Many of us are guilty of making rash purchases. However, items bought in haste are often forgotten and fall to the back of the wardrobe - only to be found months later, tags still in place. Or perhaps it's unwanted gifts that have been kept for a 'special occasion' in the cupboard. What many fail to realise is that they could be making money from these unwanted pieces - especially if they're designer.
Although it can be time-consuming there is something quite satisfying about having a wardrobe overhaul. The process is almost therapeutic and of course makes way for newer purchases, which is something I am guilty of! There's also something to say for sustainable fashion - rather than throwing unwanted pieces away, give them a new lease of life by sending them off to a new home where they will be loved and enjoyed.
As well as sorting through your wardrobe for designer items to sell on, investing in designer can also be a worthwhile exercise. There is a massive trend for vintage, so investing in pieces from the top fashion houses and keeping them in good condition is the way forward!
If you're looking for designer items to invest in here's what you should be looking for:
- Through our research we have found the most lucrative investment brands are Chanel, Mulberry, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Dior. Items from these brands in particular retain their value well and because they are such iconic global fashion houses, they will continue to do so in future.
- By far, the most sensible investment is in handbags as, when kept in good condition, they have the broadest purchase base as unlike clothing and footwear, they are not limited in appeal by size.
- Always go for the classic model. For example a Chanel 2.55 bag (aptly named because it was first created in February of 1955), which is £3k new, will hold value well and if kept in pristine condition sell for as much as £2.5k second hand, perhaps more depending on the market you choose to sell within.
- Keep an eye out for items that are produced in limited quantities and are in good condition as these will not only hold their value but quite often increase in value.
- Auction and pre loved sites online, as well as independent used clothes shops and high street charity shops in wealthy areas are useful places to keep an eye on when looking for style steals you can turn into profit.
- When storing your designer investment pieces, keep them boxed wherever possible, within their dust bags and it is usually best in order to preserve the shape of handbags to keep them stuffed with tissue paper. Keep all pieces out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry room and place all accompanying receipts/authenticity documents with/in the relevant item.
It's important that once you have your designer items that you take good care of them. These are the hints I usually give people who ask about storing designer clothes:
- Only hand wash designer clothes and never ever tumble-dry them!
- In order to preserve the shape of handbags it is best to keep them stuffed with tissue paper.
- Keep all pieces out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry room and place all accompanying receipts/authenticity documents with/in the relevant item.
I run www.ChampagneAndLemonade.com, which an online fashion broker specialising in pre-loved designer fashion. If you're looking to sell your designer items, then visit our site - we handle everything for you and we only charge 30% of the item price.