According to eBay’s new research data, gone are the days of monochromatic dressing. Instead, shoppers are choosing statement luxury accessories, such as designer raffia bags, for their summer events.
New eBay research reveals shoppers are feeling societal pressures to wear something new for each of their summer events, for example, 45% of consumers admit the expectation to do so is driving them to make a new purchase. With this being the case, statement wear is what it’s all about this summer. This is causing 1 in 5 Gen-Z and millennials to spend at least £300 per occasion.
Statement occasion dressing is driving shoppers to find cheaper, pre-loved alternatives on eBay. As luxury brands continue to increase in price, pre-loved is the more affordable alternative, especially if you’re considering cost per wear.
Mari Corella, eBay’s General Manager, Global Luxury, told TheIndustry.fashion: “As the summer event season kicks off, shoppers are seeking versatile sought-after branded pieces for many upcoming occasions; they have value front of mind but also want to make a statement. Millennials and Gen Z in particular are leading the charge of this ‘better for less’ mindset, searching for unique, standout items to add to their collections.
“Attitudes are shifting towards pre-loved luxury. There’s a real societal pressure to be seen in new outfits and trends, which comes with busy summer calendars filled with weddings, birthdays and holidays.”
The cultural shift towards pre-loved luxury sees a growing appreciation from Gen Z and Millennials to purchase better for less. However, rather than opting for classic designs that can be re-worn time and time again, search data has exposed that Brits are opting for more flamboyant designs this summer.
Take handbag searches, for example. With Charlie XCX branding the season as ‘Brat Summer’, shoppers are searching for lime green accessories that reflect the album art. ‘Neon bags’ searches have increased by over 50% on eBay. Shoppers are also after ‘statements bags’, with searches increasing by 40%.
As for brands, Loewe continues to reign supreme, with searches for the brand increasing by over 35%, and the versatile ‘Prada rattan’ also increased by over 100%.
Corella added: “Some of the most popular brands people shop on eBay include your classic designer powerhouses like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, and Burberry. But we’re also seeing a significant increase in searches for trending designers such as ‘Loewe’, with a surge of over 35%, and brand-led trends such as ‘Prada Rattan’.”
