Kalani Tharanga, JadeTimes Staff
D.W.G. Kalani Tharanga is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Political Blogs.
The Rise of Trophy Vintage in High Fashion
As London Fashion Week kicks off, the demand for "trophy vintage" fashion is surging, with shoppers increasingly seeking out rare and iconic pre loved designer pieces. Samina Virk, US CEO of Vestiaire Collective, a leading platform for luxury resale, explains that vintage has become a new marker of exclusivity. "It's not always about what's new anymore sometimes it's about what's old and hard to find," says Virk. Shoppers are scouring Vestiaire’s archives for sought after pieces like archival Gucci, Prada, Miu Miu, and Saint Laurent, which have become symbols of status. Celebrities like Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski are embracing the trend, with Hadid wearing a vintage Gucci gown from Tom Ford’s 1996 collection to the Cannes Film Festival an iconic dress older than the model herself.
This shift in luxury fashion is about more than nostalgia. As Virk notes, the thrill of finding a coveted vintage piece brings excitement to the hunt, while also offering an eco conscious alternative to fast fashion. The extended lifespan of second hand garments helps reduce waste and slows down the production of new clothing, making fashion both sustainable and stylish.
The Role of Resale Platforms in Shaping Fashion's Future
Vestiaire Collective, along with other platforms like The RealReal and Fashionphile, is reshaping how people shop for high end fashion. Offering an extensive collection of both vintage and gently used designer items, these platforms provide access to luxury at a fraction of the retail cost. For instance, shoppers can find a pair of Dior heels or a Loewe bag for 50% to 70% less than their original price. However, Virk acknowledges that while resale platforms make luxury more accessible, they aren't always cheap designer items like Miu Miu sunglasses still cost hundreds of dollars.
To ensure authenticity, Vestiaire employs nearly 100 experts who authenticate each item, ensuring customers can trust their purchases. The appeal of these platforms extends beyond bargains it’s about the chance to own a piece of fashion history. Celebrities, too, are involved in the resale movement, with stars like Jessica Chastain and Kim Kardashian selling designer pieces on Vestiaire for charity, adding to the allure. Virk’s involvement in integrating Vestiaire into Netflix’s *Emily in Paris* highlights how the platform is becoming part of popular culture, with fashion forward characters using resale to fuel their dreams. "You never know whose clothes you might end up wearing," says Virk, capturing the excitement and intrigue behind the pre loved fashion revolution.
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