Is the Rise of Pre-Owned Luxury Owed to Sustainability?
Sustainable and vintage luxury fashion are the two biggest trends we’re seeing as of late. Yes, vintage will always have a place in fashion anywhere and anytime. But, there is no denying it resurged in a big way recently. From Fashion Week around the globe to as far as the British Royal family affairs.
You may be wondering why we are looking to the past for our fashion? The truth is that it is more than just reminiscing past fashion icons and vintage design. It’s a better and more sustainable way forward for the world of fashion and the impact it has on the environment.
What’s So Sustainable About Shopping Pre-Owned?
The fast fashion industry generates 100 billion garments per year. It’s one of the most polluting industries in the world after oil. Luxury resale and consignment have an important environmental impact in this regard. It extends the life of something that’s already been produced, rather than quickly and unethically creating a trendy new item. These tend to be worn for one season and tossed into landfills shortly after purchase.
Re-selling your luxury handbags and shoes can do a lot more than previously thought. More than sparing landfills, research shows that buying a pre-owned designer bag rather than a new bag saves over 8kg of carbon dioxide emissions and 22ℓ of water. Buying a pair of pre-owned designer shoes instead of a new pair saves 3kg of carbon dioxide emissions. It also spares over 7ℓ of water.
In general, extending the average lifespan of clothes (2.2 years) by just three months could lead to a 10% reduction in carbon, water and waste footprints.
With that in mind, there really is no wonder that the second-hand industry is becoming one of the largest growing consumer segments. We can thank our millennial counterparts for the impact they’ve made already. Mindful Millennials and Gen Z emphasise environmental and social responsibility more than anything, apart from social media.
This trend reiterates the circular economy, where every player helps to alleviate the impact on the environment. If every item purchased worldwide over the next year were to be pre-owned, we could reduce carbon, waste & industrial water consumption by up to 73%!
Sustainability in the World of Luxury Fashion
Re-selling is one of the best ways to eliminate waste and reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry. There is no longer a negative connotation associated with shopping pre-owned. It’s absolutely normal to want the most out of your money. Whether it’s by selling bags collecting dust in your closets or finding discontinued one-of-a-kind pieces at unbeatable prices.
Luxury re-sellers have reported huge increases in traffic and purchases over the last two years, thanks to the surge in environmental and waste consciousness. In fact, our favourite luxury brands have not let the rise of shopping vintage slide past them without any benefits. Recall how designer brands resurged some of our favourite bags from yesteryear in an attempt to capitalise on the attention vintage bags were receiving.
Last year we watched as Dior re-launched their unforgettable Oblique Saddle bag. The attention it was pulling in from the vintage fashion market was immense. Fendi brought back its iconic Sex and The City-featured baguette bag from 1999. Prada’s leather Sidonie now comes in suede, leather and, the print of the season, tie-dye. Whereas, Michael Kors’ 90’s resurgence brocade includes a chain handle. Even fast fashion high street stores H&M, Arket and & Other Stories are starting to trial vintage and second-hand clothes sales on their websites.
Shop Smarter, Not Cheaper
We adore the concept of re-selling and especially giving love to luxury pieces. Yes, they’re stunning and our favourite celebs wear them, but they are made with the quality attached to the price tag and a timeless design and personality. The quality you get from designer houses versus fast fashion brands is incomparable, and let’s face it, anyone with a Chanel bag is going to take care of it.
Lest we forget that designer bags, shoes and accessories are an investment and stand the test of time exceptionally. Luxury bags, like the Hermès Birkin bag, has steadily appreciated in value since its conception. Owners have sold the bag for more than double its original purchase price!
The mindset around shopping pre-owned has changed drastically over the last decade. It’s more acceptable to boast your collection of pre-owned designer bags and shoes now than a few years ago. In fact, vintage designer wear is one of the most hyped trends this year. It’s one of the best ways to keep fashion alive. You may even find that limited edition Louis Vuitton handbag you didn’t manage to get your hands on.
Contributing to Sustainability with Luxity
Luxity is the biggest and most trusted designer re-seller in Africa – a title we hold dearly. We love finding previously loved gems. But, we should probably remind you that buying pre-owned luxury pieces can be as risky as it is rewarding. It’s easy to fall victim to inauthentic products sold for seemingly authentic prices. We always advise you to shop strictly authenticated products.
Luxity has a strict authenticity process. Our experts are passionate about luxury brands and personally guarantee the product you buy is genuine. Whether it’s a Hermès Kelly or Chanel Boy bag, we sell and receive new stock daily, so your best bet is to keep your eyes peeled on our website or subscribe to our newsletter here. If you have a luxury piece that you’re ready to part with, contact us and we’ll happily buy from you!
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