Opinion | Leather shorts in Hong Kong: to wear or not to wear?
Where I’m from, around this time of year I’d be starting to think about wearing my favourite leather pants again. It’s still too hot in Hong Kong, so I thought maybe black leather shorts to get my fix without overheating?
Shorts Story, SoHo
The Dictator rules: How perspicacious. We just shorten everything to make it suit our climate. That’s why you see so many women with shaved heads walking around Hong Kong in crop tops, hot pants, boleros and ankle boots. I am, of course, being sarcastic. Rest assured, leather trousers are most definitely back on the racks and on the streets. Leather shorts are an entirely different matter but, amazingly, you’ve stumbled on to another fashion-approved item. However, although celebs wear them, have an honest look in the mirror before you do. The difference? They get paid for looking good. To look current, go for a pair with volume. Chanel’s are super-short and pleated in black grained deer leather (HK$33,500). Coach has a fab pleated pair in ultra-soft lambskin (HK$4,965). Believe it or not, elasticated waists are also de rigueur, as on the faux leather number by Forever 21 (HK$99 to HK$169). Stella McCartney doesn’t use animals, of course, but she has created quilted, padded faux black leather shorts for a bit of sporty chic (HK$4,690). Other designers went for a slim silhouette, such as Saint Laurent’s high-waisted lambskin shorts (HK$19,105); or RtA’s pair with cuffed hems (HK$4,615; www.fwrd.com). Zadig & Voltaire, ever the cool kids, have kept their flat-front leather shorts, well, short and sweet but toughened up with studs along the pockets (HK$4,100). How you style them is crucial. Think: layer, not leather queen.I have a favourite old top that has finally given up the ghost. I’ve worn it more times than I can count, but I still don’t know what to call the design. There is a sort of twisted knot at the front, but it is also part of the whole piece, like magic! Do you know where I can find something like that?
In a Twist, Stanley
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Zora Stowers
Update: 2024-05-16