The resale industry has seen a renaissance in recent years, with sites such as The RealReal and Depop leading the charge. Fashion resale sites have become a fixture in the fashion industry, with secondhand shopping now considered mainstream and many designers launching their own resale platforms. 

From vintage finds to limited edition pieces that are no longer stocked at retail stores, here are some of our favourite sites and apps which offer shoppers an opportunity to find high-end designer wardrobe staples at a competitive price. 

The RealReal

A luxury consignment website and mobile app, The RealReal reassuringly checks and authenticates each item before it goes online and provides guarantees. Shipping directly to New Zealand, the platform is a highly accessible way to acquire pre-owned luxury items worldwide, whether it’s women’s fashion or fine jewellery and art. 

Last year, The RealReal partnered with Gucci to feature pre-owned pieces from past collections. Its current ReCollection line features one-of-a-kind pieces designed by brand partners like Balenciaga, Jacquemus and Simone Rocha. 

Knowing that consignment softens luxury fashion’s impact on the environment, The RealReal has also developed a first-of-its-kind sustainability calculator to measure the greenhouse gases, energy output and water usage saved by resale. 

Visit: therealreal.com. 

Tatty’s 

A favourite pastime of ours is browsing the racks of Tatty’s for both local and overseas designer gems, as well as stand-out vintage pieces. And when we can’t make it in-store, Tatty’s online platform is a shopper’s dream, offering stylish clothing and accessories from 100s of must-have brands, including Chloé, Acne Studios, and many favourite Aotearoa Designers. 

Established in 2006 by Aimee Egdell, we love that Egdell’s aim has always been to provide an alternative mode of consumption, with both sustainability and individuality at its core. 

Visit: tattysonline.co.nz.

Depop

With many local and international fashionistas decluttering their lives on Depop, the app allows you to search far and wide for pieces you wish you already owned. Whether you’re yearning for Zimmermann or Maggie Marilyn, we think you’ll be surprised at what you can find. 

Depop has even increased its offering from peer-to-peer sales, with the likes of Rodarte, RÆBURN and Anna Sui operating their own Depop boutiques, offering an array of limited edition Depop collections, surplus materials, sample sale items and more. 

When purchasing via Depop, you are buying directly from the seller, so make sure to check out Depop’s Buyer Protection policy to ensure you can receive a refund if something goes wrong. Further, not all sellers ship to New Zealand, so it pays to do your research. 

Visit: depop.com. 

Designer Wardrobe 

Browsing New Zealand based platform Designer Wardrobe is as easy as downloading the app or jumping on the website. Shop directly from local fashionistas or browse DW.Recycle’s own offerings, a collection built up from past Designer Wardrobe rental pieces. 

Importantly, Designer Wardrobe purchases are covered by DW Purchase Protection for a 100% money-back guarantee if the item is not as described or you don’t receive it. Designer Wardrobe can also facilitate partial refunds if the item purchased is different from the description, but you’d still like to keep it. 

Visit: designerwardrobe.co.nz. 

ASOS Marketplace

Launching in 2010, ASOS Marketplace houses over 800 independent brands and vintage boutiques from around the globe. Whether you’re after vintage Chanel or 90s sportswear, there’s something for every style hunter, including the ability to search by current vintage trends. 

Of course, ASOS offers guarantees for purchasing from third-party sellers, and importantly operates a zero-tolerance policy towards the buying and selling of counterfeit goods. 

Visit: marketplace.asos.com. 

For more sustainable style inspiration, check out the latest in conscious beauty and fashion here.