Latest news with #TheLuxuryCloset
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fashion Recommerce Is Gaining Early Traction via Niche Resale Apps and Department Store Experiments
The Middle East recommerce market is poised for significant growth, with a CAGR of 13.2% through 2029. This regional report offers insights into market dynamics, key trends, and opportunities across channels such as C2C, B2C, and trade-in programs, alongside detailed consumer and platform analysis. Key players like Cartlow and The Luxury Closet lead advancements in electronics and luxury fashion resale. Government initiatives are fostering sustainability and circular economy models, cementing recommerce's future in the region. Middle Eastern Recommerce Market Dublin, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Middle East Recommerce Market Intelligence Databook - 60+ KPIs, Market Size, Share & Forecast by Channel, Category & Consumer Segment - Q2 2025 Update" report has been added to Middle East recommerce market is poised for significant growth, with projections indicating a 15.8% increase annually to reach $7.21 billion by 2025. The market experienced a robust CAGR of 19.5% from 2020 to 2024, which is expected to continue into the future, projecting a CAGR of 13.2% from 2025 to 2029. By 2029, the market could expand to approximately $11.87 billion from a 2024 value of $6.23 billion. This regional report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the recommerce market Middle East, covering market opportunities and risks across consumer segments (peer-to-peer and business-led resale); product categories; sales channels; and resale formats. With over 60+ KPIs at the regional and country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of recommerce market offers a comprehensive analysis of market dynamics in the recommerce market, segmented by recommerce channels (C2C, B2C, trade-in programs), sales models (resale, rental, refurbishment), platform types (generalist and vertical-specific), digital engagement (app, website, social media), and retail categories (electronics, apparel, home goods, and more). In addition, it provides a snapshot of consumer behaviour, device usage, payment preferences, and city-level penetration across Tier 1 to Tier 3 in the Middle East Is Emerging Through Circular Retail, Platform Consolidation, and Tech-Driven Reverse LogisticsRecommerce in the Middle East is still emerging but gaining traction in urban centers, led by UAE and Saudi Arabia. The region's ecosystem is moving from fragmented resale toward platform-led, circular retail experiences especially in electronics, fashion, and home appliances. Local players, government circular economy agendas, and digital payment ecosystems are acting as key Middle East is witnessing early-stage formalization of recommerce in electronics and luxury fashion. While informal resale dominates in second-tier categories, structured models supported by tech platforms, retailers, and government incentives are driving the next phase of regional recommerce Recommerce Is Scaling Through Retail-Led and Platform-Based Buyback Models In UAE and Saudi Arabia, electronics recommerce is structured around platform-led trade-ins and certified refurbishment. Cartlow (UAE) and NorthLadder (UAE, KSA) enable structured resale of smartphones, tablets, and appliances through B2B and B2C channels. High device turnover, demand for warranty-backed refurbished electronics, and retailer partnerships have accelerated platform penetration. Cartlow has partnered with brands like Sharaf DG and Noon to handle trade-in and resale. Expect further expansion of warranty-integrated refurb flows, with platforms embedding recommerce in omnichannel retail. Government e-waste and circular economy goals will further institutionalize trade-in schemes. Fashion Recommerce Is Gaining Early Traction via Niche Resale Apps and Department Store Experiments Emerging fashion recommerce activity is visible through platforms like The Luxury Closet (UAE) and Threads (KSA), focused on luxury resale. Retailers such as THAT Concept Store in Dubai are testing resale and rental formats in-store. Affluent consumers are driving luxury resale, supported by authentication services, concierge pickup, and resale platforms. Sustainability positioning is becoming part of brand narratives in UAE's retail sector. High-end fashion recommerce will grow among luxury malls and platforms. Broader apparel recommerce will take time to scale due to cultural attitudes and limited take-back infrastructure. C2C Recommerce Remains Informal but Social Commerce Is Catalyzing Volume Informal resale through WhatsApp groups, Facebook Marketplace, and