As we head towards the end of October, we naturally turn from the breezy silks and linens of summer to the richer textures of autumn and winter. Cashmere wraps, wool coats and leather boots emerge from storage, joined by the iconic handbags, gloves and hats that anchor any luxury winter wardrobe. For discerning collectors, these are not simply seasonal essentials - they are investments, heirlooms, and in some cases, rare or appreciating assets.
But as elegant as the colder months may be, they present unique risks to luxury fashion. Moisture, moths, and fluctuating temperatures can be as damaging as careless handling or theft. Protecting your wardrobe now ensures these pieces retain not only their beauty, but also their financial and sentimental value.
Autumn and winter fabrics demand particular attention. Cashmere and fine wool, while prized for their warmth and softness, are also especially vulnerable to moth damage. Items should be cleaned before storage, then carefully packed in suit bags and hung with natural deterrents such as cedar or lavender to ward off larvae1. Leather boots and shoes are at risk from damp pavements and winter salt; without care, moisture can warp their shape or mark their finish. Using specialist protective sprays helps to guard against these seasonal challenges while maintaining structure, while adding a protective rubber sole can enhance durability for the harsh winter weather2.
Accessories deserve equal consideration. Felt hats, whether contemporary or vintage, should be kept in breathable hat boxes, padded with tissue to preserve their form3. Handbags - particularly those crafted in delicate exotic leathers - fare best when stored upright in dust bags, supported by acid-free tissue to maintain structure and placed in a ventilated area of your room4. Stacking them carelessly or leaving them exposed to fluctuating room conditions risks distorting their shape or damaging their finish, while storing them in boxes or near heat spots can dry the leather.
Autumn’s charm often comes hand in hand with rain, mud, and wind. Without preventative steps, even the finest craftsmanship can suffer. Waterproofing treatments, brushing your hats after wear, and the simple practice of carrying an umbrella can spare favourite pieces from damage that may otherwise be impossible to reverse. Preservation is as much about foresight as it is about restoration.
Beyond physical care, there is another, often overlooked, layer of protection: insurance. Luxury wardrobes - from bespoke coats to Hermès handbags - are increasingly viewed as collectible assets. Yet many remain inadequately insured, either under standard contents policies with strict single-item limits, or through outdated valuations that fail to reflect today’s market.
High-value fashion is not static. The luxury fashion industry is projected to reach USD 431.43 billion by 2033, expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2025 to 20335. Hermès Birkins, Chanel classics, and limited-edition pieces often appreciate well beyond their original retail prices, with some achieving extraordinary results at auction - most notably, the original Birkin, which set a new record at £7 million, making it the most expensive handbag ever sold at auction6.
A coat that once seemed extravagant or a handbag acquired a decade ago may now be worth several times its purchase price. Without regular reassessment, owners are left underinsured, exposed to the financial and emotional impact of loss.
Shifting into autumn and winter is about more than refreshing a wardrobe, it is about preserving artistry, heritage, and investment. The elegance of a perfectly tailored coat or the quiet luxury of a well-loved handbag deserves the same consideration as a piece of fine art or jewellery.
By combining attentive care with appropriate insurance, you ensure your wardrobe not only weathers the season but endures for years to come.
For private clients, specialist insurance is essential. Our private clients' team are here to help, providing you with a wealth of knowledge and expertise to ensure you can wear your collection knowing you’re protected with the right insurance.
To find out more about private clients insurance, contact the team today.
[1] Setting store: how to keep woollen coats and puffer jackets packed away safely | Fashion | The Guardian
[2] 9 Tips To Making Your Boots Last Longer - How To Take Care of Leather and Suede Boots
[3] 7+1 Steps for Mastering the Art of Hat Care – Agnoulita Hats
[4] How do I take care of my leather or canvas item?
[5] Luxury Fashion Market Size, Trends and Demand by Forecast 2033
[6] Jane Birkin's original Hermès bag sells for £7m at Sotheby's auction - BBC News