Ever fall head over heels for a designer bag or dream shoes, only to see the price tag and think, "Yeah, maybe not..."?
Ugh, I feel you.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to get your hands on the best luxury pieces without spending a fortune, and it simply comes at the cost of not buying 100% brand-new.
And let's be real, you don't need 100% new. There are countless pieces out there that have been loved and properly looked after throughout their time and would make a great addition to your wardrobe or home.
And being even more real, London is full of amazing places to find second-hand designer gems. I'm going to break down the best places to find such beauties.
Let's go.
Where to shop pre-owned luxury in London
1. Sellier Knightsbridge
Sellier Knightsbridge is pretty much the go-to for all things secondhand luxury. We’re talking bags, clothes, shoes, accessories - just all things luxury fashion.
Not your average second-hand shop - think more "curated collection" than "cluttered jumble,” home to big brands like Hermes, Chanel, Gucci, Fendi, Christian Dior, and the list goes on.
Price-wise, it really depends on what you’re looking for. There are plenty of affordable finds if you take the time to look, but if you’re happy to spend a little extra, there are definitely premium options available (super rare Hermes Birkin Bag for £22,950, anyone?).
But again, there are certain affordable options; just dig through and see what you can find. At the end of the day, you're paying for quality and that undeniable designer touch, so you can’t really go wrong.
Oh, and it's only a few minutes walk from Harrods, so why not spend a whole day in the area getting your fashion fix?
Deets:
Good to know: They also offer consignment services, so you can sell your own designer pieces.
2. Consigned Sealed Delivered
With two stores across London (Marylebone Lane and Notting Hill) and a thriving online store, Consigned Sealed Delivered (CSD) is your new best friend for things seriously designer.
Updated daily, there's everything from vintage Chanel suits and used Gucci bags to designer heels and one-of-a-kind jewellery.
I like to think of it as your sustainable gateway to owning those iconic pieces you've always dreamed of, but at a fraction of the original price.
CSD is all about promoting circular fashion and giving those high-quality pieces a second life (and let's be honest, sometimes those designer items deserve more than one outing!).
Plus, their luxury services like virtual shopping appointments and white-glove pickup services make the whole experience feel extra luxe.
Deets:
Good to know: They offer a bespoke designer resale experience.
3. Sign of the Times
Sign of the Times isn't just another resale shop – it's an institution.
Established in 1976, Sign of the Times has been a go-to for fashion-forward individuals seeking unique, high-quality pieces for decades. They've got everything from classic Chanel bags and Hermès scarves to vintage Dior dresses and those must-have Bottega Veneta heels.
What makes them truly special is their dedication to curating a collection of truly desirable pieces, ensuring that every item has that "wow" factor. Plus, their team of experts meticulously authenticates each item so you can shop with confidence.
Deets:
Good to know: They offer same-day delivery and collections in London.
4. Shush
If you believe in sustainable style and love a good bargain, Shush is your haven for pre-loved designer treasures.
A St Johns Wood gem has been a fashion insider's secret for over 38 years, offering a curated collection of authenticated second-hand designer clothes, accessories, and more.
However, what sets Shush apart is its commitment to providing a personalised shopping experience. Their knowledgeable team is always on hand to offer friendly advice and help you find that perfect piece, whether it's a classic Chanel handbag or a vintage Dior dress.
Plus, they offer consignment and cash services, making it easy to give your own designer items a second life (and maybe even fund your next Shush shopping spree!).
Deets:
Good to know: They offer consignment, cash, and authentication services!
Why shop pre-owned luxury?
First things first: price. We all know designer items can be ridiculously expensive, but buying pre-owned means you can get those dream pieces for way less.
But it's not just about saving money. Choosing pre-owned luxury is also much more sustainable. The fashion industry has a huge environmental impact, and buying pre-owned helps reduce waste and the demand for new resources.
And the best part? You can often find rare and vintage pieces that you wouldn't be able to get anywhere else.
Buying pre-owned luxury is a win-win. You get designer pieces at a lower price, you're being kinder to the planet, and you might even find a one-of-a-kind gem that you can’t find elsewhere.
Tips for buying pre-owned luxury in London
Okay, so you're ready to hit the shops and score some pre-owned luxury finds. But before you go wild with your credit card, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Authenticate! Always make sure the item is authentic, especially if you're buying online or from someone you don't know. Check for things like serial numbers and date codes, and don't be afraid to ask questions about the item's history. If something seems off, trust your gut!
Give it a good once-over. Before you buy anything, take a really good look at it. Check for any scratches, stains, or anything that looks a bit dodgy.
Do your homework. Don't just buy the first thing you see. Shop around and compare prices from different sellers to make sure you're getting a good deal. You can even look up what the item cost originally to get an idea of its value.
Think about resale. Some designer items hold their value better than others. If you think you might want to sell the item later on, it's worth doing a bit of research to see which brands and styles are most popular.
With a little bit of common sense and some careful checking, you can find amazing pre-owned luxury pieces that you'll love forever.
Wrapping up
No doubt that London has some of the best pre-owned luxury item stores in the UK and probably even the world. When you consider how renowned the city is, of course, this market is going to pop.
So, treat yourself. Update your wardrobe with amazing designer pieces, without the hefty price tag (or the guilt of buying new!).
And hey, if you're looking for even more amazing pre-owned shops in London, don't forget to check out Ganddee. The app is super handy for discovering hidden local gems and supporting sustainable businesses.
Download Ganddee now and find your new favourite pre-loved pieces today.
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