Throwing away the stigma of secondhand

As ironic as it sounds, it's time to throw away the stigma of secondhand when it come to luxury goods (although ideas don't end up in a landfill )

Vintage, charity, thrift, “pre-loved”… There exist many different words for second-hand items. Those inclined to make their consumer habits more aspirational talk of “vintage” shopping. At the end of the day, it’s all stuff that someone else is ready to move on from.   

We are here to break it down and come to terms with the fact that - from a sustainability point of view - traditional retail model doesn’t really work. Put simply: we manufacture too much stuff and we use up too many resources.

With the onset of online sale taking over the shopping experience, the market for secondhand has become a major preoccupation. Recent years since COVID have seen a huge uptick in the acceptance of the resale industry—in fact, according to a recent report, the U.S. secondhand market is expected to more than double by 2026. (Secondhand saw record growth in 2021 at 32%.) Resale is expected to grow 16 times faster than the broader retail clothing sector by 2026. With so much potential and the demand for more sustainable consumer choices, secondhand has gone from being a niche interest to something more mainstream.

What does this mean for you? ...
If you are thinking you'd like to try a luxury piece for the first time - go secondhand.
If you are trying to find that perfect, hard to find piece that is sold out in the stores - go vintage.
If you are looking for the ideal gift for the brand lover - go pre-loved.
...
We could go on and on but at the end of the day, secondhand goods can give you access to items you never thought you could acquire previously and no one may ever know the difference! Indulge yourself or a loved one!

Here are a few bags that are making a comeback to wet your whistle!
What’s old is new and what’s new suddenly becomes old again. Fashion is a revolutionary process, with designers gaining ideas and inspiration from the past and bringing it into the present. Whether it’s the return of bell bottom jeans, platform Mary Jane pumps, fringe hobo bags or the redesign of a wildly popular designer item, there’s always a renewed interest and level of curiosity surrounding styles and pieces of yesteryear.

Gucci Jackie Hobo Bag

Not only is the Gucci Jackie Bag iconic and very in demand, but the relaunch of this timeless classic is also gold. The Fifties Constance bag, known for its half-moon hobo design and piston-shaped closure, was first introduced in the 1950s and is thought to be the original hobo bag. This instant classic became the epitome of timeless style after Jackie Kennedy Onassis was regularly spotted toting it around New York City. It was then renamed The Jackie Bag as a nod to her jet-setting style and influence over the fashion industry.

The Jackie O Bag was previously relaunched in 1999 and 2009. In 2020, Gucci’s Creative Director, Alessandro Michele, revived the iconic bag and renamed it The Jackie 1961. He also launched a medium and large Jackie 1961 Tote Bag.

Dior Saddle Bag

Introduced by John Galliano in Dior’s Spring/Summer 2000 collection, Dior’s Saddle Bag quickly reached cult-like status due to its unique, kidney-shaped design. The bag went from runway to mainstream with ‘IT’ girls like Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie and of course, Carrie Bradshaw on Sex and the City, giving it airtime and lots of media attention.

As one of the world’s most sought-after bags, it was relaunched in 2018 and then in 2019 when Dior introduced a belt bag style. Crafted in many different leathers and materials—calfskin, denim canvas, satin, velvet, matte leather, oblique embroidered canvas, and more—a rainbow of colors, and a few different types of hardware and finishes, this saddle-shaped tote is a timeless classic.

Fendi Baguette

One of fashion’s original IT bags, the Fendi Baguette debuted in 1997 and became iconic due to its numerous appearances carried by Carrie Bradshaw on Sex and the City. Designed to be carried under the arm like a French baguette, this minimalist silhouette was initially launched in a single strap design with a flap closure. One of the biggest draws for this bag has always been its versatility and uniqueness.

Relaunched in 2019, and reimagined many times since then, the modern remake of the Fendi Baguette—in the same silhouette—features a detachable shoulder strap, top handle, and has been reproduced in 1000s of different variations such as fringe, embroidery, studs, Zucca-embossed leather, sequins, and more.

Louis Vuitton Speedy

Don't call it a comeback!  
The classic Monogram Canvas has been Louis Vuitton's trademark design since it was first introduced in 1896. The graphic symbols, including the quatrefoils and flowers, as well as the LV Monogram were used to prevent counterfeiting in the early days when it was first patented. Made of coated canvas, the Monogram's traditional look is also endured by its durability.
Check back on the blog later this month to learn more about what makes the Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag so special and enduring...

Until then... YOLO!

Content and images for this blog post have been referenced from LePrix.