By I. Hansana, Jadetimes News
E commerce and resale platform eBay is set to launch its first ever Pre Loved Fashion Week this September, in collaboration with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and the British Fashion Council (BFC).
The initiative, which will feature live, shoppable runway shows in both New York and London, aims to tap into the rising demand for secondhand luxury goods and promote circular fashion. Branded as "Endless Runway," the events will showcase pre owned designer pieces from renowned brands such as Khaite, Off White, Christopher Kane, and Simone Rocha. These shows will take place ahead of the official Spring/Summer 2025 fashion weeks in both cities, positioning eBay at the forefront of the sustainable fashion dialogue.
Kirsty Keoghan, eBay's General Manager of Fashion, emphasized the company's commitment to promoting sustainable fashion, stating, "We're showing up on fashion's biggest stage and demonstrating that authentic designer fashion doesn't have to be out of reach."
This move coincides with the rapid growth of the secondhand luxury market, which saw nearly $50 billion in pre-owned luxury items sold globally in 2023. eBay reports that pre loved and refurbished items now constitute 40% of its gross merchandise volume, reflecting a significant shift in consumer behavior towards more sustainable shopping practices.
The initiative aligns with broader industry trends, as fashion weeks increasingly address sustainability concerns. Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council, highlighted that the Endless Runway will "bring new life to archival pieces while making fashion week accessible to a wider audience."
Through its digital platform and strategic partnerships with key fashion organizations, eBay is positioning itself to capture a larger share of the expanding circular fashion market. The success of this initiative could potentially reshape traditional fashion weeks' approach to sustainability and accessibility, while encouraging luxury brands to rethink their strategies in the secondhand market.