Instagram drives volume in mid- and low-tier goods. Platforms like OpenSooq (active in Jordan, Iraq, KSA) serve as classifieds hubs for resale. High social media penetration and trust in local networks are key enablers. Absence of verified platforms in some countries means C2C remains informal and untracked. Social resale will remain dominant in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. However, platform-backed verification and integrated logistics will begin to formalize high-value categories. Government Circular Economy Goals Are Structuring the Recommerce Narrative UAE and Saudi Arabia have included e-waste, repair, and reuse targets within broader sustainability and Vision 2030 plans. UAE's Circular Economy Policy (2021-2031) emphasizes reverse supply chains. National policy alignment around sustainability is pushing retailers and platforms to formalize recommerce models. Government funding for waste management tech and electronics recycling has created new incentives. Recommerce will become embedded in ESG and compliance frameworks. Large retailers will launch more visible trade-in schemes as part of sustainability disclosures. Competitive Landscape in the Middle East Is Centered on Platform-Led Electronics Reuse, Luxury Resale, and Government-Driven IntegrationThe competitive landscape in the Middle East is forming around electronics recommerce platforms, luxury resale apps, and retailer-aligned take-back initiatives. UAE and Saudi Arabia dominate the regional activity, supported by circular economy initiatives and technology-led logistics infrastructure. Middle East recommerce is entering a formal phase in electronics and luxury verticals, with regional platforms like Cartlow and The Luxury Closet building end-to-end service infrastructure. Competitive intensity will rise as retail, policy, and logistics integration strengthen in UAE and Saudi Arabia. Platform-backed resale models in electronics and luxury fashion will scale fastest due to high average selling prices and brand involvement. C2C and classifieds will persist but face competition from structured resale platforms offering warranty and logistics. Government policies will shape infrastructure and disclosure obligations, creating competitive pressure for retailers to internalize resale. Featured Companies Include: Cartlow (UAE) NorthLadder (UAE, KSA) eXtra (Saudi Arabia) Sharaf DG (UAE) Noon (UAE) Carrefour (UAE) The Luxury Closet (UAE) Threads (Saudi Arabia) THAT Concept Store (UAE) Tryano (UAE) OpenSooq (Jordan, Iraq, KSA) Haraj (KSA) (GCC-wide) Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 415 Forecast Period 2025 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $7.21 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $11.87 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 13.2% Regions Covered Middle East Report ScopeThis regional report offers a comprehensive, data-centric analysis of the recommerce market, supported by 180+ tables and 200+ charts. The databook provides detailed forecasts and key performance indicators across transaction value, volume, and market share trends from 2020 to 2029. Below is a summary of the key market segments covered:Recommerce Market Size and Growth Dynamics Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) Trend Analysis Average Transaction Value Trend Analysis Transaction Volume Trend Analysis Recommerce Market Size and Forecast by Sector Retail Shopping Home Improvement Other Sectors Recommerce Market Size and Forecast by Retail Category Apparel & Accessories Consumer Electronics Home Appliances Home Decor & Essentials Books, Toys & Hobbies Automotive Parts & Accessories Sports & Fitness Equipment Other Product Categories Recommerce by Channel Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C) Business-to-Consumer (B2C) Retailer Trade-In & Buyback Programs Recommerce by Sales Model Resale Rental Refurbishment & Certified Pre-Owned Recommerce by Digital Engagement Channel Website-Based Resale App-Based Resale Social Media Driven Resale Recommerce by Platform Type Generalist Marketplaces Vertical-Specific Platforms Recommerce by Device and OS Mobile vs Desktop Android, iOS Recommerce by City Tier Tier 1 Cities Tier 2 Cities Tier 3 Cities Recommerce by Payment Instrument Credit Card Debit Card Bank Transfer Prepaid Card Digital & Mobile Wallets Other Digital Payments Cash Recommerce Market Share Analysis Market Share by Key Players Competitive Landscape Overview Recommerce by Consumer Demographics Market Share by Age Group Market Share by Income Level Market Share by Gender For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Middle Eastern Recommerce Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fashion Recommerce Is Gaining Early Traction via Niche Resale Apps and Department Store Experiments
