Editor’s Note: The best the fall season has to offer

Never before in human history has it been so easy to shop — in stores, online, via text message, using an iPhone app or visual search software, with same-day delivery by truck, 3-D printer or drone.

There’s been an explosion of products made available by (barely) lifting a finger, which makes things particularly exciting as we approach the new fall fashion season but also brings up questions about the power of brands, value versus hype, how much is too much and cutting through the clutter.

We’ve devoted our fall magazine to exploring some of those questions, starting with a look at the season’s two opposing trends — brand parody and anonymous dressing — and what they say about the state of fashion. We’ve spotlighted a handful of retail ventures, including Southern California institution Fred Segal and its new owners, who plan to take the name global, and pioneering multi-label store Opening Ceremony, whose founders Humberto Leon and Carol Lim are in expansion mode after recently taking on new investors. And Adam Tschorn reports on Everlane, the San Francisco-based, Internet-only retailer that is appealing to shoppers in search of a new kind of luxe austerity.

Because the most intriguing purchases are often found when one is away from home, Amanda Jones runs down the best airports in the world for shopping — and not just for luxury labels. I go in search of time off the grid and away from consumerist clutter at the Earthship Biotecture sustainable community outside picturesque Taos, N.M. And Christopher Reynolds looks into the phenomenon of fashion brands entering the hospitality business, wondering whether they’re trying to appeal to those who would rather have new experiences than more stuff.

Not that we’re averse to new stuff here at Image. We’ve also got pages and pages of the best the season has to offer, including luxe sneakers, fringe bags, blanket coats and rainbow-colored jewels.

Enjoy the issue.