brand, you can now get your hands on your very own at their recently opened Shanghai flagship store.
The Carat Club Boutique. 368 Wukang Lu, near Tai'an Lu. Tel: 139 1777 4996. Web: www.thecaratclub.com
Textured Intensity
The off-white shade and intense texture of this Miu Miu matelassé leather bag, combined with some layered accessories – think jangly silver bangles – is the perfect way to lift a classic little black shift dress. This bag is enough to tip an outfit into excellence, but it's probably best if you keep the rest of your ensemble simple.
Price: RMB 15,500. Miu Miu (Shanghai Centre). Shop A03, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Xikang Lu. Tel: 6289 8070. Web: www.miumiu.com
A Shanghai Watch Story
In 1903 an Italian watchmaker named Frederico Iguzzini came to Shanghai to make luxury watches in the Paris of the East. The brand was reinvigorated a few years ago by Stephane and Lander Michel, and Iguzzini watches are now one of a few Chinese brands chasing the home-grown luxury dollar (ahem, renminbi). Their lines perfectly reflect the East-meets-West mentality of the company and, with only 150 to 200 watches produced every year, customers are also guaranteed exclusivity.
Price: RMB 24,600. Web: www.federicoiguzzini.com
Sail Away
There is a popular belief that fashion and comfort are mutually exclusive concepts, and in some cases they are – velour tracksuits are never stylish. But the same can't be said about this white silk 'Midnight Sail Dress' with rope straps from Shanghai-based fashion house, Kaileeni. There is nothing about this dress that isn't completely wearable and comfortable, and yet its very simplicity is its most beautiful attribute.
Price: RMB 699. William the Beekeeper. 84 Fenyang Lu, near Fuxing Xi Lu. Tel: 138 1809 3796. Web: www.kaileeni.com
Tone it up
This year saw Rag & Bone take a step towards the boudoir with lingerie-inspired pieces that manage to maintain an element of surprise. This fitted dress with contour seams is known as the 'Hadleigh', and it's perfect for accentuating the curves of a womanly body. Made from 100 per cent silk with sheer ivory overlay, scoop back and adjustable elastic straps, it's the perfect balance between pretty and powerful.
Price: RMB 4,780. The Villa. 1 Taojiang Lu, near Yueyang Lu. Web: www.shopthevilla.com
