Here are some of the reasons people are embracing pre-loved fashion now, more than ever
27 July 2023 The fashion industry has a huge impact on the environment, but don’t worry: you can still shop some fine ‘fits while being eco-friendly.
Estimated at £400-600, this Louis Vuitton handbag with chequered sides is included in Gorringe’s weekly sale on July 31.
From manufacture to disposal, the lifecycle of apparel and footwear presents environmental challenges. The creation of textiles is the second greatest polluter of freshwater in the world; less than one percent of clothing is recycled to create news clothes; many clothes are incinerated when left unsold. Various brands and organisations are taking steps to improve.
Meanwhile, shopping at auction presents a great opportunity to buy fabulous and sustainable fashions. Often these are kind not just to the environment but also to your wallet. It offers the chance to make sartorial choices outside of the mainstream and the more you do it, the more you get an eye for not just what makes a lasting statement, but also which of your used items might be attractive to another buyer down the road.
Auction is one of the best ways to find vintage examples of brand fashions. Remember to either attend a viewing to make sure that what you're bidding on lives up to your expectations, or at least get a hold of the condition report.
This Christian Dior silk scarf is offered along with two other scarves with an estimate of £80-100 in Trevanion Auctioneers & Valuers’ August Fine Art & Antique Auction, which runs from August 2-3
Labelled ‘Brutus’, this large-collared shirt comes from the 1970s. It features a printed design with the Statue of Liberty. It is offered with another shirt from the same decade, a vintage swimming costume and an assortment of other items. Estimate at £20-40, it is part of Cotswold Auction Company’s Modern Art & Design, Vintage Fashion & Textiles sale on August 8.
Sometimes unworn clothes are given a second chance at auction. This is the case at William George’s large sale of clothes by the brand Style Snatch, which takes place in a timed online auction closing on August 10. There are loads of styles and sizes on offer. There are often multiples in each lot. For example, this lot features 10 tie dye strappy cotton tops.
Also included in the Cotswold Auction Company sales is the vintage black chiffon jacket embroidered with glass beads and featuring elaborate floral detail. It is offered along with a black vintage evening gown with an estimate of £80-120.