The Middle East recommerce market is poised for significant growth, with a CAGR of 13.2% through 2029. This regional report offers insights into market dynamics, key trends, and opportunities across channels such as C2C, B2C, and trade-in programs, alongside detailed consumer and platform analysis. Key players like Cartlow and The Luxury Closet lead advancements in electronics and luxury fashion resale. Government initiatives are fostering sustainability and circular economy models, cementing recommerce's future in the region. Middle Eastern Recommerce Market Dublin, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Middle East Recommerce Market Intelligence Databook - 60+ KPIs, Market Size, Share & Forecast by Channel, Category & Consumer Segment - Q2 2025 Update" report has been added to Middle East recommerce market is poised for significant growth, with projections indicating a 15.8% increase annually to reach $7.21 billion by 2025. The market experienced a robust CAGR of 19.5% from 2020 to 2024, which is expected to continue into the future, projecting a CAGR of 13.2% from 2025 to 2029. By 2029, the market could expand to approximately $11.87 billion from a 2024 value of $6.23 billion. This regional report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the recommerce market Middle East, covering market opportunities and risks across consumer segments (peer-to-peer and business-led resale); product categories; sales channels; and resale formats. With over 60+ KPIs at the regional and country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of recommerce market offers a comprehensive analysis of market dynamics in the recommerce market, segmented by recommerce channels (C2C, B2C, trade-in programs), sales models (resale, rental, refurbishment), platform types (generalist and vertical-specific), digital engagement (app, website, social media), and retail categories (electronics, apparel, home goods, and more). In addition, it provides a snapshot of consumer behaviour, device usage, payment preferences, and city-level penetration across Tier 1 to Tier 3 in the Middle East Is Emerging Through Circular Retail, Platform Consolidation, and Tech-Driven Reverse LogisticsRecommerce in the Middle East is still emerging but gaining traction in urban centers, led by UAE and Saudi Arabia. The region's ecosystem is moving from fragmented resale toward platform-led, circular retail experiences especially in electronics, fashion, and home appliances. Local players, government circular economy agendas, and digital payment ecosystems are acting as key Middle East is witnessing early-stage formalization of recommerce in electronics and luxury fashion. While informal resale dominates in second-tier categories, structured models supported by tech platforms, retailers, and government incentives are driving the next phase of regional recommerce Recommerce Is Scaling Through Retail-Led and Platform-Based Buyback Models In UAE and Saudi Arabia, electronics recommerce is structured around platform-led trade-ins and certified refurbishment. Cartlow (UAE) and NorthLadder (UAE, KSA) enable structured resale of smartphones, tablets, and appliances through B2B and B2C channels. High device turnover, demand for warranty-backed refurbished electronics, and retailer partnerships have accelerated platform penetration. Cartlow has partnered with brands like Sharaf DG and Noon to handle trade-in and resale. Expect further expansion of warranty-integrated refurb flows, with platforms embedding recommerce in omnichannel retail. Government e-waste and circular economy goals will further institutionalize trade-in schemes. Fashion Recommerce Is Gaining Early Traction via Niche Resale Apps and Department Store Experiments Emerging fashion recommerce activity is visible through platforms like The Luxury Closet (UAE) and Threads (KSA), focused on luxury resale. Retailers such as THAT Concept Store in Dubai are testing resale and rental formats in-store. Affluent consumers are driving luxury resale, supported by authentication services, concierge pickup, and resale platforms. Sustainability positioning is becoming part of brand narratives in UAE's retail sector. High-end fashion recommerce will grow among luxury malls and platforms. Broader apparel recommerce will take time to scale due to cultural attitudes and limited take-back infrastructure. C2C Recommerce Remains Informal but Social Commerce Is Catalyzing Volume Informal resale through WhatsApp groups, Facebook Marketplace, and Instagram drives volume in mid- and low-tier goods. Platforms