Master Class

Being good at googling stuff doesn’t make you an expert. That’s why we’ve got three people who are experts in their fields to teach us how to do specific things better.

Experts tell us how to shop for bespoke jewellery and shoes, and second-hand designer goods.

HOW TO SHOP BETTER FOR SECOND-HAND DESIGNER GOODS

The Expert: Angie Chen, 28, who has been the curator of second-hand luxury resale site The Fifth Collection for four years. The fashion equivalent of a museum curator, she “authenticates, checks the condition and weighs in on the relevance of” more than 200 secondhand and vintage pieces almost every day.

Pre-loves to Definitely Buy

Vintage Louis Vuitton trunks, Chanel lambskin bags, and Hermes Box Kellys are some of the best pieces to collect as they age very well and always remain classics.

Rare pieces that any brand has stopped production of so that you know you have something totally unique.

Choose leather goods with textured skin over smooth ones if you’re the careless type, because textured skin doesn’t get scratched as easily.

Pre-loves with “Defects” That Can Be Saved

Some things can be rectified with a little imagination and creativity. “For example, we received a vintage Kelly with major discoloration. We had it professionally tattooed to create a one-of-a-kind art piece.” (See picture above.)

Certain tarnished metals can simply be polished with a polishing cloth so that they look pristine again.

Pre-Loves to Definitely Not Buy

Anything in modern-day patent leather, because it uses a plastic-based finish to reproduce the glossy effect – to the detriment of the material’s original resilience. That creates the conditions for humidity, oils and dyes to seep under the plastic finish in areas where it has been compromised by wear. This makes it hard to maintain in humid Singapore. Opt for vintage patent leather as it has excellent longevity because of its oilbased treatment.

Anything ill-fitting – unless you have a great seamstress and are willing to spend time, energy and money to reconstruct it. Also avoid items with non-fixable tears or large stains, or which feel like they’re about to disintegrate.

Protect Yourself Online

Always check if the company is registered by googling it. Ask questions over e-mail or phone and expect an answer. A phone number and a deal on Whatsapp don’t protect you from being cheated.

Don’t believe the hype of followers on social media and in online comments. They can be bought to trick you into thinking you are dealing with legitimate sellers.

Don’t believe a company that says its items are authenticated by the brands. It’s total nonsense – especially in this part of the world. The brands