Consumer habits are changing. Faced with the global emergency we are all aware of, there is no other way forward. More and more, we pay attention to the products we consume: their origin, how they are made, their ingredients, and the behavior of the companies that produce them. We monitor our impact on the environment, both collectively and individually.
We strive to consume better and consume less. In light of this trend, which is set to grow over time, how should we view thefuture of luxury ? Luxury, often associated with excess and overconsumption. Can luxury goods survive this profound transformation in our consumption patterns? Contrary to popular belief, it appears that luxury - with its high-quality, long-lasting products - has a rightful place in this evolving economy. Let’s explore a paradox that may not be one after all.
Rare and refined products
In the collective imagination, “luxury” is associated with extravagance, far removed from values like environmental care or mindful consumption. Luxury seems to carry the stigma of guilty pleasure. While part of the world of “luxury” does fit this definition, it is not at all the case for handcrafted products, known as “personal luxury.”
A look at the manufacturing processes of handbags or watches, for example, at famous brands, is enough to see their alignment with sustainable development values. In fact, a true luxury item is necessarily produced in small quantities: these are rare and refined products, sought after for their exceptional quality. The exact opposite, for example, of fast fashion, which relies on mass production!
Preserving raw materials and quality craftsmanship
what defines luxury above all is exceptional product quality. Creating a luxury product requires great attention to the preservation of raw materials used. These are often rare and precious, so they are protected to ensure their longevity, which aligns with a commitment to care for the environmentWhat is considered a hunting dog?
The quality of luxury goods, which makes them reliable choices, comes from the care given to raw materials, but also from the fact that most of these products are handcrafted. These are artisanal products that preserve and pass on a expertise sometimes historic, a local craftsmanship of exceptional quality.
A commitment to sustainability
These refined, handmade products are designed to stand the test of time, thanks to their outstanding quality. Designer leather goods, when properly cared for, can last for decades. Branded bags are sometimes passed down from generation to generation.
This commitment to sustainability gives luxury items their place in the emerging new economy: the circular economy, where reduced environmental impactWhat is considered a hunting dog?
Luxury as a key player in the circular economy
To consume more responsibly, we must find new ways to meet our needs. Maximizing the lifespan of consumer goods - ensuring nothing goes to waste - is gaining popularity. And the pre-owned market is the ideal ground for growth in the circular economy.
In the luxury sector, second-hand is booming. On one hand, because products from this industry have an excellent reputation: they are of quality high quality a strong symbolic meaningand have trust confidence in purchasing these highly sought-after goods. It is therefore becoming increasingly easy to responsibly consuming luxury : to pre-owned and in line with the industry's high standards.
Behaviors are changing, industries are adapting accordingly, and are committing to eco-friendly initiativesinitiatives. Established, institutional brands are transforming their practices, driven by consumer demand and by newer, more dynamic brands. At Stella McCartney, cotton is organic, leather and PVC have been eliminated, and cashmere is regenerated… The house’s Spring-Summer 2020 collection was the most eco-friendly ever created. The young brand Jacquemus uses organic materials - cotton, linen - produced in France. More and more brands are gradually following suit: Versace, Gucci, and Burberry have stopped using real fur.
Stella McCartney and the recently founded Jacquemus are leading the way, proving that luxury wears green beautifully. Both highlight the importance of extending the lifespan clothing, by recycling it, by reselling it: vintage has a bright future ahead.
Buying pre-owned luxury, contrary to popular belief, is not incompatible with values of environmental care, mindful consumption, and the circular economy. In fact, it seems that ultimately, pre-owned luxury is an excellent way to proudly embrace these values.
For us at Secondement, ecology is not an afterthought. We believe in sustainable luxury, we uphold the values of environmental respect, attention to materials used and above all, object reuse. We strive to create a respectful luxury experience by offering a second life to the beautiful designer bags already in circulation.
We have a catalog of exceptional pieces that we authenticate authenticate and care for. Our fast purchase service allows users to quickly join our circular approach, which they too believe in.
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