A shift towards maximalism and unique personal style is reshaping the fashion landscape, as consumers favor pre-loved items over fleeting trends.
A significant shift is underway in the fashion industry as the trend of “quiet luxury” recedes and a resurgence of maximalism and individualism takes center stage. This transformation responds to a growing consumer preference for uniqueness, eclecticism, and a move away from quick, fleeting fashion trends. An array of preloved platforms, including The RealReal, Depop, eBay, Fashionphile, and GEM, are experiencing a surge in interest from fashion enthusiasts seeking distinctive pieces that reflect greater personal style.
Agus Panzoni, a trend specialist at Depop, articulated this evolution, stating, “What we’ve noticed is a slowdown of the hyper-curated digital aesthetic of 2024.” He highlighted an emerging ethos centered around deconsumption and a return to “fundamentals” — durable and versatile fashion staples that serve beyond immediate trends. Consumers increasingly seem to favor personalizing basic clothing items rather than chasing viral trends.
Currently, the global secondhand fashion market is valued at an astounding $197 billion, with projections estimating an increase of another $100 billion by 2026, according to Fashionphile. Panzoni noted the shift in shopping behavior, remarking that sourcing preloved items is becoming the standard for acquiring wardrobe essentials rather than the traditional retail route.
The appeal of vintage hunting not only lies in the products but also in the thrill of the search. Various platforms are witnessing burgeoning interest across decades and categories. Depop has identified a nostalgic inclination towards athletic wear, reporting significant increases in searches for retro pieces such as 1980s windbreakers — up by 114% — and soccer jerseys — up by 117%. Searches for labeled “contemporary classics” have also spiked, with notable increases in Ralph Lauren (up 70%), J. Crew (91%), and Gap (210%).
The app GEM, established in 2019 by street style photographer Liisa Jokinen and her husband Sampo Karjalainen, aggregates results from multiple marketplaces and is seeing a demand for vintage suiting from brands like Armani and Missoni. Jokinen expressed a growing interest in Christian Lacroix and mentioned that searches for Dries van Noten’s designs have increased following news of his retirement.
eBay, a pioneer in the secondhand market since its establishment in 1995, continues to serve as a valuable resource for collectors and casual shoppers alike. Among the brand highlights this past year, Gunne Saxe emerged as the top-searched vintage brand. Additionally, searches for Cavalli, Custo Barcelona, and Anna Sui have also shown considerable year-over-year growth.
The RealReal has noted an uptick in demand for vintage items influenced by pop culture, particularly from the 1970s, with significant interest in pieces from Missoni, Geoffrey Beene, and Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. Associate director of fashion & strategic partnerships at The RealReal, Noelle Sciacca, pointed out that current film trends have revived interest in folk fashion.
Fashionphile anticipates enduring themes into 2025, particularly with a strong demand for western-inspired pieces and corporate-style bags. Fringe detailing has seen a sharp rise of nearly 40%, while black patent leather bags have increased in desirability by 158%. Additionally, classic jewelry styles, particularly bracelet watches and bold yellow gold pieces, are also experiencing heightened interest.
As unique, pre-loved items become the focal point of many wardrobes, consumers are embracing an era of fashion characterized by individuality, sustainability, and a departure from predictable trends, signaling an exciting evolution in the landscape of personal style.
Source: Noah Wire Services