like OpenSooq (active in Jordan, Iraq, KSA) serve as classifieds hubs for resale. High social media penetration and trust in local networks are key enablers. Absence of verified platforms in some countries means C2C remains informal and untracked. Social resale will remain dominant in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. However, platform-backed verification and integrated logistics will begin to formalize high-value categories. Government Circular Economy Goals Are Structuring the Recommerce Narrative UAE and Saudi Arabia have included e-waste, repair, and reuse targets within broader sustainability and Vision 2030 plans. UAE's Circular Economy Policy (2021-2031) emphasizes reverse supply chains. National policy alignment around sustainability is pushing retailers and platforms to formalize recommerce models. Government funding for waste management tech and electronics recycling has created new incentives. Recommerce will become embedded in ESG and compliance frameworks. Large retailers will launch more visible trade-in schemes as part of sustainability disclosures. Competitive Landscape in the Middle East Is Centered on Platform-Led Electronics Reuse, Luxury Resale, and Government-Driven IntegrationThe competitive landscape in the Middle East is forming around electronics recommerce platforms, luxury resale apps, and retailer-aligned take-back initiatives. UAE and Saudi Arabia dominate the regional activity, supported by circular economy initiatives and technology-led logistics infrastructure. Middle East recommerce is entering a formal phase in electronics and luxury verticals, with regional platforms like Cartlow and The Luxury Closet building end-to-end service infrastructure. Competitive intensity will rise as retail, policy, and logistics integration strengthen in UAE and Saudi Arabia. Platform-backed resale models in electronics and luxury fashion will scale fastest due to high average selling prices and brand involvement. C2C and classifieds will persist but face competition from structured resale platforms offering warranty and logistics. Government policies will shape infrastructure and disclosure obligations, creating competitive pressure for retailers to internalize resale. Featured Companies Include: Cartlow (UAE) NorthLadder (UAE, KSA) eXtra (Saudi Arabia) Sharaf DG (UAE) Noon (UAE) Carrefour (UAE) The Luxury Closet (UAE) Threads (Saudi Arabia) THAT Concept Store (UAE) Tryano (UAE) OpenSooq (Jordan, Iraq, KSA) Haraj (KSA) (GCC-wide) Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 415 Forecast Period 2025 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $7.21 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $11.87 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 13.2% Regions Covered Middle East Report ScopeThis regional report offers a comprehensive, data-centric analysis of the recommerce market, supported by 180+ tables and 200+ charts. The databook provides detailed forecasts and key performance indicators across transaction value, volume, and market share trends from 2020 to 2029. Below is a summary of the key market segments covered:Recommerce Market Size and Growth Dynamics Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) Trend Analysis Average Transaction Value Trend Analysis Transaction Volume Trend Analysis Recommerce Market Size and Forecast by Sector Retail Shopping Home Improvement Other Sectors Recommerce Market Size and Forecast by Retail Category Apparel & Accessories Consumer Electronics Home Appliances Home Decor & Essentials Books, Toys & Hobbies Automotive Parts & Accessories Sports & Fitness Equipment Other Product Categories Recommerce by Channel Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C) Business-to-Consumer (B2C) Retailer Trade-In & Buyback Programs Recommerce by Sales Model Resale Rental Refurbishment & Certified Pre-Owned Recommerce by Digital Engagement Channel Website-Based Resale App-Based Resale Social Media Driven Resale Recommerce by Platform Type Generalist Marketplaces Vertical-Specific Platforms Recommerce by Device and OS Mobile vs Desktop Android, iOS Recommerce by City Tier Tier 1 Cities Tier 2 Cities Tier 3 Cities Recommerce by Payment Instrument Credit Card Debit Card Bank Transfer Prepaid Card Digital & Mobile Wallets Other Digital Payments Cash Recommerce Market Share Analysis Market Share by Key Players Competitive Landscape Overview Recommerce by Consumer Demographics Market Share by Age Group Market Share by Income Level Market Share by Gender For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Middle Eastern Recommerce Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Khaleej Times
