Sustainability is becoming more and more of a priority in the fashion world, among other consumer sects, but there are many ways to go about supporting the movement. Yes, we are all encouraged to shop from fur-free brands, buy vegan leather, and deny harmful fast fashion brands real estate in our closets. An additional approach, however, is shopping resale. Whether true vintage or just lightly used, your buying (and selling!) of apparel, bags, jewellery, and more prevents the unwanted items from becoming actual waste. It is, of course, a prime example of the phrase "one person's trash is another person's treasure." One of the most well-known resale retailers is TheRealReal, perhaps because the brand's wide online presence assures that you can be sitting in a high-rise in New York City or on a farm in the middle of the country and have the same access to their massive selection of expertly vetted items for sale — all with authenticity guarantee. And, with such a huge consumer base, The RealReal collects annual data that tracks, in their words, "what's rising to the top."
With 82 percent of The RealReal's customers ranking sustainability as an important reason why they shop the site and 78 percent claiming that it's actually changed the way that they shop overall, there are certain luxury brands that reign supreme. Ahead, find the 10 brands (ranked in order!) that are more popular than ever and what we're lusting after from their resale selections.
1Gucci
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While Gucci has always been iconic, it has taken on a new life with Alessandro Michele at the helm. Now, not only is there resale value in the classics, like bamboo-handled backpacks and double-G belts, but also in the newer additions, like rainbow striped cashmere, knife-pleated midi skirts, and — of course — the backless Princetown loafers.
1 / 10
2Louis Vuitton
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There are few monograms more recognisable than Louis Vuitton's LV. Even if you're not a lover of brand logos, there's something to be said about the luggage tones beloved by everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Jackie Kennedy and its ability to look classically elegant no matter who the wearer.
2 / 10
3Chanel
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Chanel is one of the few brands whose resale value might even get higher with age. The classic black flap bags run about the same as new retail, depending on condition, but limited edition prints, colours, and shapes can easily appreciate in value much like a piece of art.
3 / 10
4Prada
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Prada's resale value has gone up as of late with the resurgence of '90s nostalgia. Sure, the brand's ballet flats, silk dresses, and the like are in constant demand, but you'll also be able to find some killer black nylon backpacks from their original releases.
4 / 10
5Hermès
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Hermès might not top the list in demand, but that's most likely only due to the hefty price tag that marks them far away from impulse-purchase status. It's hard enough to get a brand new Kelly or Birkin, with wait-lists lasting years in some cases, so you'd better believe that when the original purchaser is ready to give it up, there are a thousand girls waiting to snatch it up next.
5 / 10
6Fendi
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Fendi is another brand whose resale value has gone up with the return of '90s trends, like the mini shoulder bag. But hey, if it was good enough for the ladies of Sex and the City, it's good enough for us!
6 / 10
7Christian Dior
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Much like Christian Dior, Valentino's generations of design have all been held in high regard and are, as such, still very much sought after. What's more, with classics like white collared minidresses and iconic wardrobe staples made of colourful lace produced season after season, each collection remains more than relevant for years to come.
7 / 10
8Valentino
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Much like Christian Dior, Valentino's generations of design have all been held in high regard and are, as such, still very much sought after. What's more, with classics like white collared minidresses and iconic wardrobe staples made of colourful lace produced season after season, each collection remains more than relevant for years to come.
8 / 10
9Christian Louboutin
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With the red sole making Christian Louboutin one of the most iconic of shoe brands, it's actually the only one of its category that made it into the top 10. Sure, shoes need extraspecial care to be considered for resale but, if properly nurtured, girls all around the world are still clamoring for that brightly coloured footbed.
9 / 10
10Balenciaga
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Balenciaga actually made it into the top 10 for the first time this year. Perhaps it's the steady rebuilding of the brand under Creative Director Demna Gvasalia, or the reintroduction of more edgy pieces back into many fashion girls' wardrobes, but the brand is continuing to climb back up to the level that it held when Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen refused to leave the house without at least one moto bag in the crook of their stylish arm.
