FOR THE FIT

At the risk of sounding uncool, I am at a loss to understand the fervour of online shopping. How can you ensure that the blouse fits or the shoe is comfortable, I asked a dedicated online shopper. Isn’t it a waste of time to have to return it? Another friend, through his touch pad, bought a coat rack that came in an unfashionable shade of brown, a thermos that couldn’t open, and a projector that lacked the proper cables. They are now taking up space in his apartment – too new to chuck, and too damaged to use. I make the exception for books and other idiot-proof doodah.

But not enough people feel this way, as evidenced by the struggles of brick and mortar stores. To address the issue, Capitaland’s Chris Chong, this month’s cover personality ( Page 38), has a plan. The concept will be unveiled in November at Plaza Singapura.

He is understandably mum about the project. I, for one, am excited – and not only about the possibility of a novel shopping experience, but that it could be a way forward for retail to thrive and an ecosystem to be developed.

The business of brick and mortar aside, this style issue features a 16-page guide on the latest looks for men, including, for the bespoke fiends out there, where you can customise your casual wear ( Page 64). Find them offl ine.