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Inside UAE's luxury resale boom: How secondhand buying is redefining fashion
Tucked inside a high-rise in Al Barsha, a world away from Dubai's mega malls, The Luxury Closet's showroom sits quietly on the ninth floor of the API Trio Tower. No velvet ropes, no flash. Just soft lighting, mirrored displays, and rows of glass shelves holding thousands of dirhams' worth of pre-owned designer pieces — all waiting for a second life. Fresh arrivals include a blue Prada Saffiano Lux Boston bag listed at Dh 3,739 and a pair of yellow Prada crystal-embellished satin slides (size 37) for Dh 2,852 — both in near-pristine condition. For collectors on the higher end of fine jewellery, there's a pair of Tiffany & Co. platinum diamond drop earrings going for Dh 107,994. Every piece is authenticated in-house by experts — no outsourcing. That includes checking serial numbers, materials, and even hardware under magnification. It's a multi-step process backed by a lifetime authenticity guarantee, part of what has made the platform a go-to for serious resale buyers across the UAE. These pieces don't just sit on shelves — they flood social feeds. TikTok is full of young Dubai-based shoppers obsessing over resale hauls, viral 'celebrity closet' drops, and flash pop-ups at Dubai Mall. The hype isn't limited to The Luxury Closet: Vestiaire Collective is building serious traction among regional shoppers with its digital-only model, and Grand Prestige Dubai — a favourite among tourists — regularly features rare Birkins and collectible timepieces. Among them: a Hermès Birkin 30 Matte Niloticus Blanc Himalaya, once listed for Dh616,000 and now sold out — a flex even by Dubai standards. Globally, luxury isn't slowing down — it's just evolving. The 23rd edition of Bain & Company's Luxury Study released with Fondazione Altagamma, an Italian trade group representing fashion, jewellery, design, food, autos, and hospitality, estimates global luxury spending hit a record €1.48 trillion in 2024. But the real momentum is in resale. According to the Luxury in Transition report, the second-hand market reached €48 billion last year, outpacing the growth of new luxury for the first time. It's no longer just for vintage obsessives — brands like Gucci and Valentino now offer buy-back programmes and collaborate with resale platforms to meet shifting demand. Bain also notes that second-hand is increasingly a gateway to luxury for aspirational consumers. And that gateway is widening. The consultancy projects total luxury spend, which includes goods and experiences, will grow to €2–2.5 trillion by 2030. The GCC is outpacing the global curve. Chalhoub Group's 2024 GCC Personal Luxury Report found the regional luxury market hit $12.8 billion last year, growing 6 per cent — despite a 2 per cent global dip. The UAE alone accounts for 56 per cent of that spend, fuelled by high local demand, tourism, and early digital adoption. Dubai remains the luxury capital of the region, fuelled by robust tourism. Since 2023, Dubai Mall has held the title of the most visited place on earth. The UAE ranks No. 1 across all luxury categories and saw growth across the board, according to Chalhoub Group. Despite its clear dominance in the luxury market, there's no official resale figure for the UAE, a conservative estimate puts it around $341 million in 2025 — based on KD Market Insights' 2024 GCC resale valuation of $618.5 million. If the UAE maintains its 56 per cent luxury share and grows at 10 per cent annually, the math holds. Transparency Market Research expects the wider Middle East resale market to hit $3.5 billion by 2035. 'The luxury sector in our region continues to demonstrate resilience and adaptability despite global economic challenges,' said Mo Shadman, director of intelligence at Chalhoub Group. That momentum isn't just boosting new store openings; it's also giving resale room to thrive. As shoppers seek pieces with a story and rarity, the line between new and second-hand is starting to blur. Nowhere is that shift more visible than among younger buyers. For Gen Z and millennials, luxury isn't just about logos — it's about meaning. A bag with history. A pair of shoes with a past. TikTok has turned resale into both a hunt and a status symbol, where every piece comes with backstory and bragging rights. It's not just about saving money — it's about buying smarter. There is a growing appetite for high-value purchases that feel personal, expressive, and emotionally resonant. Sustainability is part of that story. In a recent campaign with Dubai-based resale platform Gemaee, crypto influencer Kamila Zakirova called fashion 'one of the most important places to give second