The Fifth Collection founder shares fashion tips and trends to watch in 2022

From Day One, when Nejla Matam-Finn started pre-loved luxury website The Fifth Collection, her goal was to make luxury shopping accessible and fun, while providing top-notch service to her customers.

“I think we have succeeded,” she remarks candidly. Since she and her husband Michael Finn launched the business online in early 2014, it has grown exponentially. They even secured around $2 million in seed funding from a group of investors.

But then, Covid hit. People might think that online businesses would be unaffected, but according to Nejla, that’s not entirely true, but she remains optimistic. “I still think we are in our infancy, and we are going to see more brands and businesses embracing this business model,” she says.

The best way to stick to New Year’s resolutions…

“I’ve given up on making resolutions. Instead, I put a list of intentions in a few areas of my life for the new year. I keep the list short, and I refer to it often over the year, especially when I feel overwhelmed. It helps me get back on track.”

Lessons learnt from 2021…

Her advice for someone starting a business in 2022…

“Starting a business from scratch is hard work. It takes much longer and more money than you think. Write a concise plan, do your research, and keep this with you at all times. Expect a lot of uncertainties until this pandemic is fully under control.”

Here, Nejla shares some fashion tips and trends to watch in 2022.

Build an eco-conscious wardrobe

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“Check your wardrobe first before you buy anything new. It’s important to declutter your closet regularly. When shopping for new items, purchase one or two quality pieces.”

Try mixing and matching different brands

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“The younger generation are more brand agnostic compared to my generation. They don’t hesitate to mix and match more aggressively. They are more experimental in exploring niche or ‘forgotten’ brands. We’ve recently noticed that some of our young collectors are purchasing pieces from Thierry Mugler and Claude Montana.”

When buying vintage, listen to your gut

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Vintage Fendi Roma jumper, The Fifth Collection

“When buying vintage, you should buy a designer/design that speaks to you. It’s not about a trend – that’s the beauty of collecting vintage fashion pieces.”

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Vintage Hunting Season crossbody bag, The Fifth Collection

(Read also "Here’s How You Can Shop At Vintage Stores Like A Pro")

Watch out for more vintage fashion sellers

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Mugler Resort 2022

I think there will definitely be an increase in people shopping and reselling vintage fashion. I don’t think it’s strictly fashion, but in all genres.”

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Vintage Prada handbag, The Fifth Collection

Additional reporting by Windy Aulia