PRE-LOVED FASHION: THE ERA OF LUXURY CONSiGNMENT
- Ally
- Aug 13, 2020
- 3 min read
(scroll to bottom for picture details)
The future of shopping may be forever changing due to the increase of technological reliance and the shifting favour of online shopping. Many luxury brands have not benefited from the out-of store shopping experience. Why, you may ask? It’s all due to the art of luxury consignment. The increasing popularity of the internet over the last 20 years has given rise to online luxury consignment stores. Consignment companies and even instagram closet clearout accounts have changed the landscape of second-hand shopping. Previously, people may have been hesitant to shop at consignment stores because the in-person experience was not that of a luxury store and you would too often be seen spotted coming out of one. However, the reliability of second hand shopping has dramatically shifted to a better outcome.
Luxury consignment stores have seen most of their sales coming from young professionals who can’t afford to spend half their pay checks on a gorgeous Celine tote. If that concept sounds familiar to you, instead try purchasing a reduced price, second hand item. Now, while this may sound a bit icky, “ I don’t want to wear someone else’s old heels, even if they are a fraction of the price”, luxury consignment stores (I will share some of my favourites down below) only stock merchandise of excellent quality. Sometimes the items haven’t even been worn yet!!!
For general lower price/ mid price range, looking to apps like Poshmark or Depop are great options. Or stick to the basics- look at Ebay. Ebay is a very useful site if you know what you are looking for. That being said, they sell pretty much anything and it’s incredibly hard to actually authenticate the item you are purchasing.
For example, I could sell a Gucci Soho Bag dupe under the guise that it was the legitimate bag - no one would be the wiser. Same goes for apps like Poshmark and Depop. Make sure that when you are shopping from such sites to ask the seller for additional photos. This way, you can see actually gauge quality (because original photos can be deceiving). If a seller refuses to send additional photos, it’s probably not something that you should be purchasing.
For more premium pieces, look to luxury consignment companies. While Ebay, Poshmark and Depop are great for certain things, luxury items are not in that category. When there is no overacting quality control or authentication of items, it’s very difficult to tell if you are buying the real-deal or a Times Square dupe. I love looking to luxury consignment stores because you can often purchase excellent quality items (clothes, bags, shoes) for an almost 50% reduction. Keep scrolling for my favourite places…
With full time product authenticators, the Real Real should be your top go to. Every single item has top notch looks and appear to have been bought first-hand. On top of the previous reductions, you are sure to find a once a week, “Additional 20% off”!!! My favourite recent purchase from TRR was a pair of gorgeous cat eye Yves Saint Laurent sunglass which retail for $500 yet were sold for $170.
The Vestiaire Collective stocks consignment from all over the world. Check out VC for really premium pieces as they don’t tend to stock many mid-high range brands.
You may have seen instagram adds for Rebag and for good reason!! Rebag is a fabulous destination for pre-loved handbags! Anything from clutches to large weekenders, add some spice to your outfit with a luxury bag.
I hope you guys enjoyed a glimpse into luxury consignment. Tip: If online shopping isn't for you and you prefer to look at the product in person, The Real Real and Rebag both haven in person stores located in many of the world's major cities.
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XOXO Ally
top left: bag
bottom left: bag
middle top: bag/ shoes
middle bottom: earrings
top right: bag
bottom right: shoes
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