chances'. That sentiment echoes a broader shift in consumer values: buy better, buy less, and keep things in circulation. If retailers produced one fewer item for every second-hand purchase, global apparel production could drop nearly eight per cent by 2027, according to a ThredUp report. Few tap into the spirit of this resale renaissance better than Emily Abraham, the so-called 'Birkin Queen' and co-founder of Love Luxury. Operating between Dubai and London, Abraham and her husband, Adam, have built a high-trust resale brand driven by sharp authentication, blunt expertise, and viral social reach — with 3.8 million followers and more than 149 million likes on TikTok. In a pinned video filmed in Dubai, Abraham calmly appraises a client's Himalayan Salt Birkin with diamond hardware, quoting it at Dh1.6 million with the kind of quick authority that keeps viewers hooked. It's luxury with context, backed by proof — and exactly what today's second-hand shoppers are after. 'This next phase will be driven by rising consumer expectations, generational shifts, and a stronger desire for emotional connection, storytelling, and curated experiences,' said Shadman. That helps explain why minimalist, niche brands like Jil Sander and Maison Margiela — both of which recently opened flagships in Mall of the Emirates — are winning over younger shoppers. Their aesthetic is quiet, conceptual, and logo-light — a sharp contrast to legacy flash. For younger buyers, these labels — like resale — offer identity over status. Changing shopper habits are also being reflected in how luxury is delivered — not just what's being sold, but how it's discovered. As shoppers demand more curated, convenient shopping experiences, both resale platforms and brands are adapting. Denis Yurchenko, founder and CEO of AI and R&D Dubai-based company MTLAB, noted in his Q1 2025 retail outlook that challenges such as returns and real-time inventory are prompting brands to reassess how physical retail operates in the Gulf. His team's AI-powered system, DAVE, utilises virtual try-ons, in-store chatbots, and proximity-based offers to make luxury feel both personal and seamless — tools that could easily be extended to resale pop-ups. ' We are creating a new way to shop,' he said. ' You usually spend around two or three hours just to find your size, your colour, your budget, and guess if it fits or not, and so on,' Yurchenko said about MTLAB, which is set to launch in September. He explained, you can ask the AI chat for an outfit for a specific occasion, with your preferred colour and size and it will list you all relevant options. ' You can buy it in the chat. So, basically instead of two hours, you could buy it in less than one minute.' Using virtual try-ons to improve sizing accuracy, Yurchenko says his team has managed to cut return rates in half — a big deal for an industry where fit issues drive most returns. But what really sets them apart is conversion. 'Usual conversion for the marketplace is around 3 per cent,' he said. 'Ours is 18 per cent… we don't just show you the product — we talk about it, create content around it,' he added. ' We make business a lot of businesses.' Yurchenko, who tracks regional fashion trends, estimates the UAE's resale fashion market is now worth around $830 million — and growing at 20 per cent annually through 2025. Resale platforms and consignment boutiques are making high-end pieces more accessible to younger shoppers, while nudging the industry toward circular fashion. 'The new generation doesn't see reselling as shameful or reserved for big budgets anymore,' he said. 'Gen-Z and young millennials will control up to 60 per cent of all e-commerce shopping in two years. So you could call 60 per cent a niche, but I think it's a trend,' Yurchenko said. That shift in generational buying power is happening alongside a broader economic tailwind. In Q4 2024, consumer confidence across the GCC surged — with 97 per cent of shoppers saying they planned to maintain or increase their spending, according to Chalhoub Group. Over 6,700 high-net-worth individuals moved to the UAE last year, drawn by safety, tax advantages, and economic stability. Russians remained the top luxury spenders, and online platforms like Ounass and Farfetch saw sales climb 13 per cent year-on-year — far outpacing the global average. According to Chalhoub Group, the GCC's outlook remains bullish... beating the global average. And yet, in a city built on spectacle and the allure of the new, it's not the flashiest item turning heads — it's a slightly worn Birkin with a backstory. In quiet showrooms and endless scrolls, Gulf luxury is shifting — not just getting louder, but more layered.
