From virtual collection presentations to digital viewings, fashion has shifted online now more than ever before. Thankfully, options abound to shop luxury fashion online and deliver the front row right to your door. From vintage to the latest collections, here are three of the most sophisticated sites to shop now.
London printed maxidress, $345, by Rixo at The RealReal
Let’s talk numbers: 14 million members with 14,000 unique SKUs processed per day. Luxury resale is a $189 billion business (according to a 2019 Frost & Sullivan report) and The RealReal (therealreal.com) is one of the top sites leading the e-commerce charge.
The concept was born out of an epiphany—that, fittingly, occurred while out shopping with a girlfriend. Founder Julie Wainwright started the venture at her kitchen table in 2011, and the startup has blossomed into a full-fledged movement driven by an increased interest in sustainable fashion. Today, the company boasts three retail stores in New York City and Los Angeles and nine Luxury Consignment Offices across the country. It debuted a fourth store, in San Francisco’s Union Square, in the first half of 2020.
18K Sutras Love & Laughter link bracelet, $6,350, by H.Stern at The RealReal
“We’re at a point in fashion history when personal style reigns supreme and vintage is on the rise,” explains Sasha Skoda, head of women’s for the company. “Designer runways create guardrails for what retailers will buy into, but resale platforms like The RealReal give shoppers the ability to revisit any style from any decade at any time.” Industry reports confirm that demand for vintage is on the rise.
“The rise of the sharing economy has taken the stigma out of resale and removed the need to own something forever,” says Rati Levesque, chief operating officer. She explains that resale is also shifting consumers to an investment mindset. “They make purchases now with the intention to consign them in the future and make a significant portion back on the original cost—it’s an investment,” she says.
Square tinted sunglasses with tags, $345, by Gucci at The RealReal
This power is amplified by a growing consciousness to protect the planet. “We’re having more and more conversations with luxury brands as they realize not only some of these fiscal benefits, but the environmental benefits as well. Building a circular economy keeps these luxury items in circulation and out of landfills, and that strengthens the luxury retail ecosystem,” says Allison Sommer, director of strategic initiatives. A side of sustainability with that Dior Saddle bag? Yes, please.
“Stella McCartney said it best in an interview with Vogue: ‘It’s the biggest compliment for your product to have an afterlife—to me, that’s luxury,’” says Skoda. “Brands that are made well will have multiple lives. Not only is that a testament to a brand’s quality, but it’s also good for the planet.”
Black coated wicker flap mini, $6,000, by Chanel at What Goes Around Comes Around
Every true fashionphile knows that the best pieces never go out of style. After first launching their vintage clothing store in 1993 in SoHo in New York City, founders Seth Weisser and Gerard Maione expanded their luxury vintage clothing store What Goes Around Comes Around to locations in Miami, East Hampton, N.Y., and, most recently, flagship locations in Beverly Hills and on Madison Avenue in Manhattan. Today the highly curated collection features ultraluxe brands like Hermès, Chanel and Louis Vuitton, with a heavy focus on handbags and accessories. To toast its 25th anniversary, the elevated resale retailer offered a special one-off auction of rare collectible fashion items in collaboration with Christie’s auction house.
Red crystal watermelon minaudière, $3,960, by Judith Leiber at What Goes Around Comes Around
White Taurillon Clemence Birkin 30, $15,950, by Hermès at What Goes Around Comes Around
Duet, $3,560, by CVC Stones at Orchard Mile
For those looking for the highly curated feel of an ultrachic department store in the comfort of their own home, Orchard Mile offers the full collections of your favorite designers—all just a swipe and tap away. “From luxury design houses like Valentino, Prada, Balenciaga and Saint Laurent to contemporary designers like Khaite, Rosie Assoulin and Ganni, Orchard Mile fills all your wardrobe needs,” says Louisa Holmberg, Orchard Mile’s director of editorial and digital merchandising.
Criss Cross Applesauce dress, $1,595, by Rosie Assoulin at Orchard Mile
Boucle medium E/W shopping bag in raffia and smooth leather, $1,450, by Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello at Orchard Mile
Flat leather, $590, by Prada at Orchard Mile
The site’s selection of brands is sure to excite fashion fans with names like Cult Gaia, Cushnie, La DoubleJ, LoveShackFancy, PatBO and STAUD among the ranks. Beauty lovers will also relish the offerings from Westman Atelier, Augustinus Bader, La Mer, Moon Juice and more.
Photography by: Courtesy of brands
