Fall is often considered within fashion circles as the busiest and most exciting time on the calendar. It is during these months when wardrobes are updated to include exuberant key pieces—a standout coat, statement boots, art-inspired accessories, an opulent dinner dress. Regardless of era or year, I’ve always considered Fall as a time for going all out—even if the past years have meant staying at home most days. While not necessarily in terms of logos or blinding bling, it’s a season for piling on the layers, experimenting with new textures, embracing more dramatic color ways and discovering new emerging brands across the globe.
The challenge when shopping for Fall fashion essentials lie in finding garments and accessories that are unique yet versatile. It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of trends, only to step out looking like the rest. On more than one occasion, I’ve invested on a coat or sweater that I thought would take me through the entire season. It’s when you realize that what you’ve purchased is either commonplace or impractical, that disappointment sets in.
Often times, we equate unique for expensive. And while there is some truth to this, there are smarter ways of shopping this Fall that don’t require breaking the bank. Global platforms that bring together the best of every region or continent are great places to start. Apart from highlighting exceptional, up-and-coming design talents from across oceans, these design collectives always serve up fresher and newer style propositions.
Shopping from global platforms also create deeper sense of connection with designers, artisans, local producers and makers. Compared to the more popular and mainstream multi-brand shops, these unique design spaces lend an intimate and personal experience of retail therapy even when done from behind a computer screen. And that, to me, holds more value than any logo or distinguishing luxury mark often found flooding runways and social media.
