Fans of circular fashion flock for high-end
ARE you a fan of circular fashion or do you love recycling your old clothes in the hope others will wear them?
Far from being cheap and cheerful, a new poll by The Sustainable Studio shows that a love of luxury is the biggest motivating factor for people to by preloved items including bags and clothing.
Around 72 per cent of respondents admitted to enjoying owning a luxury handbag, while a further 55 per cent claimed that value for money was their biggest motivation, especially the opportunity to own a classic designer item at a fraction of the cost of the new version.
Along with online stores like the Sustainable Studio, sites like Vestiare and Depop have been proving popular with those looking to help the environment but also bag some luxury items at an affordable price.
And for those who love a classic look and enjoy vintage style, there has never been a better time to shop second hand.
Vintage has both a luxury and a value cachet, Gayle Poppers, owner of The Sustainable Studio online store says, noting that 40% of shoppers actively seek out vintage goods.
‘Most of my customers are ultimately motivated by wanting to own a classic Louis Vuitton or Gucci bag,’ she says.
‘Many feel that pre-owned has an added attraction, as the bag is literally unique, and has been ‘broken in’, so already has a nice patina and a softer shape.
‘Value is also important. Especially now, with prices rising, enjoying luxury goods at a more affordable price-point makes sense.’
People look at the cost-per-wear of a luxury designer item, Poppers says. ‘Many people like to buy well-made classics, whether clothes or accessories. Unlike fast fashion, luxury goods wear and last well. And, especially with a designer handbag, it will take you anywhere, so cost-per wear is on par with a high-street handbag.’
Surprisingly, for the owner of The Sustainable Studio, only 34 per cent of survey respondents identified sustainability as motivation for buying pre-loved goods.
While re-use and recycling minimises wasted resources, it seems just like buying new, desirability is the leading factor as a second hand designer bag means that those who would not ordinarily be able to have one on their arm can afford the outlay.
‘There is less waste, less airmiles and less use of resources in making new goods; and, to be fair, people do recognise that,’ Gayle Poppers says. ‘But, ultimately, it is the exquisite quality and desirability of designer goods that is driving the preloved market, it seems.’
Poppers sells authentic Gucci, Chanel, Chloe and Louis Vuitton bags and wallets, as well as designer jewellery charms and vintage luxury fashion at the sustainablestudio.ie, many of which are less than a few years old and barely used.
Though the site sells clothes, the main draw for fashion hunters are the designer bags which can be snapped up for as little as €70, with many available at more than half the original price.
Of course, quality is what most bargain hunters are after, and rather than buy something new from the high street, having a piece of arm candy in the form of a vintage Chanel or Louis Vuitton the ideal compromise for the sustainable style hunter.