Birth control pills, Beatles and hippies - the 60s were a time of unrest, upheaval and change - and were long considered the definition of vintage fashion. This mood is also reflected in a kind of fashion and cultural revolution. The conservative social order and the prudish moral concepts had had their day. The world of fashion is constantly changing, but some trends prove to be timeless and are constantly being reinterpreted. The term “vintage”, which was long considered just a buzzword, is currently experiencing a metamorphosis . “Vintage” reflects the current zeitgeist like no other term and therefore stands for a social change that we feel very strongly today.
Vintage now stands for glamor and sustainability, two worlds that haven't really been able to mix until now - at least that's what the fashion world believed for a long time. Sustainability was still associated with green, boring organic fashion. While vintage struggled more with the dusty image of the 60s as a stubborn legacy. The fashion world lacked the vision to see sustainability as glamorous ! Both currents do not have to be parallel to each other if they work much better as a symbiosis.
As a fashion-savvy society, we have, thank God, now reached that point. The second-hand market for luxury goods has become increasingly important in recent years, particularly in the preloved vintage sector. More and more people are discovering the benefits that come with purchasing vintage designer pieces and also as an investment opportunity that is particularly valued by connoisseurs and collectors.
Coveted second hand & vintage clothing items are more in demand today than ever before. People used to go to the Hermès boutique to meet their need for exquisite items. Nowadays, the label “vintage” beats this exclusivity and gives rare pieces a completely new dimension. The special thing is that the probability of finding a particularly rare unique item that is no longer available in any store is significantly higher.
Nowadays it is no longer just the brand that plays the decisive role, but rather the history and originality of the used, historical brand clothing. In a time where individuality and uniqueness are valued, the personality behind these clothes becomes more important. Vintage fashion thus becomes an expression of authenticity and a style that is timeless and at the same time stands for sustainability.
Second hand luxury: Some vintage models even perform above the original price
Auction houses achieve five to six-figure sums with second hand & vintage fashion. Some vintage models even perform above the original price and achieve record amounts. In 2018, a “Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Diamond” second hand Birkin bag from 2010 made of 18-carat gold was auctioned at the London auction house Christie's for a price of 236,750 pounds - exceeding the estimate by over 60 percent!
In October 2021, an Yves Saint Laurent dress from 1979 fetched EUR 112,500. In 2022, a Chanel evening coat from 1996 was auctioned for EUR 277,200.
The previous world record is EUR 382,000 for a sunflower jacket by Yves Saint Laurent. It was purchased at auction by the National Gallery of Victoria. The estimated price was 80,000 to 120,000 euros!!! The jacket was part of the 1988 spring and summer collection and was presented on the catwalk by top model Naomi Campbell.
Michelle Obama wore a 1950s black lace cocktail dress by designer Norman Norell, who died in 1972, to the "Christmas in Washington" concert. Hollywood stars and models like Angelina Jolie and Kate Moss made the vintage trend suitable for the red carpet a few years ago. In 2001, Julia Roberts caused a sensation when she arrived at the Oscars in a vintage Valentino gown.
Second hand vintage clothing: Why the investment is definitely worth it
1. Unique design and timeless elegance
One of the main reasons why it's worth investing in vintage designer fashion is because of the uniqueness and timeless elegance of these pieces. In contrast to current fashion trends, which are often only relevant for a short time, vintage designer fashion stands out through timeless designs. Many designer products are not only works of art, but also masterpieces of craftsmanship. Over the years, certain brands have earned a reputation for outstanding quality and timeless design . For example, pieces by Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Pucci or Hermès are known for embodying unparalleled craftsmanship and a special style. This is exactly what makes vintage designer pieces sought-after collector's items . Purchasing such pieces as luxury vintage or high-end second-hand means that you not only get a unique and stylish product, but also enjoy design features that are often lost in today's mass production. Attention to detail, high-quality materials and fine craftsmanship make vintage designer pieces an investment in quality that will stand the test of time.
Time travel through stylistic eras: departure towards individuality
Second-hand vintage fashion makes it possible to cross time and lose yourself in past style eras . Every piece of clothing tells a story, be it the playful patterns of the 60s, the rebellious attitude of the 80s or the elegance of the 20s. Buying vintage fashion is not just an act of shopping, but a statement of individuality and the freedom to express yourself beyond current fashion trends. It is a departure for a personal style that is timeless but still tells a story. Today's market is often dominated by mass production and uniformity. Vintage fashion offers a welcome change through authenticity and uniqueness. Instead of getting lost in the crowd, vintage fashion wearers stand out with their individual style. The desire for authenticity and originality is reflected in the choice of vintage - a conscious decision against uniform mass-produced goods!
2. Exclusivity and rarity
The exclusivity and rarity of vintage designer pieces contribute significantly to their high prices on the second-hand market. Many designer products are produced in limited quantities, and over time some models may be discontinued, further increasing their rarity. This pursuit of exclusivity makes owning vintage designer goods a status symbol . Vintage designer and luxury second-hand products offer the opportunity to purchase real rarities that are no longer available in the regular collections of designer brands. This lack of availability gives the pieces a special aura of exclusivity . Those who invest in vintage designers can be assured that they own something unique that not everyone can have. This aspect is becoming increasingly valuable in today's world, where mass production often reigns supreme. It's not just a piece of clothing or a bag, but a story that is told when wearing a vintage designer piece .
3. Increased value and investment potential
In addition to the aesthetic and ethical added value, vintage designer pieces also offer considerable investment potential . Over time, these pieces can increase in value, especially if they are limited editions or special collections. This aspect makes vintage designer goods an interesting investment for those who are not only looking for a fashion accessory, but also want to invest in high-quality pieces for the long term. Unlike conventional clothing, which often loses value, many vintage designer pieces and luxury items retain or even increase in value over time.
