Going Up & Down This Autumn

It’s definitely a warm one. Bonfire Night tomorrow and still no single digit temperatures in London. So it’s been a strange autumn of selling - with layering being the watch-word. Blazers, jeans, ankle boots and light knits have been selling well - with the duvet coats, shearlings and chunky jumpers still waiting for their time to shine.

While many of the luxury houses have appointed new creative directors recently, the effect of that doesn’t trickle down into the preloved market for a while. So as far as resale is concerned - until we get some of the current collections, it is business (and pricing) as usual. But I cannot wait until we start seeing some of the new JWA for Dior pieces - and the Blazy for Chanel (wonder how long we will have to wait??).

So what have we noticed? Toteme is having a bit of a moment. We are getting more in for sale and prices are holding well. The Stockholm-based label’s designs epitomise the clean-cut Scandinavian style - fairly masculine, oversized and full of interesting textures - and brilliant quality. We also love their commitment to recycled fibres. Big ticks all around.

We’re also fawning all over the Loro Piana that’s been heading our way. Buyers are always amazed that sellers want to get rid of such incredible classic pieces - but the superrich clear out their wardrobes too! So more baby cashmere coats and jackets as well as their “StormSystem” pieces to keep you bone dry in the rain. Prices are high - but still a tiny fraction of the retail prices.

We get asked a lot about the secondhand value of Hermes scarves and we have quite a range in stock at the moment. Prices will vary depending on condition (of course) but also the scarcity of the design/colourway. So one of the scarves we have at the moment is very rare (the Grande Cortege au Moscou) as it contains more colours than any other Hermes silk scarf. The Napoleon one we have has a background jacquard of bees and so that lifts the price too. So never assume what your scarf is worth - please get it checked out first.

Bottega Veneta is another house with a new creative director (Louise Trotter) - a massive highlight of the latest round of fashion weeks. But the intercciato lives on of course and whether it’s an old convertible tote or a modern wallet clutch - or a pair of flat slides - it’s still a huge favourite - and prices have moved very little in the last 15 years.

So what’s going down? We are still refusing Diane Von Furstenberg, most Ralph Lauren (unless black or purple label), most Armani (unless Giorgio), Sandro, Maje, Michael Kors (unless main label), Ganni (unless outerwear), Rixo, Ba&Sh and Louboutin. The prices of all these label has tanked even further (just have a browse on Vinted to marvel at the prices). And on the subject of Louboutins, we are taking almost no high heels, unless unworn and super-luxe. It will be interesting in the run up to this party season how many pairs we manage to sell.

So keep everything crossed (for us anyhow) that the thermometer drops and we see a demand for thick coats, chunky knits and tweedy jackets. And in the meantime if you are interested in consigning with us then please get in touch!