Vogue Arabia
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Arabia
Archival Revival: Why Vintage Fashion is the New Luxury Status Symbol in the Middle East
Out with the new in with the old may be the unexpected style dictum for the initiated few. In a region known for novelty, exclusivity and mega-wattage brand power, vintage – once dismissed as musty thrift store castoffs – was a hard sell. Fast forward to today and it's a coveted status symbol, flaunted by celebrities, stylists and discerning enthusiasts eager to cement their place in fashion's inner circle. As a self-confessed vintage addict, I can attest to the dopamine rush of securing an elusive piece from the annals of fashion history, the undeniable thrill of what veterans call the 'hunt high.' Scoring an obscure army-green Azzedine Alaïa wrap skirt, an architectural masterpiece circa 1988, was nothing short of triumphant, a defining moment marking my insatiable appetite for archival finds. This craving is not mine alone. Maya Azzi, chief brand officer of The Luxury Closet, the region's leading online luxury resale marketplace, reports a nearly 25 per cent rise in vintage sales last year, with the UAE leading, followed by the US and Saudi Arabia. 'Bags have always performed well, but the biggest uptake has been in vintage clothing, which grew 15 per cent in 2024.' Sara Teymoor, CEO of Saudi-based resale platform Amused, echoes the trend, citing 50 per cent annual growth and high retention rates. We're all nostalgic, it seems. The young romanticising an era they never knew, the old stubbornly insisting it was better. This collective longing fuels reboots, revivals and a frenzy for 'old' Prada – black nylon bags once slung by off-duty supermodels, now toted by tweens in Dubai's malls to Cairo's bustling streets. Gucci's sleek hip-hugging Tom Ford years, the pop-art flair of Yayoi Kusama x Louis Vuitton collaborations, and other heritage icons are reclaiming the spotlight. 'The older the better!' pipes in Lina Sabry, founder of Dubai-based pre-owned luxury site Reeborn Vintage. 'People associate stories with the past as a way to connect to a bygone period they admire,' she says. Photo: Christian Lacroix Heels, Nouvelle Vague
The National
24-03-2025
- Business
- The National
Best places to buy or rent second-hand fashion in the UAE
Perhaps we are becoming disillusioned with fast fashion, or maybe we crave something that no one else has while keeping costs down, but second-hand fashion is booming in the UAE right now. It may have been a little slow to get going (when I arrived almost two decades ago, there was just one second-hand store in Dubai) but today there is a huge choice. So, whether you are after designer bags and clothes, or prefer the thrill of digging through rails to unearth a treasure everyone has missed, there is somewhere for you, and for every budget. While the UAE may not yet have the kind of flea market culture that has tourists tripping over themselves in cities such as New York, London, Milan or Paris, changing attitudes to dressing is fuelling a wealth of shops and online platforms that even a few years ago were hard to find in the region. Now, as we are becoming aware of the harm done by fast fashion, businesses are springing up that allow us to rent new pieces each week, without breaking the bank or the planet. Of course, this is a region devoted to high-end designer names, and the sheer range of preloved big-name pieces available allows for a big selection. This is a boon for customers looking for those hard-to-get items, high-end bargains, or just looking to help create a circular economy. One of the originals since 2008, Reems Closet is a consignment and preloved store that has built a solid reputation for quality and authenticity. Backed by the vast knowledge and eagle eyes of the owner Reem Mohammed – who can spot even the tiniest of flaws – customers can be sure that they are getting exactly what they pay for. With a