Armanius Maximus

Hong Kong just makes me want to buy things. Everyone else is doing it. Let me help you conceptualize the possibilities open to anyone with a Platinum Visa and a sturdy pair of legs to prolong the “drop” in shopping until you do so. One building and, what, a baker’s dozen of Armani stores? Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, Armani Collezione…Armani Fragrances, Armani undergarments…Armani home furnishings, Armani books…and if you need to drown away your buyer’s remorse about the book on little black dresses you bought to help you decide which little black dress to buy, stop by the Armani bar on the top floor for a stiff one. Better yet, stroll on over to the Armani candy store for some chocolates. With all the shopping you’ve done today I’m sure you’ve earned those pricey calories, which thankfully, on the part of the American, are measured in metric units which numerically cuts their number in half.

In MBA-speak, it seems like the not-so-secret to brand success in Hong Kong is the winning charm of a European label. Doesn’t even have to be a real European label. Still, luxury is everywhere and “big-ticket” doesn’t seem to faze buyers of that next “it” Chanel bag or that Ferrari, which won’t be driven but a few traffic-ridden miles a day, and probably by the valet at the owner’s high rise apartment. Why is Europe winning out over Asia in terms of tastes here in Hong Kong while in Los Angeles, Asian influences have revolutionized the cultural scene a la’ sushi, Hong Kong style cinema, and “Asian fusion” of all kinds?