The Anti-Fast Fashion

I have to admit, I’ve never been a “less is more” kind of gal. My love for unnecessary (but necessary) clothing and a good bargain often leads me to the doors of H&M, Zara, and, yes, Forever 21. The experience is inevitably overwhelming. The weird electronica music blaring, the hoards of intense shoppers (myself included), the tangle of cheap clothes. Sometimes I buy things only to make the trip worth it – and because I don’t want to come back anytime soon.

Like so many other women, years of this fast fashion behavior has left me with a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear.

For the last six years, Karla Gallardo and Shilpa Shah have been on a mission to rewire shoppers’ brains to buy “fewer, better things.” Their brand Cuyana is the antithesis of fast fashion — a beautiful, focused line of basics without a shelf life.

Everything it offers, from chic leather goods to perfect wardrobe staples and simple accessories, is made with high-quality materials by skilled artisans across the globe.

The philosophy behind Cuyana is simple: shop with intention. Something that I, for one, do not do. In my mind, minimalist fashion has always equated to boring fashion.

Yet, when I look at the brand’s croc-embossed leather backpack, silk bow blouse or Italian leather wrap skirt, minimalism seems like a statement. These clothes aren’t boring; they’re meaningful, and even a little badass.

Speaking of which, Gallardo and Shah started the Lean Closet movement as part of Cuyana’s mission to encourage women to do more with less in their wardrobe. The brand will give you a reusable bag to fill up with “items that aren’t helping you live your most beautiful life,” which are then donated to women in need. As a bonus, you’ll get $10 credit towards your next purchase.

The San Francisco-based company launched with e-commerce, and later opened boutiques in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Boston. Most recently, it opened a store in Dallas – for a limited time only.

Ready to adopt the minimalist mindset? Cuyana has a pop-up shop in NorthPark Center through the holiday season, with its essentials, a selection of meaningful gifts, and in-store monogramming available.