Resell like a Pro with These Expert Tips from Rebag

In the circularity of fashion, styles once deemed old eventually find a new moment. Certain brands will always have staying power, and certain styles are sure to resurge in popularity, even decades later. We’re seeing it happen in real time with the meteoric rise of resale, as many trend forecasters exclaim, “the future of retail is secondhand.” To learn more about vintage trends and the brands proving most resilient, The Related Life reached out to the luxury resale experts at Rebag. Widely considered an authority in buying, selling, and trading luxury vintage, Rebag has been operating since 2014 and currently offers tens of thousands of items in its catalog. We caught up with Rebag team ahead of two exclusive selling events they hosted for our residents this month.

Looking ahead, the resale market is forecast to hit $77 billion in 2025, compared to $36 billion in market size last year. A number of factors are driving this trend. There’s the sustainability aspect: Every item purchased secondhand vs. new displaces 17.5 lb. of CO2 emissions. Then there’s the generational shift: Gen-Z is looking at clothing in a wholly new way. Gen Z is 165% more likely than Boomers to consider resale value before purchasing a piece. They are 83% more likely than boomers to strongly agree that apparel ownership is temporary.

Credit: ThredUP 2021 Resale Report

Meanwhile, new technologies are making it easier than ever to sell clothing online. Rebag’s Clair is a cutting-edge example. Short for “Comprehensive Luxury Appraisal Index for Resale,” the image recognition software uses AI to scan items by brand and model, then determine resale value over time. With the data aggregated by Clair, Rebag recently released its Annual Luxury Resale Report, aimed at bringing transparency to the resale and primary luxury markets.

An excerpt from Rebag's Clair 2021 Report.

Of course, in order to capitalize on this newfound appreciation for vintage, you need to know the value of what’s in your closet. So, bring on the fashion!

The Related Life: What are your top 2-3 vintage trends that are making a splash this year, yet also have staying power?

Rebag: "The aughts are back in style, thanks in part to revivals of Sex and the City and Gossip Girl.

One of the many Fendi baguette handbags listed by Rebag. Credit: Rebag

The Fendi Baguette -- one of Carrie’s signature bags on SATC -- is among Rebag’s most searched vintage bags.

So too is the Lady Dior, which also appeared on SATC, Gossip Girl, And Just Like That,

The Balenciaga City is another 2000s-era bag that is among the most searched on Rebag.

And the Vintage Chanel Classic Flaps are always a sure bet.

One possible vintage comeback is the Bottega Veneta Knot Clutch. An updated version debuted on its Fall/Winter 2022 runway."

When picking items for resale, what should you keep in mind?

"Rebag accepts items that are in demand, rare, and in good condition. To get the largest return on your sale or trade, select items from Hermès, Chanel, Cartier, Rolex, Van Cleef & Arpels, or Louis Vuitton, which yield the highest average retention values. It’s also good to know if the item is trending, such as the Balenciaga City, Fendi Baguette, or Lady Dior because if there’s a demand for it, it’s more likely to garner a higher sale or trade value. In terms of accessories, card holders from Saint Laurent, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton do well. Make sure the items are in good condition to ensure the best payout for your sale or trade. Don’t forget, we also feature a Trade service, so if you want to clean out your wardrobe for that Hermès or Chanel bag you’ve had your eye on, it’s a great way to do so."

What differentiates Rebag as an authority in luxury resale/trade?

"Rebag ensures every item you own is a good investment. We bring together an expertly vetted selection of the world’s most coveted labels, including Chanel, Hermès, Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, by and for discerning collectors of best-in-class fashion and accessories. Buyers invest with confidence using Rebag's industry-leading tools, which enable them to make educated decisions about their luxury purchases. Sellers benefit from Rebag’s intelligent Clair technology, which uses millions of data points to determine the resale value of designer items, and receive instant, upfront payouts. Rebag’s Trade program offers savvy consumers the best value towards today’s purchase when they trade an item from their collection."

The Related Life is written and produced by the Related Life Editorial Team. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest events, news and announcements in your area, and tag us for a chance to be featured @therelatedlife and #therelatedlife.