Pre-Owned Designer Pieces

We've all heard the saying, "new year, new me," however at Wilson 55 we are advocating an amendment to this phrasing, "new year, new wardrobe!" 

With the ever growing market for secondhand and pre-owned designer handbags, accessories and clothing, we firmly believe that this will be the year that many of us change our shopping habits and embrace the fantastic bargains that purchasing secondhand designer pieces offers! Here are just a few of the reasons why purchasing and selling designer items through auction is a fantastic idea: 

Retail Price Hikes

It is no secret that high-end designer brands are increasing prices of their most popular designs, year after year. As a result of supply and demand, staff costing and following the market leaders, nearly every luxury brand has raised its retail prices in the last couple of years. This makes the pre-owned market for these bags even more appealing and cost-effective for designer enthusiasts. 

2021 Price Increases:

• Louis Vuitton announced their price increase this month, from anywhere between a 2% and 25% increase on new pieces.
• A 2021 Chanel price increase was announced on 15th January, following 2020's 25% price increase on some designs.
• An expected 2021 price increase for Hermès is expected to be announced this month in line with increased international tariff costs.

A Hermès Bearn wallet, circa 1998.

Sold £488

Current retail price: £2,320 - 15.1.21

Secure a Model That Can't Be Purchased New

More than ever, our growing selection of sought-after designer pieces at auction is allowing our bidders to get hold of limited edition and rare bags from the very best designers. Pieces that have waiting lists when purchased new are becoming readily available on the auction market, ensuring that bidders can invest in unique, one of a kind pieces. One such example is this beautiful Louis Vuitton 'Blossom Edition' wallet on chain from 2017 that sold in our October 2020 sale for £1,098. 

A Louis Vuitton Twist Blossom Edition Wallet on Chain Shoulder Bag, circa 2017.

Sold £1,098 

Furthermore, pieces that are out of production and discontinued can be purchased on the secondhand market exclusively. So, if there is a particular design that you have been admiring for years, be sure to look through our auction catalogues. We frequently sell pieces that are no longer in production, such as this iconic Chanel Medallion Shoulder bag, which was a hugely popular design for Chanel upon its launch in 2006. Sadly, the piece was discontinued in 2012 and nearly ten years on, the only place to find this design is the secondhand market. We sold an example of this beautiful bag in our last sale in a black velvet finish, selling to one lucky bidder for £1,159.

A Chanel Medallion Shoulder Bag, circa 1997-9.

Sold £1,159

Pre-Owned Pieces in Top Condition

Our Designer & Luxury, and Fashion Sales feature pieces in great condition. Depending on the circumstances of consignment, many are hardly worn, worn once or never worn. We frequently see pieces in exceptional condition, with original tags, boxes, and dust bags. We consign pieces that have been 'spontaneous purchases,' unwanted gifts, and pieces worn for one big event before being stored away. As a result, for a fraction of the retail price, you are able to purchase a designer item with minimal wear. Our specialist Designer Sales are comprehensively catalogued, complete with high resolution imagery and condition reports, and viewing opportunities to allow you to satisfy yourself to an item's condition. 

Our Fantastic Sales Calendar!

Wilson 55 are proud to announce a full calendar of designer and fashion sales throughout 2021. Recent consignments have enabled us to run a Winter Fashion Sale in January (check out our sales report here), a Summer Fashion Sale in April, and and Autumn/Winter Fashion Sale taking place on the 4th November.  

A selection of designer clothing in our Summer Fashion Sale

Prices stated are inclusive of Buyer's Premium

Contact our specialist Liz Bailey MA FGA DGA for further information about our free auction valuations, consignments and our forthcoming specialist sales. Our next designer sale is the Summer Fashion Sale, taking place on Thursday 22nd April.