store in Jumeirah Plaza that has new arrivals daily, a weekend-only pop-up inside La Brocante vintage furniture shop, and an online shop, Reems Closet has a comprehensive collection of designer and other goods, all carefully assessed and priced according to condition, so customers can shop with confidence. Known for amazing finds, expect big queues at the Jumeirah Plaza store, especially at the weekends. Al Quoz and Jumeirah Plaza, Dubai; Bursting with authenticated big-name pieces from the likes of Gucci, Versace, Bvlgari, Chanel, Bottega Veneta and Louis Vuitton, the prices at The Luxury Closet are a reflection of the quality that's on offer. While this means that sometimes there seems to be little difference between the original and the new price, this is because its pieces are in very, very good condition, and have passed all the required checks for authenticity. For fashion heads who missed a key piece the first time around, The Luxury Closet really is a go-to, be it a piece from the Versace x Fendi collaboration, or to finally get a pair of Cartier 1895 Solitaire Diamonds 0.41 cts 18k white gold stud earrings, currently over 40 per cent cheaper than the original price. The website also offers video shopping and a personal shopping service. Al Barsha, Dubai; This nifty online site, with a pop-up inside the Dubai Marina beauty salon FaceRoom, allows customers to rent or buy preloved designer clothes, shoes and accessories at a huge discount. A pink Sicily handbag by Dolce & Gabbana, for example, can be rented for four days for just Dh360, while a pair of star print Saint Laurent aviator sunglasses are on sale for just Dh320, a whopping 70 per cent off the original list price. Dubai Marina; Another rental and sale site, Endless is less about big designer names and more about smaller, more niche brands. The upside of this is there is less likelihood of someone else wearing the same dress to an event, and the prices are very pocket-friendly. Categorised by event to take the pain out of online searching, these include Brunch, LBD, Race Day or even Bump Friendly, so just a few clicks bring up a sleek Helmut Lang multi-slit little black dress available for Dh160 for three days rent, or a sweetheart fitted midi cocktail dress by Alex Perry in lilac, that is perfect for a summery wedding, that can be rented for three days for only Dh500. Same-day delivery is also available. Owned and run by stylist Jelena Dancetovic, Retold is a comprehensive store filled with preloved high-end and high-street finds. Stocked with the likes of Dior, Miu Miu, Fendi, Bottega Veneta and Celine this is a treasure trove, known and loved by the fashion-savvy crowd, meaning that deals don't stay around for long. Filled with everything from gowns to unworn pieces (with labels still in place) to vintage must-haves, devotees check in almost daily for the newest arrivals. Al Ghurair Centre, Al Quoz; Since 2020, Thrift for Good has been giving second-hand clothing a second chance in the UAE. Offering everything from pre-loved babywear – starting at just Dh5 – through to designer finds, Thrift for Good is trying to foster a zero-waste, sustainable mindset while raising money for charity. With 100 per cent of monthly profits going to Gulf for Good's children's charity projects, to date, it has raised over Dh3 million for those in need. If you love digging through rails to unearth treasures that others have missed, this is the place for you. In addition, and in keeping with its zero-waste thinking, it runs weekend projects such as teaching children to make a tote bag out of old jeans, or partnerships with influencers to sell off their wardrobes for charity. If you think Thirft for Good doesn't have high-end pieces, think again, as you never know what will have been donated. Be prepared to move fast though, as many others have the same idea. You can also pick up second-hand books in-store or online here. Palm Jumeirah, Times Square Centre and Quoz;
