STYLE MUSE | May Globus, Entrepreneur

May and I met almost a decade ago through the fashion event circuit in Vancouver. As quickly as you noticed her smile, May would draw you in with intimate and intriguing conversation. I always left our interactions feeling like I learned something new.

May's natural inquisitiveness has led her to connect subjects across many facets. It is with this skill that she has developed an arsenal to keep you moving through life. With strong values around creating a more mindful life, I knew May was someone to chat with about how our choices impact our shopping habits.

Q: How does mindfulness play into your shopping habits?

"Truthfully, I'm much more mindful these past few years about what I purchase. There was a time when I bought things because they satisfied me at the moment but never ended up getting as much wear from me. Now, I ask myself how much I love the item and if I need it—because my closet is already at capacity."

Q: Why do you choose secondhand?

"I've been shopping second hand since my late teens, early twenties. There was a huge, well-curated vintage store on Robson Street called True Value Vintage— located in an incredible subterranean shop in an old building between Granville and Howe. I truly fell in love with secondhand there. I deeply love the fashion of all eras. For me, clothing is an expression of who you are—I've always marched to my own drum, so buying clothing that everyone else has doesn't appeal to me. Secondhand has so much character (and better quality), especially pieces from decades gone by. And there's something romantic about purchasing a piece loved by someone before you—a passing down of sorts, from person to person, era to era. When I buy a vintage item, I clear it with sage, thank the person who had it before, and say aloud that I'll take care of it. It's a lovely ceremony for me."

Q: What is your most coveted secondhand piece?

"A dark brown, velvet mini dress from the 70s with brown fringe in a V in the front, found at The Story of Things. The velvet has a pattern, too, but because it's all brown on brown, you have to come closer to see it. The dress is perfectly western chic and doesn't need a lot of accessories to go with it—though I love my big accessories! Also, a multi-level gold ring with three small diamonds passed onto me from my mother."

Q: Where do you see the fashion industry heading?

"I'm delighted in the interest that the next generation has in vintage—they seem to care about things, the things they invest in, whether it's a cause or an item of clothing. And you see the industry adjusting around that: more apps for people to find secondhand, more brick-and-mortar stores by this next generation. As for the industry, I'm keeping a close eye on the idea of circularity and emerging fabric technology, like mushroom leather being used by prominent fashion houses."

Q: What fashion lessons do you want to leave for future generations?

"I'd love for future generations to use fashion as a vessel to express who they are—not always to follow trends, but choose clothing that speaks to your soul. And for those who are truly interested in fashion, remember and understand that there's a lot of history and artistry to clothing throughout the centuries. Fashion reflects a social and political time in culture, and the best designers use clothing as a medium of making their thoughts/opinions/feelings about the past, present, and future of the world seen and known."

Stay tuned for more stories like May's with the Creator Series.
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