Editor’s Pick: 6 Online destinations for pre-loved and vintage designer fashion

While buying new designer clothes straight off the rack and getting intoxicated by the whole ambiance of the shop are part of the shopping experience we enjoy – frankly, there is  nothing better than scoring a hot luxury fashion find for a fraction of its price. No, we’re not talking about mid or end-of-season sales. We mean shopping for pre-loved treasures from the comfort of your own home!

In recent years, a lot of people have changed their perception of ‘used’ items especially when it comes to fashion. While vintage has always had a ‘cool’ connotation, buying a pre-owned Alexander McQueen dress from two seasons back was generally frowned upon. Thankfully not anymore as more and more online – and physical – retailers are popping up and offering a great and more affordable alternative to shopping for designer items at an inflated price.

As a lover of everything vintage, antique or just great bargains really – I’m always on the lookout for the latest sites offering authentic designer goods for less. Most of the time, these items look just as brand new in addition to the fact you cannot find them in stores anymore. What more? Shopping pre-loved clothes from past seasons makes it less likely to bump into a 100 others wearing the same frock as you are.

Who said you have to be decked out in the latest – sometimes unflattering – trends to look chic? follow my lead and bookmark these online treasure troves where one woman’s garbage is another woman’s treasure. I’ve certainly found a few!

Style Tribute

This relatively new Singapore-based e-tailer ticks all the boxes when it comes to shopping designer for less. With significantly discounted prices and a great curated and impossibly stylish choice of authentic pre-loved items, you really have to keep an eye on the latest arrivals as they usually sell out pretty quickly. What more? If you’ve got any items to sell, you can do so on the site as well!

Best for: Designer clothing and shoes – especially if you’re looking for a special occasion item like an evening dress or a dressy pair of heels.

Latest buy: Givenchy Birds of Paradise booties (pre-loved – bought for approx. USD410 – original price approx. USD1120)
I fell in love with these statement heels and they came in excellent hardly-worn condition! I reckon I’ll be wearing them for a few years to come!

Chic Stash

With over a year and a half on the scene, Chic Stash was one of the first online marketplaces to specialise in selling pre-loved fashion. From Birkins to highstreet buys and limited edition collaboration items, this site has it all. You just have to look hard enough.

Best for: Unique finds on all budgets especially everyday work clothes. I’ve so far been so lucky finding countless items from brands such as DKNY, Lanvin and never been disappointed!

Latest buy: Isabel Marant for H&M dress (new with tags – bought for approx. USD97 – original price approx. USD233)
This was the one item I wanted from the Isabel Marant and H&M collaboration of last year, but it was sold out on the launch date. Turns out not a bad thing as I ended up paying less than half price for it thanks to Chic Stash – and a little bit of luck!

The Fifth Collection

This new kid on the block is definitely one to watch out for if you’re a true vintage-loving fashionista! Launched just last April, the site prides itself with a unique vintage collection with almost half of the products dating from the 50s onwards. From 80s accessories to luxe frocks it’s a great place to find chic and timeless classics.

Best for: Vintage accessories from Chanel, Christian Lacroix, Hermes and Yves Saint Laurent! They’re simply to-die-for, rare collector’s pieces which are worth the splurge considering their prices start at around USD550.

Latest buy: Azzedine Alaïa knit dress (pre-loved vintage – bought for approx. USD240)
An LBD is the must-have item for every woman, but an Azzedine Alaïa LBD is the dream LBD for every woman! While a brand new and even pre-loved frock by the King of Cling usually goes for over a thousand dollars at least, I was thrilled to score this sexy Alaïa number for a fraction of the price – A real bargain!! Sadly it didn’t fit… but while returns are usually a hassle I try to avoid, I was also very impressed by the efficient customer service, super fast delivery (and afterwards pick up and refund) and beautiful packaging which looked truly glamorous just as the dress itself. 

Reebonz

Singapore’s to-go-to online store for designer bags, Reebonz, has recently added a section for selling pre-owned designer bags, shoes and accessories at a further discounted price. Especially with handbags and accessories, this is a great option as most of the time the items are almost brand new!

Best for: Designer handbags, shoes, jewellery and accessories. The collection of Chanel arm candy on the site is drool-worthy… Need we say more?

Latest buy: Prada City Calf Borsa Cerniera bag (bought for approx. USD1200)
It was love at first sight with this understated bag especially that it is one of the few Prada handbags with the logo placed more discreetly on the side of the bag rather than the front. Not that I have anything against the logo, but this particular one shows elegance and I love the colour. Plus, I got it for an excellent deal since any new one would cost at least twice as much.

Robe Raiders

Launched by top fashion insiders, this site offers some great pre-loved luxury designers’ pieces at a good price. From contemporary labels like 3.1 Phillip Lim to Alexander McQueen and Alexander Wang to classics from Chloe, Celine and Chanel, there is something for everyone! The one thing in common every item has: they are impossibly chic!

Best for: Party frocks from Herve Leger and Dolce and Gabbana, and killer heels from Louboutin and Guiseppe Zanotti.

My pick: Mary Katrantzou Sphinx Crystal printed silk jersey dress (pre-loved – approx. USD280)
I am a sucker for printed frocks especially those of Mary Katrantzou! I love this dress but sadly it’s not in my size… so you still can grab it!

Vestiaire Collective

Unlike the above websites, this one is strictly a curated marketplace for luxury and premium fashion items – rather than an e-tailer in that sense. In other words, think of it as the chic ebay of fashion (and my personal best-kept secret). With a vast collection of designer and highstreet products, you can spend hours looking for a specific item or just browsing around. The prices here are set by sellers and normally very reasonable. A must-visit for all bargain-loving fashionistas!

Best for: Anything – especially designer items from previous seasons which you’ve coveting but hesitating in paying full price for.

latest Buy: Lanvin for H&M colourful pumps (unused condition – approx. USD80 plus shipping)
I loved these when they launched but only managed to get my hands on the black patent version so finding them in my size and at a discounted price was great. Sometimes ‘good things come to those who wait’ indeed!

Rana Wehbe