PRELOVED BAGS BOOM

Luxury resale platforms like Confidential Couture and ReTag are making designer
handbags accessible in India, but will societal stigma around second-hand fashion fade?

Ceirra Whig

Preloved bags are gaining momentum in India, offering designer handbags at reduced prices. Consumers are increasingly seeking affordable luxury, with preloved bags providing an accessible and sustainable option. But despite the benefits, the stigma around second-hand fashion still persists.

While some consumers embrace the concept of preloved luxury, others remain hesitant. Namrita Sindhi, a 30-year-old fashion stylist working with Michelle Hay
Management, initially viewed a second-hand Jimmy Choo shimmer shadow crossbody bag, originally priced at Rs 95,000 and being sold at Rs 35,000 at Confidential couture, she found thrift shopping a bit questionable. However, witnessing her friends confidently support preloved designer bags changed her perception. She now values the opportunity to own authentic, high-end bags at a fraction of the cost.

In frame: Tanya Verma ; Photography: Ishita katoch; Styling: Ishita katoch: Hair & Makeup: Tanya Verma

Despite the growth, societal perceptions remain a challenge. In many circles, second-hand shopping is still associated with financial constraints rather than
sustainability. However, with increasing awareness and influencer endorsements, preloved luxury is gradually being normalized.

On the other hand, Ananya Mehta, a 22-year-old fashion design student at NIFT Delhi, champions preloved bags for their sustainability factor. She recently purchased a Chanel classic flap bag from Retag for Rs 2,40,000 and
the retail price is Rs 10,00,000, appreciating the reduced environmental impact of choosing second-hand over new. “Every piece has a story, and knowing I’m extending its life makes the purchase more meaningful,” she said. Fashion influencers like Masoom Minawala, Komal Pandey, and Aashna Shroff frequently showcase their preloved finds, emphasizing style over price. Additionally,
platforms ensure transparency through authentication certificates, building consumer trust.

For those in the corporate world, style often holds significance. Neha Sharma, a 26-year-old marketing executive at BrightWave Marketing, described her
experience of buying her first Louis Vuitton Never full bag from Confidential Couture for ₹90,000, significantly lower than its retail price of ₹1,80,000. It was 60% cheaper than retail and appeared brand new. “It’s perfect for networking events. A statement bag adds a layer of sophistication,” she explained.. It was 60% cheaper than retail and appeared brand new. “It’s perfect for networking events. A statement bag adds a layer of sophistication,” she explained.

Platforms like Confidential Couture and ReTag report a 40% increase in sales year over year. According to a survey by Deloitte in 2024, 65% of young Indian
consumers are open to buying second-hand luxury goods, emphasizing that quality and authenticity matter more than brand-new status, emphasizing that quality and
authenticity matter more than brand-new status. This trend highlights the growing acceptance of preloved fashion among urban consumers.

Collaborations between luxury brands and resale platforms could further enhance credibility and encourage wider adoption.

Ultimately, preloved handbags are proving that luxury is no longer defined by price tags alone. For Indian consumers, they offer a smart, stylish, and sustainable way to indulge in fashion.

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