Luxury Resale Myths: Which Designer Items Actually Gain Value
With the rise of the sustainable fashion movement and the increasing popularity of luxury resale platforms such as The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective, it’s clear that the demand for pre-owned designer items is at an all-time high. However, there are many misconceptions surrounding the resale market, particularly when it comes to which designer items actually retain or increase in value. In this article, we’ll debunk some of the most common luxury resale myths and give you the inside scoop on which designer pieces are actually worth investing in. So, if you’re looking to make some extra cash or add to your designer collection, read on to learn the truth about luxury resale value.
The “It Item” Hype
One of the most common myths surrounding luxury resale is that any highly coveted “it item” from a designer collection will automatically increase in value over time. While it’s true that certain designer brands are known for holding their value, there are many factors at play when it comes to predicting resale value.
The first thing to consider is the popularity of a particular designer item at the time of purchase. Items that are overly hyped and heavily produced are often the first to lose their value on the resale market. This is because once everyone has their hands on a certain piece, it becomes less desirable and therefore, less valuable.
Quality Over Quantity
Another misconception about luxury resale is that simply owning a lot of designer items will guarantee a high resale value. However, it’s important to remember that quality always reigns supreme when it comes to resale. Just because an item is designer does not mean it will hold its value if it is poorly made or made from lower quality materials.
Investing in timeless, well-made pieces from reputable designer brands is key when it comes to increasing resale value. Timeless pieces such as the Chanel Classic Flap bag or the Hermès Birkin bag are known for retaining or even increasing in value over time due to their superior craftsmanship and iconic status.
Collaboration Craze
Collaborations between high-end designers and mass-market retailers have been all the rage in recent years, with many designer brands teaming up with fast fashion giants such as H&M and Target. While these collections may create a buzz and be highly sought after initially, their resale value is often not as high as one would expect.
This is due to the fact that these collaborations are typically produced in large quantities and are not limited edition. This means that once the hype dies down, the resale value of these pieces decreases significantly. In contrast, limited edition collaborations between designer brands, such as the Louis Vuitton x Supreme collection, are more likely to retain or increase in value due to their exclusivity and limited availability.
Designer “It Bags”
No luxury resale discussion would be complete without mentioning the infamous “it bags”, those highly coveted designer handbags that can cost thousands of dollars and have waiting lists for purchase. However, while these bags may seem like a sure-fire investment due to their popularity, the truth is that their resale value can be quite unpredictable.
While some designer bags, like the aforementioned Chanel Classic Flap and Hermès Birkin, are known for retaining value over time, others may lose their lustre and decrease in value as trends and tastes change. The best way to approach buying an “it bag” for resale purposes is to opt for a classic style from a reputable brand and take care of the bag to maintain its quality over time.
The Final Verdict
So, which designer items actually gain value on the luxury resale market? The truth is, it’s not an exact science and many factors come into play. However, investing in well-made, timeless pieces from reputable designer brands is the safest bet when it comes to increasing resale value. And remember, while it’s always exciting to score a highly coveted “it item”, it’s important to consider its resale potential before making the purchase. With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to make the most out of your designer investments and have a successful luxury resale experience.
