As soon as I began experiencing a bit of success at the mere age of 26 or 27, I made a pact with myself; I will no longer shop from Zara and H&M. Not only because these are fast fashion brands that have a negative impact on our environment, but also because I deserve better. My self-talk then involved telling myself that I am older now, making my own money, and have worked hard enough to reach a stage in my life where my wardrobe deserves better. Moreover, as a fashion designer, I know how garments are made, perhaps, too well. This expertise made it hard for me to ignore the quality these fast fashion garments are often lacking.
So, I decided I would either make my own clothes or buy high-end garments that I know are made exceptionally well. So off I went to Dior’s flagship boutique in London during one of my trips. I will never forget the intimidating space and atmosphere of the French luxury store. As soon as I walked in, I was treated like royalty. The manager greeted me at the door and assigned a charming sales executive who guided me to the men’s section, offered me a glass of bubbly and macarons, and then showed me each and every product from their collection. I ended up spending more money than I should have, but walked out feeling like I could conquer the world.
I COULD RELATE TO ISLA FISHER’S CHARACTER FROM THE 2009 HIT CHICK FLICK, CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC, SO MUCH SO THAT WITHIN A FEW YEARS, MY SHOPPING SPREES WENT OUT OF CONTROL.
I totally understood the appeal. I could relate to Isla Fisher’s character from the 2009 hit chick flick, Confessions of A Shopaholic, so much so that within a few years, my shopping sprees went out of control. I needed intervention from my friends, family, and sadly my accountant, who bluntly told me I was not rich enough for this lifestyle. With a bruised ego, I responded with a snarky “Yet!” to assure him that one day I would be. But deep down, I realised it was time to change. I needed to behave like an adult and be more financially responsible.
During my following trips overseas, I found myself in a strange spot. On one hand, I was too proud to go back to those fast fashion brands that produce millions of pieces per design. On the other hand, the high-end labels were capable of bankrupting me. So, in those crowded shopping malls, I started feeling like I did not belong anywhere and I fell out of love with shopping a little bit. It was no longer retail therapy. Gradually I stopped shopping during my trips abroad. I made more of my own clothes. For years I would return to Dhaka with suitcases filled with the same clothes I took with me. But things change, and so did my financial situation, thankfully for the better.
Eventually I was open to giving ‘retail therapy’ another try. After gathering up courage and setting some much needed financial boundaries, I discovered a sweet spot often overlooked – the category of mid- tier or affordable luxury brands. It was during one of my trips when I wandered into a boutique that was not as inviting or renowned as Dior, Prada, or Luis Vuitton, but still exuded a sense of quality and style. Intrigued, I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. The garments on display were meticulously crafted, with attention to detail evident in every stitch and seam.
Yet, unlike the exorbitant price tags of European fashion houses, these pieces were more attainable without sacrificing quality or style. As I tried on a few items, I realised that I did not have to compromise between affordability and craftsmanship. Over time, I began to explore more brands within this mid-tier category. From well-tailored jackets and shirts to timeless accessories, I found myself gravitating towards pieces that not only elevated my wardrobe, but also retained their value. All this while being made in small batches too!
I am happy to report my days of impulse shopping sprees and reckless spending are gone. Instead, I have adopted a more discerning approach, investing in key pieces that complement my existing wardrobe and reflect my personal style. Each purchase is now carefully considered, with an emphasis on longevity and versatility. And while I still indulge in luxury from time to time, I do so with a newfound sense of restraint and mindfulness. I now focus on building a curated collection of essentials that can stand the test of time.
As I reflect on my journey, it is clear my shopping habits have undergone a significant transformation. I have navigated the highs and lows of retail therapy. Yet, amidst this journey, I have discovered an appreciation for mid-tier and affordable luxury brands. And while I still relish the occasional splurge on high-end labels, I have come to value the quality, design, and style offered by these more accessible options even more. So, the next time you spot a mid-tier brand, give it a chance – perhaps you too will be pleasantly surprised.