What's in Store, vol. 3

Massimo Dutti. What? Yep. I'll explain.

On IG, I asked followers if Massimo Dutti was fast fashion, and the result was a resounding yes.

But I thought a critical look in there made a lot of sense as this week’s treat because

(1) It’s democratic, showing things more people can afford (though I do love that you all get so much inspiration from high end to shop your closet)

(2) It’s order-able online but not IRL everywhere, so I thought a chance to really feel it, and understand the quality would mean something

(3) It allows us to chat a little about fast fashion, and that’s been on my mind… So here we go.

MD is owned by the same folks as Zara. It’s not so much about the trend cycle, but more aimed at solid pieces that don’t look dated at a reasonable price. I own one item from there (ordered online), a slip dress with sequins around the neck, and I’ve had it for a few years and enjoy it. But I was curious to see how more of the stuff looks IRL.

Also - where are we on fast fashion? Some of you noted that the working conditions (a concern of mine) are not so great with high end designer, either. Here’s how I (admittedly not super informed on the topic) view it, in no particular order

• I’ve watched some horrifying documentaries (of course, I’ve watched them about animal treatment in the food industry too and am not a vegetarian … )

• I think this drive to put out trend items quickly and cheaply makes people think less about their purchases

• I’ve rarely liked, long term, anything I’ve bought that’s fast fashion

• I can’t stand the direct copying — it feels like a complete violation (e.g. Mango doing Miu Miu)

• I hate the experience of the clothes — people say they don’t like a thrift store smell, for me it’s this smell, the smell in the garments

• I feel, though, that there’s an inherent snobbery in saying “I don’t shop fast fashion” - like I don’t eat fast food. When it’s all many can afford/access and that speaks to a much bigger issue

• I can’t unsee that rat in the lining of a Zara blazer

• I do believe with the searches we have available today and the cyclical nature of fashion, it’s possible to find most of what you want used, better quality, and at comparable prices

That all being said, I thought going into MD would be informative. But I didn’t want to! I think all in all I was pleasantly surprised (definitely not as smelly as Zara), but also that the key is knowing what to look at, which would definitely require shopping/returning. The other thing is, the longer you hold onto these items the better, so taking a careful look is a good thing.

Ready to peek inside?