By Kay Smith (That's Shanghai)
Updated: 2006-04-26 11:07

Olivier Strelli-Women Summer 2006

This season, the fashion world has embraced what is perhaps the most noble color in the spectrum, purple. Purple in all its shades-lavender, orchid, lilac, and violet-is special; it is a mix of strong warm and strong cool colors and therefore has both warm and cool properties.

Purple is associated with creativity, but too much purple, like blue, suggests moodiness. Wearing deep eggplant purple with neutral tans or beige is an earthy, conservative color combination with purple adding a touch of the mystery. Green and purple can be a striking combination in deep or bright jewel tones' or use lighter shades for a cheerful, spring-like feel.

Top of the town
When scouting for purple treats, your first stop should be Olivier Strelli in Huaihai Zhonglu. Here you'll find an array of purple clothing and accessories-bags, shoes and jewelry-including the stunning sweater and skirt pictured above (RMB 3,280 and RMB 3,080, respectively). This high-quality Belgian brand, by the way, puts a premium on hand-crafted quality.

Olivier Strelli Store
Location: 1/F, No. 688, Huaihai Zhonglu
Tel: 021-53823309

The prodigy
Hot Wind offers a breezy selection of mauve and violet boots, sneakers and flats in various shade of purple. Our favorite is the suede high-heeled pumps (RMB 280, style number 119), with a metallic sash detail and purple diamante buckle.

Hotwind Shop
Location: No. 14, Nanhuilu, near Nanjing Xilu
Tel: 021-62673798

Spring violets
The last stop on our purple-prowl is the appropriately named 'Style Store'. Here you want to pick up a pair of good quality purple tights at the bargain price of RMB 38, which should leave you enough change for a celebratory glass of mulberry wine.

Style Store
Location: No. 218, Fengxianlu
Tel: 021-62618956