Hong Kong used to be the place where we people travelled to buy cut-rate suits. Although you'd be hard pressed to find a decent suit for under £200 here (if that's what you're looking for, go to Shanghai instead), there are a million and one better reasons to come to Hong Kong than suits. We love the city for its juxtaposition of old alleys next to shiny new skyscrapers, shopping, culture and sleek restaurants””not to mention its frenetic buzz.  Hong Kong is also one of the most elegant metropolises on the planet; when you want to escape the chaos of the city, take the tram to Victoria Peak or do like the ex-pats do, and take a boat to a neighbouring island and chill out on the beach. When it comes to shopping, Hong Kong truly has it all, from upscale designer boutiques to little stores in random office buildings where a little digging will unearth designer bargains. And if you're really serious about shopping in the city, time your trip to visit during Hong Kong's shopping festival, where even more bargains can be found.

Kou
The moment you walk into Kou, you can't help but think, wow. This lifestyle store is housed in a swish mansion and everything in it is for sale, so it feels as if you're shopping in someone's private home. There's a library, with a well stocked selection of Taschen books for sale, an expansive living room painted aubergine, as well as a bedroom with ensuite bath and walk-in closet where all the clothes are for sale (don;t forget to peek in the lingerie drawer). Paintings, sculptures, furniture and accessories which have been sourced around the world are all for sale, including furniture from Kettal, Persian rugs from Isfahan and Beluchi tribes and candles from Vie Luxe. A definite visit, even if it's just for a browse.

Kou
22^nd Floor
Fung House
19-20 Connaught Road
Phone: +852 2530 2234
Open from 11 am ”“ 9pm

www.kouconcept.com

Bookworks
Whether you're looking for a custom made wedding album or a beautiful book to purchase on the spot, spend some time in Bookworks. The combination retail store and workshop sells gorgeous handmade photo albums and books. We bought a large photo album in a delicate green silk which is tied with a ribbon (now we just need to print out tons of photos and put them in the book). A great place to stock up on gifts to bring home.

Bookworks
Room F, 8 Floor Ho Lee Commercial Building
38 D'Aguilar Street
Central, Hong Kong
Phone: +852 2559 0175

Pedder Building
This building, which used to house the offices for British trading companies, is filled with great little boutiques and designer outlets selling gently used or past season clothing. We liked Ty Treasures, where we spotted discounted Missoni, Hermes, Prada, and Dior. Our hotel concierge at the Ritz-Carlton recommended Lord's Tailor, which is in the building. St Regis, on the first floor, also sells discounted designer clothes. Tip: Don't be put off by the building's officey exterior; you'll think you're heading to the wrong place but you won't be.

Pedder Building
12 Pedder Street
Central, Hong Kong
Most shops are open from 11.00am - 8.00pm

Hollywood Road
If you're passionate about antiques, or just want to browse, head to Hollywood Road in Central Hong Kong which has arguably the best selection of Chinese antiques in the world. The shops which line the street sell everything from Tang dynasty horses to Ming-era furniture and Qing Imperial robes. 

Ranee K
Fashion designer Ranee Kwok, the woman behind the Ranee K label, studied at Parsons School of Design in New York before returning to Hong Kong and opening her own boutique. She designs gorgeous silk chiffon dresses in a multitude of colours, as well as short, flirty shifts. Her style is a contemporary blend of east meets west fusion, and many are priced around 3680 HK. Note: Her Staunton Street boutique is her flagship store but she also has a store in Causeway.

Ranee K
G/F, 47K Staunton Street
Central, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: Noon - 8:30pm (Monday to Sunday)
Phone: 852 2108 4068

www.raneek.com

Joyce
Fashionista favourite Joyce is like a mini-department store (think Harvey Nicks or Barneys) selling Chloe, Alexander McQueen, and Derek Lam. There's also a well-stocked cosmetics counter, where we spotted lots of Bumble + Bumble hair products.

Joyce
Pacific Place, shop 334
88 Queensway, Central
Phone +852 25235944    

www.joyce.com

The Green Lantern
This small boutique in the heart of Sohosells a well-edited selection of silk wrapped lamp shades, furniture and cushions sourced from all around the world, but mostly Southeast Asia.

The Green Lantern
72 Peel Street
Central, Hong Kong
Phone: +85 2 2526 0277

Shanghai Tang
Shanghai Tang, selling its unique East meets West look, is now all over the world but there's still something special about the original store in Hong Kong. The brainchild of entrepreneur David Tang, the store is stocked with traditional Chinese clothes, such as the cheongsams (traditional, formal long dresses) which have been updated in eye popping colours like orange and turquoise blue.

Shanghai Tang
12 Pedder Street
Central
Phone: +852 2525 7333

www.shanghaitang.com

Tong's Sheets and Linen
This little store in the Stanley Market doesn't look like much- in fact it feels like rummaging through Filene's Basement but Tong's is a great place to stock up on linens. We spotted classic white linen hemstitch napkins and placemats, as well as a gorgeous set of sheets with an astronomical thread count, as well as (we couldn't resist) linen monogrammed cocktail napkins. Tong's also sells pyjamas and duvet covers.

Tong's Sheets and Linens
55-57 Stanley Main Street
G/F Stanley
Phone: +(852) 2813 0337 or +(852) 2813 0338

Photo courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board, www.discoverhongkong.com.