The Designer Pieces You Should Buy Vintage
Do Your Research
Before buying online, read the descriptions carefully and go through each picture meticulously. With vintage you need to pay extra attention to the measurement details as sizes often don’t correspond to the sizes we know today. Don’t be afraid to ask the seller questions and request additional pictures of how the clothing is worn. This will give you a better understanding of the item and the condition before buying.
Shop From Curated Edits
It can be overwhelming to browse through pages of items, especially if you’re not totally sure what you’re looking for. Save time by looking through tailored edits on vintage sites, for example at Vestiaire, a team of in-house vintage specialists curate the vintage catalogue daily to pick out the most desirable pieces.
If In Doubt, Go Classic
‘If you’re still undecided, opt for trademark pieces from a classic designer which will stand the test of time. Some of the most iconic classics include a Cartier Tank watch or Love bracelet, or a 1970s jacket by Yves Saint Laurent. For a safe investment, go for a Hermès bag, like the Kelly, Birkin or Constance. Furthermore, 60s and 70s Rolex watches tend to hold up well, plus 90s designs by Martin Margiela and Gianni Versace have recently risen in value.
Don’t Overpay
Strong demand for certain items has pushed prices up, but that doesn’t mean you should accept paying over the odds. Prices are based on condition, time and scarcity, so it’s good to have a ballpark idea of an item’s value before you purchase it.
Rely On Trusted Sources
The simplest way to avoid paying for counterfeit or faulty pieces is to shop from trusted vintage retailers who have measures in place to check quality and validity.
From outerwear to accessories, here is Alice’s edit of the pieces that will never go out of style…
Burberry Trench
A Burberry trench is a must-have on any fashion girl’s wish list. It’s also a classic piece, often found at a relatively accessible price point.
Cartier Trinity Ring
This item is the most-sold piece of jewellery on Vestiaire Collective. The beauty of vintage jewellery is it can be treasured for years and passed down through generations.
Hermes Scarf
There’s no limit to the ways you can use this iconic scarf. Some people frame them, while others use them to decorate bags or as a hair tie.
Hermès Kelly 28
Hermès bags are often some of the most expensive, but their ‘It’ status is unwavering. Of course the Kelly is an investment price point, but it’s a forever piece that holds its value and elevates any outfit.
Louis Vuitton Nano Speedy
The Nano Speedy remains an iconic style and always sells quickly when listed. In fact, sales of this bag have increased over five times in 2020 compared to last year.
Chanel Classic
If there’s one bag synonymous with timeless elegance, it’s the Chanel Classic quilted shoulder bag. Though they’re still expensive when vintage, they’re infinitely versatile, making it just as good for everyday as evening.
Vintage 12” Jumbo Quilted Leather Shoulder Classic Flap Bag, £1,610
Old Celine
The rise in popularity of ‘Old Celine’ since Phoebe Philo’s exit from the brand has made many pieces from the former creative director’s tenure hot property. Cult designs include the Madame boots, the Alphabet Pendant and the Luggage bag.
Interested? Here’s where to head online…
VESTIAIRE COLLECTIVE
Users can list pre-owned and vintage designer pieces on the site, each of which are individually verified. Each piece on Vestiaire Collective passes through the meticulous hands of a quality control team, so you can guarantee the item you are purchasing is authentic and will match the description online.
Visit VestiaireCollective.com
OPEN FOR VINTAGE
Open For Vintage sources designer pieces from respected luxury boutiques around the world, offering an authenticity guarantee plus a 14-day free returns policy.
Visit OpenForVintage.com
THE REAL REAL
Claiming to have ‘the most rigorous authentication process in the marketplace’, some of The Real Real’s authenticators come directly from fashion houses including Hermès, Rolex and Tiffany & Co.
Visit TheRealReal.com
REWIND VINTAGE
Named as one of the top five vintage websites by Harper’s Bazaar, Rewind employs a team of experienced authenticators, who work meticulously to compare codes, sales catalogues and thousands of images from archives to verify authenticity.
Visit RewindVintage.co.uk
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